Mission Critical HVAC / Mechanical Services Technician

Job#: 3031275

Job Description:
Position Summary

The Mission Critical HVAC / Mechanical Services Technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and servicing mechanical and HVAC systems that directly support data center uptime and reliability. Unlike traditional comfort-cooling roles, this position operates in high-availability environments where procedural compliance, redundancy awareness, and precision execution are mandatory.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform preventive and corrective maintenance on data center mechanical systems, including but not limited to:
• CRAH / CRAC units
• Chilled water systems
• Pumps, valves, strainers, and heat exchangers
• Cooling towers, adiabatic systems, and fluid loops
• DX, split, and supplemental cooling systems
• Execute work through our field management system using approved MOPs, SOPs, and change-management processes.
• Maintain system redundancy and awareness of upstream/downstream impacts.
• Respond to alarms, degraded performance, and emergency service calls per SLA.
• Document all work, readings, inspections, and system conditions accurately.
• Follow strict safety protocols (LOTO, PPE, site rules, confined space, etc.).
• Participate in on-call rotations and scheduled maintenance windows.
• Complete required overall company and data center specific training via Upchurch University LMS DC|MC program.

Level Differentiation & Expectations

Level I - Foundational Mission Critical Technician

Primary Focus: Execution, safety, learning

• Performs PM and basic CM tasks under supervision.
• Supports inspections, filter changes, belt replacements, lubrication, and visual checks.
• Learns data center environments, redundancy concepts, and uptime risk.
• Accurately records readings and follows procedures step-by-step.
• Escalates abnormal conditions promptly.
• Developing familiarity with:
• CRAH/CRAC fundamentals
• Chilled water basics
• Data center etiquette and live-site work

Typical Experience

• 0-2 years HVAC/mechanical experience
• Entry into data center or critical environments

Level II - Intermediate Mission Critical Technician

Primary Focus: Independent execution, troubleshooting

• Independently performs PM and CM on assigned systems.
• Troubleshoots alarms, performance degradation, and control issues.
• Executes approved MOPs with limited oversight.
• Coordinates with controls, electrical, and operations teams.
• Identifies early failure indicators and recommends corrective actions.
• Begins system-level ownership of specific assets (e.g. CRAH, pumps).
• Supports outage planning and maintenance window execution.

Typical Experience

• 2-5 years HVAC/mechanical experience
• Prior data center, industrial, or critical facility exposure preferred

Level III - Senior / Lead Mission Critical Technician

Primary Focus: System ownership, leadership, reliability

• Serves as technical authority for assigned mechanical systems.
• Leads execution of complex MOPs, outages, and recovery procedures.
• Performs advanced diagnostics and root-cause analysis.
• Reviews and improves SOPs, PM scopes, and maintenance strategies.
• Mentors Level I and II technicians.
• Interfaces directly with client operations and service management.
• Supports condition-based and predictive maintenance programs.
• Identifies risk, reliability gaps, and lifecycle improvement opportunities.

Typical Experience

• 5+ years HVAC/mechanical experience
• Strong mission-critical or data center background

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical/vocational training preferred
• EPA Section 608 Certification (Universal or applicable type)
• Ability to read:
  • P&IDs
  • Mechanical schedules
  • OEM documentation
  • MOPs and SOPs
• Valid driver's license
• Ability to work in live critical environments

Preferred / Differentiators

• CRAH / CRAC experience
• Chilled water plant exposure
• BAS/BMS familiarity
• OEM certifications
• OSHA 10 / 30
• Experience in data centers, hospitals, or industrial facilities

Physical & Work Environment

• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Work in raised-floor environments, rooftops, and equipment rooms
• Exposure to noise, airflow, and operational equipment
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and on-call rotations

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Upchurch Companies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type based on 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 federal, state, or local laws.

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.