HTS Engineering Ltd. is the largest independent commercial HVAC manufacturers’ rep in North America, with 20 locations in the US and Canada. HTS has a vibrant look and brand promise -- one that reflects our company-wide commitment to ensure the individual success of all those involved in a project’s HVAC system selection, design, purchase, installation and maintenance including our employees, suppliers, customers and end users.
Laboratory Air Valve Technician
The Laboratory Air Valve Technician is responsible for the installation, startup, calibration, commissioning, troubleshooting, maintenance, and service of laboratory airflow control systems used in critical environments including hospitals, pharmaceutical facilities, research laboratories, vivarium’s, cleanrooms, compounding pharmacies, and biosafety laboratories.
This position requires exceptional attention to detail and a thorough understanding of airflow control, room pressurization, and critical environmental applications. The technician will work independently and alongside project teams in both occupied healthcare facilities and active construction environments while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality.
Job Duties
- Install, commission, calibrate, and service laboratory airflow control valves, room pressure monitors, sash sensors, occupancy sensors, and associated field devices.
- Configure and verify operation of critical room controls including supply, exhaust, offset tracking, room pressurization, temperature, humidity, and emergency operating modes.
- Perform airflow calibration using certified airflow measurement equipment and coordinate with Test & Balance (TAB) contractors during system commissioning.
- Diagnose and repair complex laboratory airflow control system malfunctions requiring an understanding of HVAC systems, airflow dynamics, pressure relationships, and electronic controls.
- Troubleshoot communication networks including BACnet MS/TP, BACnet/IP, and manufacturer-specific communication protocols.
- Verify valve performance including airflow accuracy, actuator operation, pressure sensor calibration, and control stability.
- Commission operating rooms, isolation rooms, compounding pharmacies, BSL laboratories, cleanrooms, vivariums, and other critical environments to meet project specifications.
- Read and interpret mechanical drawings, airflow diagrams, wiring schematics, sequence of operations, and control submittals.
- Coordinate installation activities with mechanical contractors, electrical contractors, commissioning agents, TAB contractors, equipment manufacturers, and project managers.
- Communicate installation schedules, project milestones, startup progress, commissioning activities, and project closeout requirements.
- Identify field changes and assist project managers with change order documentation and cost estimates.
- Generate service reports, startup documentation, commissioning reports, deficiency lists, and project closeout documentation.
- Provide owner training on operation of laboratory airflow control systems and critical room monitoring equipment.
- Maintain compliance with all applicable healthcare, pharmaceutical, laboratory, and construction safety requirements including infection control procedures where applicable.
- Provide technical support to customers, project managers, commissioning agents, and fellow employees.
- Adhere to HTS Code of Ethics, obey all applicable laws and regulations, and perform all duties with professionalism and integrity.
Qualifications
- Associate degree, Trade School, Military Technical Training, or equivalent experience in HVAC Controls, Electronics, Mechanical Systems, Instrumentation, or related field.
- Minimum two years of experience installing, commissioning, or servicing laboratory airflow control systems, building automation systems, or critical HVAC systems.
- Strong understanding of laboratory airflow control, room pressurization, airflow measurement, and critical environmental applications.
- Experience reading mechanical plans, control drawings, wiring diagrams, and sequence of operations.
- Familiarity with BACnet/IP, BACnet MS/TP, and general IP networking concepts.
- Comfortable working in hospitals, laboratories, pharmaceutical facilities, and occupied healthcare environments.
- Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple projects.
- Willingness to travel and work overtime or weekends when required during critical project startups.
- Proficient with common hand tools, electrical testing equipment specific to low voltage applications, airflow measurement instruments, and laptop-based commissioning software.
Preferred Experience
- Experience with Accutrol, Phoenix Controls, Siemens, Distech Controls, Tridium Niagara, or other laboratory airflow control platforms.
- Experience commissioning critical spaces including cleanrooms, vivariums, operating rooms, isolation rooms, USP 797/800 pharmacies, and research laboratories.
- Familiarity with ASHRAE, ANSI/ASSP, USP 797/800, CDC, NIH, and other critical environment standards.
- Previous experience coordinating with TAB firms and Commissioning Authorities.
- Niagara 4 Certification or equivalent BAS experience preferred.
Education
- High School Diploma or GED required.
- Trade School, Associate Degree, or equivalent military technical training preferred.
Certificates / Licenses Required
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
Preferred Certifications
- Niagara 4 Certification
- Accutrol Factory Training
- Phoenix Controls Factory Certification
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
- Hospital Construction or Infection Control Training (preferred)
Benefits Offered
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- 401(k) with Company Match
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Ongoing Factory Training
- Continuing Education Opportunities
HTS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by laws.
