Startup and Commissioning Technician

Climatic Testing Systems Inc. • Full-time • Hatfield, Pennsylvania, United States • $33 - $48 / hour • 1m ago

Job Title: Large Environmentally Controlled Chambers Commissioning & Start-Up Technician

Position Overview

We are seeking an autonomous, highly skilled Commissioning & Start-Up Technician to lead the field deployment of our custom-built refrigeration systems and large environmentally controlled chambers. Because our high-capacity systems are custom-engineered and cannot be fully pre-tested in the factory, you will be the critical link to ensure a safe, efficient, and successful first-time startup at customer facilities.

This role requires a unique blend of heavy industrial HVAC/R mechanical mastery, industrial electrical troubleshooting, and the ability to interface directly with PLC automation software.

Travel: Up to 70% (Domestic and/or International)
Location: Field-Based / Remote with travel to job sites.

Key Responsibilities

System Commissioning & Start-Up: Lead the physical startup, fluid charging, tuning, and optimization of custom industrial refrigeration systems and large-scale chambers at client sites.
Mechanical & Thermal Validation: Verify piping installation against P&IDs, perform high-pressure nitrogen drop tests, pull deep vacuums, manage oil loops, and safely charge industrial refrigerants.
Electrical Troubleshooting: Inspect and troubleshoot industrial control panels, 480V 3-phase power distribution, VFDs, and 24V DC control loops (including 4-20mA pressure transducers and temperature RTDs).
PLC Controls & Automation: Connect to Allen-Bradley CompactLogix controllers using Studio 5000 / RSLogix 5000. Go online to verify I/O, adjust timers, tune PID loops, change sensor scaling, and perform minor logic modifications to match field conditions.
Software Operation: Utilize LabVIEW-based software platforms to monitor system behavior, track data logs, configure operating setpoints, and diagnose system anomalies (no LabVIEW programming required).
Documentation & Sign-off: Complete rigorous commissioning checklists, document field deviations, and provide basic operational training to end-user facility engineers.

Required Qualifications

Education: A.S. Degree in Mechatronics, Industrial Automation, Electromechanical Technology, or Commercial/Industrial HVAC/R. Equivalent military or trade experience will be highly considered.
Experience: 3–5+ years of hands-on experience commissioning, servicing, or starting up large industrial refrigeration equipment (screw/reciprocating compressors, large evaporators, chillers).
Certifications: Universal EPA Section 608 Certification (Required). RETA (Certified Industrial Refrigeration Operator - CIRO) is highly preferred.
Software/Controls Competency: Proven capability to navigate Studio 5000/RSLogix 5000 to perform basic online troubleshooting and minor PLC edits. Comfort navigating data-heavy PC-based software (like LabVIEW).
Blueprint Literacy: Expert ability to read and interpret mechanical schematics, P&IDs, and electrical ladder diagrams.
Mindset: Exceptional field autonomy and troubleshooting capabilities. Comfortable resolving complex engineering ambiguities on-site without standard instruction manuals.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, climb ladders, and work comfortably inside large-scale industrial freezer environments.
Flexibility to work extended hours during critical commissioning windows to meet client production deadlines.

Pay: $33.00 - $48.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 – 60.0 per week

Benefits: