Commercial HVAC Lead Technician - Senior Field Leader for Start-Ups, Controls, & Complex Systems Job Overview - Company: Northern Wolves Inc.
- Salary/Pay Rate: $110,000 - $130,000 per year + Overtime
- Location: Brooklyn, NY (HQ) with field work across NYC Metro & NJ
- Job/Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
- Project Scope: High-quality design-build mechanical installations, controls integration, system start-ups, and commissioning for commercial, retail, hospitality, education, and institutional facilities
- Mandatory Licenses & Certifications: EPA Section 608 Universal Certification, NYC FDNY G-60, NYC FDNY F-60, OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety, NYC Site Safety Training (SST) Card, Valid Driver's License (Clean Record)
The Opportunity You will take ownership of complex mechanical installations, equipment start-ups, control interlocks, and critical service operations across Northern Wolves Inc.'s active project portfolio. As a senior, hands-on field leader, you will independently troubleshoot, commission, and service commercial HVAC systems while ensuring field crews install equipment to exact engineering specifications. This position provides a dedicated company vehicle, advanced tech tools, and a direct path to driving field operations.
How You Will Make an Impact - Lead and execute installations, start-ups, and commissioning for complex systems including WSHP, VRF/VRV, RTUs, DOAS, AHUs, and fan coil units.
- Wire, configure, and interlock HVAC equipment, dampers, fans, air curtains, exhaust systems, unit heaters, time clocks, relays, transformers, and contactors.
- Set up, calibrate, and commission Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), VAV boxes, zone control systems, and leak detection controls.
- Install and integrate critical sensors (CO2, temperature, humidity, pressure, occupancy) and coordinate system handoffs with BMS and controls subcontractors.
- Diagnose and repair complex mechanical, electrical, and control issues, identifying root causes to deliver long-term solutions.
- Conduct full system start-ups, sequence-of-operation verifications, and punch-list closeouts while partnering with Test & Balance (TAB) contractors and commissioning agents.
- Guide field foremen and installation crews on pre-commissioning prep and upcoming inspection standards.
- Generate clean, accurate service, start-up, and commissioning documentation for clients, GCs, and engineering teams.
Required Qualifications & Experience - Minimum 7 years of hands-on commercial HVAC experience, including at least 3 years in a Lead or Senior Technician capacity.
- Proven expertise installing, troubleshooting, and commissioning WSHP, VRF, RTU, and DOAS equipment.
- Advanced electrical and controls proficiency-ability to wire, interlock, and troubleshoot equipment schematics independently.
- Demonstrated command of VFDs, VAV systems, control sensors, relays, transformers, and refrigerant safety systems.
- Strong ability to read and interpret mechanical, electrical, and control schematics, engineering drawings, and submittals.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills for compiling technical reports and engaging directly with GCs, architects, owners, and equipment reps.
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
Preferred Qualifications & Experience - Hands-on experience with BMS / Building Automation Systems (Automated Logic, Siemens, Honeywell, Distech, Tridium/Niagara).
- Factory training/certifications from major manufacturers (Daikin, Mitsubishi, LG, Trane, Carrier, AAON, ClimateMaster).
- Familiarity with NYC commercial building codes and energy initiatives (Local Law 87 and Local Law 97 awareness).
- Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish or Russian.
- Background in training, mentoring, and developing junior field technicians.
Compensation & Benefits - Competitive salary ranging from $110,000 to $130,000 per year, plus applicable overtime pay.
- Company-provided vehicle (van/truck) with gas card and EZ-Pass.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- 2 weeks (10 days) of paid vacation after 1 year of continuous service.
- 5 paid sick days per year in compliance with NY Paid Sick Leave laws.
- New York Paid Family Leave benefits and Workers' compensation coverage.
- Paid company-observed holidays.
- Company-provided smartphone and tablet.
About Us Northern Wolves Inc. is a fast-growing commercial HVAC contractor headquartered in Brooklyn, NY. Serving the NYC Metro and New Jersey markets, we specialize in high-performance design-build mechanical systems across commercial, retail, hospitality, education, and institutional sectors. Our company culture is rooted in technical excellence, proactive problem-solving, and delivering systems that perform flawlessly from day one.
Northern Wolves Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or any other status protected by law or regulations. Selection decisions are based strictly on job-related qualifications and merit.