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Duke University

Private research university in Durham, NC

HVAC & Refrigeration Specialist

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/20/2026
No salary listed
Senior
Durham, NC, USA
In Person
Building TradesHVAC & Building Systems

About the job

Requirements
  • High school diploma or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Valid North Carolina driver's license.
  • Valid EPA/CFC refrigerant certification.
  • Six years of progressively responsible HVAC experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  • Ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair building, water-side, and air-side systems through performance analysis.
  • Ability to use and maintain information in computer software programs, including FAC.
  • Ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair TECs and terminal-level controllers.
  • Ability to check readings and adjust water-side chemical systems.
  • Ability to analyze and correct deficiencies in pneumatic and electrical systems.
  • Ability to analyze system operation through psychrometrics.
  • Ability to braze, read blueprints, and diagnose electrical schematics.
  • Knowledge of HVAC, refrigeration, pneumatic, electrical, mechanical, and automated control systems.
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, wiring diagrams, technical manuals, and maintenance procedures.
  • Experience troubleshooting HVAC and refrigeration equipment, including DX systems, chillers, pumps, air handlers, compressors, VAV systems, and pneumatic controls.
  • Understanding of electrical principles, HVAC system operation, airflow fundamentals, refrigeration cycles, and energy efficiency concepts.
  • Ability to use diagnostic equipment, including multimeters, gauges, airflow measurement devices, and building automation systems.
  • Proficiency in brazing, soldering, equipment alignment, component replacement, and mechanical repairs.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and work effectively with technology systems.
  • Commitment to workplace safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service.
  • Ability to meet the role’s physical demands, including frequent standing, walking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and reaching; lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, 25 pounds frequently, and 100 pounds occasionally; and working indoors and outdoors.
  • Ability to participate in on-call and standby assignments in accordance with applicable labor agreements.
Responsibilities
  • Perform preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and installation activities on HVAC and refrigeration equipment, including air conditioning units, water coolers, heat pumps, split systems, mixing boxes, chillers, air handlers, refrigeration units, freezers, coolers, and ice machines.
  • Diagnose equipment issues using blueprints, wiring diagrams, ladder diagrams, schematics, gauges, multimeters, and automated control systems.
  • Replace, repair, align, and install motors, bearings, couplings, sheaves, belts, pumps, starters, compressors, condensers, valves, and related mechanical components.
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair pneumatic systems, electronic controls, line-voltage controls, terminal controllers, and building automation systems.
  • Perform refrigerant recovery, charging, leak diagnosis, and documentation in accordance with Duke standards and federal regulations.
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair water-side and air-side systems through performance analysis and system optimization.
  • Analyze HVAC system performance using psychrometrics and other diagnostic tools.
  • Conduct scheduled preventive maintenance on air-side and water-side equipment, including air handling units, supply fans, exhaust fans, cooling towers, coils, pumps, and related components.
  • Monitor, record, and evaluate temperature, pressure, airflow, and equipment performance data.
  • Start and stop HVAC systems to support maintenance and operational activities.
  • Test and treat condenser and chilled-water systems, adjusting chemical concentrations as required.
  • Review building automation system performance and implement approved operational adjustments.
  • Install, maintain, inspect, store, transfer, and properly dispose of HVAC filtration systems.
  • Maintain filter housing areas and support inventory management activities.
  • Use magnehelic gauges and related tools to evaluate filter efficiency and system performance.
  • Follow established safety and environmental protocols related to filter handling and disposal.
  • Install prefabricated ductwork and electrical wiring associated with HVAC systems.
  • Assemble and install structural and functional HVAC components using appropriate fastening, brazing, soldering, and piping techniques.
  • Support renovation and construction projects by interpreting plans, identifying system requirements, and assisting with equipment installation activities.
  • Maintain accurate service reports, preventive maintenance records, inventory documentation, refrigerant logs, and other operational records.
  • Follow Duke safety procedures, including lockout/tagout requirements, OSHA standards, hazardous materials protocols, and personal protective equipment guidelines.
  • Assist senior mechanics with maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and special projects.
  • Use computerized maintenance management systems and other software applications to document work and manage system information.
  • Support team operations through collaboration, communication, and customer-focused service delivery.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience maintaining and repairing centrifugal and screw chillers, or demonstrated ability to do so.
  • Experience with building-level controls and energy management systems, or demonstrated ability in these areas.
  • Experience reviewing HVAC designs, blueprints, and renovation projects, or demonstrated ability in these areas.
  • Experience troubleshooting fume hoods, research HVAC systems, and advanced electronic controls, or demonstrated ability in these areas.
  • Experience conducting site surveys and providing technical recommendations for construction and renovation projects, or demonstrated ability in these areas.

About the company

Duke University is a research university offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional education alongside interdisciplinary research and health care.

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