Field Study Engineer, HVAC
Contract, Full Time (May-September), Part Time September onwards | U.S. based. On-site work and travel, with occasional remote work
Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour
About the Role
Poppy is seeking a detail-oriented, technically-minded Field Study Engineer to support our ARPA-H funded BREATHE program focused on indoor air quality in middle schools across the country. In this role, you will visit school facilities to assess HVAC systems, collect ventilation data, and document building conditions as part of a federally-backed public health initiative.
This is an ideal role for someone with hands-on HVAC or indoor air quality experience who enjoys fieldwork, engages well with facility staff and school administrators, and applies scientific and procedural thinking to real-world environments.
About You
You have a background in engineering (students welcome), HVAC, mechanical systems, or indoor air quality and are comfortable following structured field protocols with precision. You're a clear communicator who can represent Poppy professionally when working on-site at schools, and you take pride in thorough, accurate data collection. You thrive working both independently in the field and collaboratively with a remote team.
You have flexible availability to support this project on an ongoing basis. Over summer months (May-August) near full-time hours averaging 30-40 hours per week is expected, with occasional evening or weekend availability (including travel). September onward, during active data collection periods, 25+ hours per week during regular business hours is expected. Between project phases, hours may average 5–10 hours per week.
Travel to school sites — both locally and across the U.S. — is required. Willingness and ability to travel (including valid passport or photo ID) mandatory.
What You’ll Do
- Visit school facilities to conduct on-site HVAC and ventilation assessments as part of the ARPA-H BREATHE program
- Gather and document information on HVAC system configurations, airflow performance, occupancy conditions, and overall building environment
- Assess the feasibility of installing sensors, air cleaners, and HVAC-related modifications such as filtration upgrades, ductwork changes or bypass venting in school buildings, and document how these interventions could be implemented in each facility
- Follow established field protocols for safe, accurate, and consistent data collection across school sites
- Perform quality checks on Poppy's field measurement devices and assist with basic equipment setup and operation (no IT programming required)
- Communicate professionally with school facilities managers, administrators, and on-site staff
- Participate in training, practice sessions, and trial runs to ensure high-quality field performance
- Collaborate closely with Poppy's internal team to support smooth project delivery and flag any field observations relevant to the research program
What We’re Looking For
- Background in Civil / Mechanical Engineering, HVAC, mechanical systems, indoor air quality, or ventilation — professional or academic
- Ability to apply fundamental engineering principles in a real-world setting.
- Familiarity with ASHRAE Standards (particularly 62.1 and/or 241) and ventilation best practices
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings or HVAC schematics
- Previous customer-facing or client site experience, ideally in a technical or field-based setting
- Strong attention to detail and comfort following step-by-step field protocols
- Strong time management and communication skills
- Flexibility and willingness to adapt in a dynamic field environment
Bonus Points For
- Experience working in school buildings, institutional facilities, or the built environment
- Experience assessing electrical and placement requirements for sensors, air cleaners, and related HVAC upgrades, including power access and installation feasibility
- Familiarity with evaluating sensor mesh network performance and building wi-fi/cellular connectivity to support dependable field deployment
- LEED, CEM, or other relevant accreditation
- Experience with building management / automation systems or smart building technology
- Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle (ride-share may be acceptable depending on location)
- Interest in contributing to public health research and federally-funded programs
Interested?
Submit your resume and a short cover letter outlining your HVAC/IAQ experience and your interest in supporting the ARPA-H schools program.
Job Type: Contract
Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour
Expected hours: 10 – 40 per week
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: On the road
