Hydronic Startup Technician

Company: Hoffman Hydronics

Job Title: Hydronic Startup Technician

Department: Rep Services

Job Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Overtime Eligible)

About Hoffman Hydronics

At Hoffman Hydronics (HHY), we partner with our customers, internal teammates, Hoffman sister companies, and vendors to deliver industry-best service and performance in Hydronic HVAC, Engineered Plumbing, and Industrial Steam & Process Water markets.

We are a 100% employee-owned company (ESOP), so when we succeed together, every employee shares in that success.  Our culture is built on teamwork, shared accountability, encouraged innovation, and open mentorship while we get systems running and build customers confidence.

If you have a technical aptitude, enjoy getting your hands dirty, am curious about how things work, and love to be depended upon for your expertise, we will give you the factory and in-house training to become the relied-upon specialized expert in your market.

Role Summary

As a Hydronic Startup & Warranty Technician, you will become the trusted technical resource for our sales team and our customers during initial equipment startup and warranty periods.  The goal of this role is to ensure the equipment is installed per the manufacturers’ recommendations, that it is started up properly, and that the owner understands what maintenance is required to keep the equipment operating successfully as long as possible.  Our ultimate success is when customers are happy with the equipment we have provided and want to continue working with us.

As a field representative of the manufacturer, you will receive in-depth factory training and to develop relationships with their technical experts so you may leverage their knowledge and experience to best help our clients.  You will counted upon in our local area to provide advice on proper installation, to troubleshoot equipment and system issues, and to train operators on proper operation and maintenance of commercial boilers, water heaters, pumps, and controls.

What You'll Do

•    Perform factory-authorized startup, owner training, and performance checks on hydronic systems and components, including gas-fired and electric boilers, water heaters, pumps, VFDs, booster systems, and controls.

•    Verify system performance against design intent and manufacturer recommendations; make adjustments to achieve proper operation, safety, and efficiency.

•    Diagnose and advise on mechanical, electrical, and control-related issues, using internal technical support and manufacturer resources as needed.

•    Respond to warranty service calls involving manufacturer defects, installation issues, or maintenance problems with a calm, solution-oriented demeanor.

•    Train owner-operators and maintenance staff on system operation basics, routine maintenance, and steps to take in the event of a malfunction.

•    Clearly document procedures, test results, system configurations, and recommended follow-up actions in detailed service and startup reports.

•    Plan ahead for each job, ensuring you have the right tools, materials, documentation, and information before arriving on site.

•    Collaborate with contractors, controls vendors, project teams, internal sales and engineering, and manufacturers to resolve installation and performance concerns.

•    Maintain your service vehicle, tools, and inventory in safe, organized, and reliable condition.

•    Follow all safety policies, including lockout/tagout, PPE usage, and hazard reporting, and participate in required safety and technical training.

Travel is primarily local within NC, SC, southern Virginia and Eastern TN with occasional overnight travel as project needs or service emergencies require.

What Makes This Role Different

•    You’ll work on advanced, high-efficiency mechanical equipment in hospitals, schools, universities, industrial plants, offices, and other large facilities. No two jobs are the same.

•    HHY is committed to providing continuing education, training and support needed for you to be the trusted technical expert.  You will be part our Rep Services team and supported by them and by our manufacturer partners.

•    You’ll help shape the long-term performance and perception of systems by doing startup the right way, training operators effectively, and catching issues before they become failures.

•    In time, you will develop into a trusted technical resource by our sales team, by installing contractors, by building owners & operators, and occasionally by design engineers, who will value your specialized knowledge and experience.

•    As part of an employee-owned company, you see a direct connection between the quality of your work, customer satisfaction, and your own long-term rewards.

Qualifications We're Looking For

Must-Have

•    High school diploma or GED.

•    Two or more years of hands-on experience with commercial or industrial boilers, water heaters, or hydronic HVAC systems through field service, maintenance, or startup work.

•    Working knowledge of basic electricity, control systems, and general mechanical systems.

•    Ability to read and interpret piping schematics, wiring diagrams, and OEM manuals, and to prepare clear, accurate service reports.

•    Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills, especially under time pressure.

•    Professional written and verbal communication skills

•    Ability to keep customers calm, informed, and confident even in stressful situations.

•    Well-organized, self-motivated, and able to work independently while staying aligned with a team.

•    Proficient with computers and common software such as email, Office, and reporting tools; able to use a smartphone and basic apps in the field.

•    Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and ability to pass background check and drug screening.

Nice to Have

•    Experience specifically with hydronic pump rebuilding, alignment, and performance testing.

•    Prior experience performing boiler, water heater, or pump startup, service, or repair in commercial or industrial environments.

•    Technical certification or associate degree in HVAC, mechanical, or related field.

•    Experience in a manufacturer’s representative, factory-authorized service, or similar advanced service environment.

•    Familiarity with modern building automation systems and advanced boiler controls.

Training and Growth

•    Structured onboarding and ride-along time with senior startup technicians.

•    Factory training and certification opportunities on key boiler, pump, and control product lines.

•    Ongoing technical and safety training to keep you current on new equipment and best practices.

•    Clear path to grow into a senior startup and warranty specialist, technical resource for our territory, or other roles within our employee-owned company.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

•    Work in mechanical rooms, rooftops, and construction sites, including confined spaces and elevated locations.

•    Frequent standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, climbing ladders, and use of hand and power tools.

•    Regular lifting and carrying of up to 50 pounds, with occasional lifts up to 75 pounds.

•    Exposure to varying weather conditions, noise levels, and hazards such as live voltage, moving mechanical parts, and fumes; strict adherence to safety procedures is required.

•    Occasional overtime, weekend work, and after-hours emergency calls as needed to support customers.

Why You'll Love Working Here

•    Employee-owned company (ESOP) plus 401(k) options. Your effort helps build your long-term retirement value.

•    Opportunity to become a recognized water and steam systems expert in your market, with access to factory training and certifications.

•    Tight-knit, team-oriented culture focused on partnering with customers for shared success, not just closing tickets.

•    Variety in your day: different sites, systems, and problem-solving opportunities instead of the same route work every day.