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Calspan

Aerospace and automotive R&D testing partner

HVAC Technician

Full-TimeDeadline 9/29/27
$35 - $47/hr
Mid
Associate's
Buffalo, NY, USA
In Person
Building TradesHVAC & Building Systems
No H1B Sponsorship

About the job

Requirements
  • A minimum of 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills involving HVAC and mechanical systems.
  • Knowledge of commercial HVAC equipment, refrigeration systems, and facility mechanical operations.
  • Ability to effectively operate seasonal equipment.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to follow directions and complete assigned tasks independently.
  • Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, including lockout/tagout requirements and use of personal protective equipment.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including hot and cold environments.
  • Good communication and customer service skills.
  • Ability to repetitively lift, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance.
  • EPA Type II Certification.
  • Stationary Engineer License.
Responsibilities
  • Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on commercial and industrial HVAC and mechanical systems.
  • Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair complex HVAC systems, including chilled and condenser water systems, electrical controls, and wiring.
  • Conduct annual equipment assessments and facility surveys to identify deficiencies and optimize performance.
  • Read and interpret blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical specifications.
  • Complete equipment start-ups, repairs, replacements, and operational testing.
  • Maintain and service systems including rooftop units, split and variable refrigerant flow systems, heat pumps, boilers, chillers, pumps, plumbing systems, and related equipment.
  • Ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with manufacturer and service agreement standards.
  • Respond to emergency service requests and equipment failures as needed.
  • Maintain clean and safe work environments.
  • Manage service agreements and projects to meet contractual timelines and cost expectations.
  • Accurately complete work orders, service records, and required documentation using company systems.
  • Communicate with customers to diagnose issues, confirm repairs, and ensure satisfaction.
  • Educate customers on additional services and solutions when appropriate.
  • Provide training and support to junior technicians.
  • Maintain working knowledge of facility operations and mechanical systems.
Desired Qualifications
  • An associate degree in a related field and completion of building trades courses.

About the company

Calspan acts as a research and testing partner for aerospace and automotive innovators, helping turn bold concepts into viable commercial products. It conducts aerodynamic and flight testing, including hypersonics, and provides R&D, T&E engineering, and manufacturing solutions, all supported by a network of U.S. facilities and test centers. The company differentiates itself by offering end-to-end testing and development capabilities across multiple locations—airborne testing, wind tunnel and aerodynamic modeling, pilot training, and engineering services—covering both ground and air applications. Its goal is to accelerate the world’s greatest innovations by validating designs, reducing development time, and enabling safe, reliable product deployment in land, air, and space domains.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

Acquired

Total Funding

$1.5M

Headquarters

Buffalo, New York

Founded

1943

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Calspan won a five-year USNTPS Learjet contract on February 20, 2026.
  • Taiwan's TNCAP certification opens recurring validation demand from global automakers in 2026.
  • Autonomy Flight Test Center expanded in 2026 as CCA and AI testing budgets surged.

What critics are saying

  • TransDigm sold Calspan Aero Systems Engineering to Cerberus in May 2024, shrinking defense scope.
  • Calspan still depends on contract wins like USNTPS, risking lumpy revenue after 2027.
  • North Wind now competes on hypersonic testing, eroding Calspan's historical technical moat.

What makes Calspan unique

  • Calspan runs ISO/IEC 17025 automotive labs and autonomous flight-test platforms in Buffalo.
  • Its ExPERT Learjet platform supports AI, autonomy, MUM-T, and surrogate aircraft testing.
  • Only North American lab certified for full-scope TNCAP testing in January 2026.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Life Insurance/Accidental Death & Dismemberment
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Jury Duty
  • Military Leave

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

2%

1 year growth

1%

2 year growth

2%
The Business Journals
Apr 24th, 2024
Peter Sauer takes Calspan experience into commercial development

Calspan hired Steve Federico as head of development and construction 10 years ago so those projects could stay in-house.

Mason & Hanger
Dec 5th, 2023
Construction Progress on NASA's New Flight Dynamics Research Facility

Mason & Hanger is working on the design-build contract in partnership with BL Harbert International (BLHI) and Calspan Aero Systems Engineering, Inc.

PR Newswire
May 8th, 2023
TransDigm Completes Acquisition of Calspan Corporation

/PRNewswire/ -- TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE: TDG) today announced it has successfully completed its acquisition of Calspan Corporation ("Calspan" or...

MANavigator
Mar 15th, 2023
M & A Navigator

Ohio, US-based aircraft components supplier TransDigm Group Inc. (NYSE: TDG) has agreed to acquire New York-based testing and technology development services provider Calspan Corp., focussed on the aerospace and defence industry, the company said.

Calspan
Jan 28th, 2022
Calspan Corporation partners with Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency

Calspan has been an integral partner with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) on their Air Combat Evolution (ACE) program.