Air Conditioning Mechanic ($5,000 Sign-on-Bonus)

Compensation Grade : T19

Salary Range : $34.32-$44.61

Opening Date : November 21, 2025

Closing Date : December 6, 2025

Please Note : All job announcements close at 11 : 59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date.

As an Air Conditioning Mechanic, you will maintain and repair the commercial AC systems at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Air Conditioning Mechanic

This is a journey (full performance) level job in the air conditioning series.

Serves in the Utilities Division of the Engineering and Maintenance Department at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) or the Airport Maintenance Department at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Installs, tests, troubleshoots, repairs, and maintains commercial-grade and industrial-scale air conditioning (AC) and ventilation systems, refrigeration equipment, and auxiliary heating and AC units. Performs related functions.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Responds to emergency calls; troubleshoots and identifies problems, and performs necessary repairs, adjustments, or corrections.

Dismantles and repairs, replaces, or reassembles electrical, electronic, and pneumatic control AC units and associated HVAC units.

Installs and fits bearings, bushings, connecting rods, and shafts; aligns motors and flywheel drives [At DCA]; adjusts controls; sets heat anticipators and rewires units; and installs purge units for recovery.

Repairs non-functioning water coolers and window air conditioners.

Recommends modifications to equipment, preventive maintenance procedures, and operational cycles for efficient equipment operation.

Manually adjusts heat-pumps from cooling to heating, coordinating actions with AEM Shop [At IAD] and the Airport Fire Department on initial start-ups in case smoke detectors sound alarms.

Welds, brazes, solders, bends, and cuts pipe and tubing.

May occasionally be asked to work late, after hours, or overtime to make repairs

Cleans condenser and evaporator coils regularly.

Work with Siemens Building Automation System (BAS).

[At DCA] Troubleshoots and Replaces Direct Digital Controls (DDC).

[At DCA] May perform chemical tests of cooling-tower water.

May guide AC Repairers, HVAC Apprentices, or other workers and provide on-the-job training as necessary.

Occasionally cleans cooling towers and machine rooms and paints equipment.

Writes discrepancy reports for problems encountered on tenant-maintained equipment.

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Four years of progressively responsible experience in the installation, test, diagnosis, maintenance, and repair of air conditioning equipment and systems.

Full performance (journey) level knowledge of and skill in the HVAC trade.

[At DCA] Knowledge of and skill in making repairs to Chillers and Chilled Water Systems and Boilers (low-pressure hot water).

Skill in using tools, technical manuals, schematics, blueprints, manufacturer’s materials, and other equipment and guides in journey-level HVAC work.

Ability to analyze data and information (including blueprints and schematics).

Ability to work safely and knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety rules, regulations, and procedures needed to do so.

Ability to speak and write effectively.

Skill in using a computer, computerized work order, and time and attendance system.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Licensed as a Journey HVAC Mechanic (or higher).

EDUCATION

A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED

A state driver’s license in good standing.

Universal Certification (Section 608) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to service HVAC / refrigeration equipment within 30 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job.

NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS

Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors.

Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit).

Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal.

May be subject to night / weekend work. Works rotating shifts.

Work requires moderate to heavy physical exertion (lifting objects up to 100 pounds). May bend, stoop, crouch, and work in a cramped position, work from heights, and climbing ladders.

May be subject to potential hazards common to the airport environment and the air conditioning trade.

Wears personal protective gear, as necessary.

A background security investigation will be required for all new hires.