Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Lead HVAC Technician plans, performs and oversees complex and diversified duties for maintenance, repair and installation of refrigeration and lab equipment, air conditioning, chilled water heating and ventilation systems.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent

Experience:

• Seven (7) or more years of related and progressively responsible experience

Requirements and Certifications:

• Valid U.S. driver’s license

• Experience with HVAC and control system installation and maintenance

• EPA Refrigeration Certification (Type I and II or Universal)

• New York State Certified Pesticide Applicator (Class 7G) or ability to obtain certification

• Ability to meet medical qualifications for respirator use

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

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Associate’s Degree preferred, or equivalent HVAC/R knowledge gained through technical training or apprenticeship

Experience and Skills:

• Experience with centrifugal, reciprocating, screw, and scroll chillers

• Experience working with building management systems (BMS)

• HVAC design experience preferred

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to assume supervisory responsibilities
• Ability to identify and resolve complex problems in field
• Knowledge of electrical, pneumatic and digital control systems theory.
• Proficient in use of interactive computer based, networked building management systems
• Ability to read and interpret blue prints, pneumatic prints, digital flow charts, and schematic drawings and control diagrams
• Ability to diagnose and repair centrifugal, reciprocating and screw type compressors
• Ability to use hand tools and power tools
• Knowledge of safety procedures for hazardous chemicals, high voltage, and high-pressure steam
• Ability to produce results under pressured situations
• Requires excellent customer relation skills
• Ability to work independently or as a team member

Representative Job Duties

• Assign, instruct and oversee the daily activities of assigned staff; respond to questions from staff regarding standard operating procedures. Provide on-the-job training for assigned staff. Provide oversight to ensure quality work and to facilitate learning and growth.
• Work with supervisor to develop project plans and recommend staff assignments. 
• Provide input to supervisor for staff performance evaluation; completes personnel actions and payroll, leads and directs unit in supervisor’s absence.
• Troubleshoot equipment when down; perform complex maintenance and repair; coordinate with internal or external experts (contractors) for complex repairs and assist with those repairs; follow-up to ensure all repairs are completed and equipment is functioning properly. 
• Provide cost estimates as requested and order required materials through CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System). 
• Perform preventive maintenance on all assigned equipment; develop pm procedures based on manufacturer’s recommendations and usage history. 
• Install, maintain, and program a variety of digital control computer based building maintenance systems; build and update equipment, procedure and scheduling data bases as equipment installations change; utilizes lap top computers in the field to diagnose and plan repairs. 
• Maintain certification to work with high and low pressure refrigerant systems; handle all refrigerants in compliance with EPA regulations. 
• Participate in scheduled and emergency response (unscheduled) overtime work as assigned. Participate in the after-hours on-call rotation. 
• Participate in scheduled and emergency response (unscheduled) overtime work as assigned. Participate in the after-hours on-call rotation. 
• Comply with safety rules and regulations for safety of self and others and property. Monitor assigned staff compliance with safety rules and regulations
• Oversee water treatment operations for campus cooling towers. Provide quality control in support of the supervisor to ensure staff is complying with the maintenance plan, properly qualified and complying with proper chemical handling per NYS regulations. Monitor chemical inventories to ensure sufficient inventory is available. 

Shift

Business Hours with weekends or evenings occasionally required

Travel

Driving

Driving a Rensselaer vehicle for non-passenger use

Starting Salary/Rate

Expected hiring range: $35.00 - $38.00

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.

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. 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).