The Senior HVAC/ECS Technician leads the setup, operation, troubleshooting, and maintenance of advanced test rigs used to validate Environmental Control System (ECS) and HVAC components in aircraft cabin and laboratory environments. This expert-level role is responsible for executing complex test configurations, ensuring data quality, mentoring junior staff, and supporting engineering teams during development and certification efforts. The technician provides technical guidance and ensures compliance with aerospace standards, safety protocols, and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the design, setup, and reconfiguration of ECS/HVAC test rigs for cabin simulations, system performance tests, and environmental validation
Install, calibrate, and troubleshoot advanced instrumentation (e.g., thermocouples, RTDs, pressure sensors, mass flow meters, control systems)
Interpret engineering test plans, wiring diagrams, schematics, and mechanical drawings to support complex test campaigns
Operate and maintain thermal and pneumatic test systems, including chillers, heaters, blowers, valves, and humidifiers
Diagnose system-level and component-level issues in test rigs with minimal supervision
Coordinate with test engineers to execute test plans, collect data, and ensure accurate test results
Serve as technical mentor to junior and mid-level technicians, promoting best practices in safety, quality, and rig operation
Ensure all rig operations meet internal, FAA, EASA, or MIL-STD test standards and quality documentation requirements
Support test data acquisition systems and troubleshoot signal integrity issues
Lead or support root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for test failures or rig anomalies
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase rig efficiency, reliability, and modularity
Key Focus Areas:
Advanced ECS/HVAC test operations and rig leadership
Instrumentation and data acquisition integration and troubleshooting
Cross-functional coordination for engineering support and certification tests
Technical mentorship and continuous process improvement
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Associate degree or technical diploma in Mechanical, Aerospace, or HVAC Technology (required)
Additional certifications in instrumentation, ECS systems, or controls (preferred)
Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology is a plus
Experience:
6+ years of hands-on experience in HVAC/ECS test labs, aerospace development programs, or MRO ECS testing environments
Proven ability to work independently on large-scale ECS test setups with minimal oversight
Familiarity with aerospace test standards such as DO-160, MIL-STD-810, or ARP guidelines
Experience collaborating with engineering, quality, and certification teams
Technical Skills:
Strong knowledge of ECS components (ACMs, heat exchangers, valves, sensors) and their operation in aircraft environments
Proficient in using and troubleshooting DAQ systems (e.g., LabVIEW, HBM, National Instruments)
Skilled in interpreting P&IDs, control schematics, electrical layouts, and HVAC diagrams
Ability to perform preventive maintenance, calibration, and emergency repair of test rigs
Soft Skills:
Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities
High attention to detail with a commitment to safety and data integrity
Proactive, resourceful, and adaptable in a dynamic test environment
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks or teams simultaneously