Lead HVAC Mechanic

Overview

The Lead HVAC Mechanic oversees day‑to‑day work activities for a team of HVAC technicians while also performing advanced hands‑on maintenance, troubleshooting, and installation of heating, cooling, and ventilation systems across the campus facilities. This role requires deep technical expertise in refrigeration systems, environmental controls, and complex mechanical/electrical components.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Coordinate and guide the work of assigned HVAC mechanics, ensuring tasks are completed safely, accurately, and in alignment with management direction.
• Conduct follow‑up inspections on completed work, document findings, and report system conditions or deficiencies.
• Interpret blueprints, schematics, and engineering documents to plan and execute system installations and repairs.
• Perform pipefitting, layout, and fabrication of ductwork, supports, and mechanical assemblies.
• Install compressors, condensers, evaporators, and related components using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Cut, bend, thread, and join tubing and piping using mechanical and hand‑operated tools; complete brazed and soldered connections.
• Assemble complete refrigeration circuits, including valves, controls, and safety devices.
• Wire motors, controls, sensors, and electrical components to power sources and control panels.
• Install and replace air and water filtration systems.
• Charge systems with refrigerant, test pressures, and verify proper operation using gauges and diagnostic tools.
• Inspect joints and connections for leaks and correct deficiencies.
• Apply insulation to piping and secure materials using approved methods.
• Diagnose and replace faulty electrical components such as breakers, thermostats, switches, and wiring.
• Service and maintain large‑capacity air‑conditioning units (up to 20 tons) in industrial or warehouse environments.
• Perform routine preventive maintenance tasks including filter changes, coil cleaning, drain clearing, and basic facility upkeep.
• Complete minor painting or repair tasks associated with HVAC maintenance.
• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND LICENSURE:

• Active Secret Clearance (or ability to obtain and maintain).
• Valid Virginia Journeyman HVAC License, Master license preferred.
• Universal CFC certification
• Strong working knowledge of Energy Management Systems (EMS) and the ability to adjust remote HVAC equipment.
• Advanced understanding of refrigeration cycles, electrical systems (high and low voltage), pneumatic and electronic controls, humidity and temperature regulation, and system protection devices.
• Ability to participate in 24‑hour on‑call rotations for critical system emergencies.
• Skilled in interpreting technical diagrams, wiring schematics, and mechanical drawings.
• Broad knowledge of related trades including sheet metal, plumbing, electrical systems, and mechanical controls.
• Proficient in brazing, soldering, and the use of specialized HVAC tools and diagnostic equipment (voltmeters, ammeters, psychrometers, leak detectors, vacuum gauges, etc.).
• Strong understanding of workplace safety practices and hazard recognition.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the following essential functions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prior experience in the supervision of a workforce responsible for operations, maintenance, and repair of commercial building infrastructure systems. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Must be able be able to conduct preventative maintenance activities and minor repairs from ladders or elevated platforms. 
• Work requires the incumbent to walk, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in uncomfortable positions. 
• Ability to lift, carry and set up tools, equipment and parts that weigh up to and occasionally over fifty (50) pounds. 
• Must be comfortable getting dirty, dusty, and greasy in an indoor or outdoor environment with frequent exposure to excessive noise. 
• Must be able to perform duties under adverse weather conditions (extreme cold / heat, etc.).
• Must be able to work alternate shift schedules when necessary to meet the mission requirements of the customer, to include weekends and holidays.
• Must be able to perform on-call duties when scheduled and report to work within one hour of notification. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able be able to conduct preventative maintenance activities and minor repairs from ladders or elevated platforms. 
• Work requires the incumbent to walk, stoop, bend, kneel, climb and work in uncomfortable positions. 
• Ability to lift, carry and set up tools, equipment and parts that weigh up to and occasionally over fifty (50) pounds. 

WORK AUTHORIZATION/SECURITY CLEARANCE:

Secret or higher security clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFYING FACTORS:

As a condition of employment, must pass a pre-employment drug screening, as well as have acceptable reference and background check results.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Tatitlek Corporation recognizes that our strength lies in our people. Discrimination and all unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment, in employment is not tolerated. We encourage success based on our individual merits and abilities without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, citizenship status, military status, protected veteran status or employment. We support and obey laws that prohibit discrimination everywhere we do business.

Salary

$43.82/hr + $8/hr H&W