Start-up Tech III

Job Summary

DynaTen, a Comfort Systems USA Company, is seeking a Startup Technician III to join our Startup team. This advanced-level position is responsible for performing and supporting complex startup, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation activities on commercial construction projects.

The Startup Technician III is expected to work independently on most startup activities, troubleshoot more complex system issues, coordinate with project teams and trade partners, and support less experienced technicians through field guidance and technical assistance.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform startup activities for commercial HVAC, mechanical, electrical, and control systems independently.
• Lead or support startup activities for assigned systems or areas of a project.
• Conduct pre-startup inspections to verify installation readiness, accessibility, safety, controls readiness, and compliance with manufacturer requirements.
• Perform operational testing, functional checks, and system verification activities.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, controls, airflow, and equipment performance issues.
• Coordinate with installing contractors, project teams, controls vendors, commissioning authorities, and internal leadership to resolve startup-related issues.
• Review drawings, submittals, wiring diagrams, sequence of operations, equipment data, and project requirements.
• Complete clear, accurate, and timely startup documentation.
• Recommend improvements to startup documentation, checklists, and field processes.
• Support warranty-related troubleshooting and field investigations as needed.
• Participate in project meetings, technical discussions, and coordination meetings when needed.
• Provide technical guidance and informal mentoring to Startup Technician I and II team members.
• Maintain high standards for safety, quality, communication, and customer service.

Technical Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, controls, airflow, and air conditioning theory.
• Strong knowledge of commercial HVAC and mechanical system startup.
• Independent troubleshooting ability for equipment, electrical, and control system issues.
• Strong understanding of motors, motor controls, contactors, starters, relays, disconnects, transformers, pumps, fans, economizers, VFDs, sensors, actuators, and DDC hardware.
• Ability to apply control systems knowledge to DX, chilled water, evaporative cooling, and other commercial cooling systems.
• Ability to interpret drawings, submittals, wiring diagrams, equipment schedules, and sequence of operations.
• Ability to communicate technical issues clearly to project teams, contractors, vendors, and internal leadership.
• Ability to produce clear and complete startup documentation.
• Proficient with Excel, Word, Procore, CxAlloy, Microsoft Project, and similar tools.

Required Qualifications

• 7 to 9 years of related field experience.
• Ability to perform startup activities independently.
• Ability to troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, and controls-related issues.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with project teams, trade partners, vendors, and commissioning authorities.
• Strong planning, organization, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to safety, integrity, quality, and customer service.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• EPA certification required or must be obtained after hire.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 required or must be obtained after hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced commercial HVAC startup, service, commissioning, or controls experience.
• Experience with data center, healthcare, institutional, or large commercial projects.
• Experience with DDC systems, embedded controls, sensors, actuators, VFDs, and control sequences.
• Experience supporting commissioning plans, QA/QC plans, system readiness reviews, or functional testing.
• Manufacturer training, TAB experience, controls certifications, commissioning training, or ASHRAE Guideline 0 familiarity.

A level III Startup Technician should have independent startup and troubleshooting capability of the following, and other, typical equipment and systems:

• Air handling units
• Rooftop units
• Split systems
• Chilled water systems
• Hot water systems
• Pumps
• Exhaust fans
• Supply fans
• VFDs
• Economizers
• Control valves
• Dampers and actuators
• Temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors
• DDC controls
• Data center cooling equipment
• Evaporative cooling systems