HVAC/R Field Service Technician Chillers & Refrigeration
Location: Champaign, IL (Reporting Location)
Job Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Compensation: DOE + Overtime Opportunities +Benefits
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced HVAC/R Field Service Technician to join a growing organization specializing in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems, refrigerant recovery, chiller maintenance, system retrofits, and environmental compliance services.
This is a hands-on field service position for a technician who enjoys working independently, troubleshooting complex HVAC/R systems, and supporting customers across a variety of commercial and industrial facilities. The role offers exposure to specialized refrigerant projects, large-scale cooling systems, and advanced service work while providing opportunities for technical growth and career advancement.
The ideal candidate will have experience working with chillers, refrigeration systems, refrigerant recovery equipment, and commercial HVAC systems. This position requires strong troubleshooting skills, customer interaction, and the ability to travel extensively to support projects throughout the region and across the United States.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and service activities on commercial and industrial HVAC/R equipment.
- Diagnose and resolve refrigeration, chiller, mechanical, and electrical system issues.
- Perform refrigerant recovery, evacuation, charging, leak detection, and system performance testing.
- Troubleshoot compressors, expansion valves, controls, motors, and associated HVAC/R components.
- Support refrigerant retrofit projects, system conversions, chiller maintenance programs, and specialized environmental service projects.
- Utilize diagnostic equipment including pressure gauges, vacuum pumps, recovery units, multimeters, and testing instruments.
- Interpret equipment manuals, service documentation, wiring diagrams, and technical bulletins.
- Complete service reports, inspection documentation, and customer communications accurately and professionally.
- Coordinate tools, materials, refrigerant inventory, and project requirements prior to field assignments.
- Communicate directly with customers regarding work performed, findings, recommendations, and project status.
- Assist in training and mentoring junior technicians when assigned to team projects.
- Ensure all work is completed safely and in compliance with company and customer safety requirements.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 2+ years of hands-on HVAC/R field service experience.
- EPA 608 Universal Certification.
- Experience servicing commercial HVAC systems, refrigeration equipment, or chillers.
- Refrigerant recovery experience.
- Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills.
- Experience working independently in a field service environment.
- Ability to read wiring diagrams, service manuals, and technical documentation.
- Strong customer service and communication skills.
- Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record.
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively.
Preferred Qualifications
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 Certification.
- HVAC/R Trade School or Technical Training.
- Experience with industrial chillers and large-tonnage cooling systems.
- HAZMAT, HAZWOPER, or other safety certifications.
- Forklift Certification.
- Manufacturer training from Carrier, Trane, Daikin, York, Johnson Controls, or similar equipment manufacturers.
- CDL Class B and/or HAZMAT endorsement.
- Experience working with specialty refrigerants and refrigerant conversion projects.
Technical Experience Preferred
- Commercial HVAC Systems
- Industrial Refrigeration Systems
- Chillers
- Refrigerant Recovery Equipment
- Vacuum Pumps
- Leak Detection
- Electrical Troubleshooting
- Compressors
- Expansion Valves
- Refrigerant Charging & Recovery
- Preventative Maintenance Programs
- Mechanical & Electrical Diagnostics
Travel Requirements
This is a travel-intensive field service role.
- Approximately 80% regional travel to customer locations.
- Approximately 20% national travel for specialized projects.
- Frequent overnight travel required.
- Flexibility to respond to urgent service needs and project schedules.
- Overtime opportunities available based on customer and project demands.
- All business-related travel expenses are covered.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will be a self-motivated HVAC/R professional who can work independently in the field, troubleshoot complex refrigeration and chiller systems, provide exceptional customer service, and safely execute service projects with minimal supervision. This role offers long-term career growth for technicians looking to expand their expertise in commercial refrigeration, refrigerant management, and advanced field service operations.
