Who we are

Why Rensselaer? Our dynamic global community of changemakers includes some of the world’s leading researchers, students, alumni, and faculty who ask the important questions and devise the scientific and technological innovations that make the world a better place for all of humanity. Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, Rensselaer is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, and one of the world’s fastest supercomputers. 

Rensselaer faculty and alumni include more than 145 National Academy members, six members of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, six National Medal of Technology winners, five National Medal of Science winners, three astronauts, and a Nobel Prize winner in Physics. With nearly 200 years of experience advancing scientific and technological knowledge, Rensselaer remains focused on addressing global challenges with a spirit of ingenuity and collaboration. To learn more, please visit www.rpi.edu.

Are you ready to change the world? Apply now!

Job Summary

The HVAC/r & Building Maintenance Technician will perform diversified duties for general building maintenance including carpentry, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and painting. HVAC-r responsibilities include repair, maintenance and installation of refrigeration, air conditioning, chilled water, compressed air, heating and ventilation systems and associated controls. Participates in on-call rotation in accordance with standard operating procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of three (3) years of related and progressively more responsible experience in HVAC/r or Associate Degree from an HVAC/r related curriculum. 
• EPA Refrigeration Certification to handle EPA Type 1 and 2 or Universal refrigerant within 120 days of hire
• Valid US driver’s license
• Must have the ability to be medically qualified for respirator use.

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• HVAC and control system installation and maintenance experience
• Experience with building management systems
• NYS Certified Pesticide Applicator Class 7G 
• Associate Degree from an HVAC/r related curriculum. 

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated fundamental knowledge of basic refrigeration systems
• Knowledge of basic construction trades including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and metal work
• Ability to troubleshoot, repair, and tune small boilers, furnaces, heat pumps
• Ability to identify and resolve problems in field
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate and diagnose basic electrical circuits
• Ability to read and interpret blue prints, pneumatic prints, digital flow charts, schematic drawings and control diagrams
• Ability to utilize electrical, pneumatic and digital control systems and applications
• Ability to use networked building management systems
• Ability to operate and make basic adjustments to reciprocating and centrifugal chillers
•  Ability to maintain control air compressors
•  Ability to use hand tools and power tools
• Ability to work on ladders, scaffolding, and lifts
• Excellent customer relation skills
• Ability to work independently and as a team member
• Ability to operate a computer using standard office software and industry specific software

Preferred Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities

• Ability to utilize electrical, pneumatic and digital control systems and applications

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a personal vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range:   $24.50 - $27.00

Pay transparency disclosure:  The selected candidate’s salary will be determined based on factors that include the available budget, internal equity, and the final candidate’s qualifications, experience, education and other job-related credentials. This hiring range is provided as Rensselaer’s good faith estimate of the expected hiring range at the time of posting.  

Application instructions

Follow the on-screen prompts to create a brief online profile. Please be ready to upload your resume and cover letter.

If you need assistance with the online application process, please contact careers@rpi.edu.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Rensselaer is committed to providing a safe and healthy living, learning, and working environment for its faculty, staff and students.  As such, we strongly recommend that faculty, staff and students obtain a COVID-19 vaccination and remain current with available boosters to protect themselves, as well as to protect vulnerable members of the community.

Total Compensation and Benefits Information

Rensselaer’s Total Compensation Program is designed to provide stable pay growth, a comprehensive and affordable benefits package, and a comprehensive and affordable retiree medical and prescription plan. Rensselaer is recognized locally and nationally for the depth and breadth of its compensation and benefits program. Our goal is to provide you and your family with a comprehensive health and welfare program as an umbrella of financial security and protection during your employment. For more information, please visit Benefits | Human Resources (rpi.edu).

We welcome candidates who will bring diverse cultural, ethnic, national and international perspectives to Rensselaer’s work and campus communities.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity, Race/Gender/Veterans/Disability Employer.