Position Type:

Regular

Visa Sponsored Job:

No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Hiring Range:

73,140.00 USD - 91,430.00 USD

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.

Application Closes at 11:59 pm Mountain Time on:

2026-11-30

About The Role

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is seeking a Maintenance Mechanic II to perform installation, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and operation of commercial and semi-industrial mechanical systems across UCAR and NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) facilities.

In this role, you will independently diagnose and resolve complex mechanical issues across heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), commercial refrigeration, plumbing, boilers, hydronic systems, and pumps.

You will utilize Building Automation Systems (BAS) to monitor and troubleshoot infrastructure, provide technical guidance to maintenance staff, and participate in after-hours on-call rotations and emergency response activities to support critical research and facility operations.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Building Mechanical Systems Maintenance & Repair

• System Servicing: Independently install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair commercial HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, pneumatic, hydraulic, steam and hot-water boilers, hydronic, and closed-loop heating/cooling systems.
• Equipment Care: Maintain and repair air handling units, rooftop units, split/mini-split systems, pumps, motors, valves, heat exchangers, coils, and compressors.
• Preventive & Predictive Maintenance: Perform scheduled maintenance based on facility standards, equipment condition, and manufacturer recommendations; monitor and adjust water treatment chemical levels as required.
• Refrigerant Compliance: Conduct commercial refrigeration servicing in full compliance with EPA regulations and UCAR safety procedures.

 Building Automation Systems (BAS) & Controls

• Monitoring & Diagnostics: Utilize BAS platforms to track equipment performance, review alarms and trend data, adjust operating setpoints, and diagnose mechanical issues.
• Controls Integration: Troubleshoot interactions between mechanical equipment, sensors, actuators, control sequences, and BAS platforms; coordinate with Controls, Electrical, and Engineering teams as needed.

 

Emergency Response & Critical Operations

• On-Call Availability: Participate in scheduled on-call rotations (eligible for additional compensation) and respond to after-hours facility emergencies, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Failure Mitigation: Assess system failures during emergencies to determine immediate corrective actions, establishing temporary operating configurations or infrastructure when necessary to safeguard research, facility assets, and personnel.
• Escalation: Identify high-risk conditions and escalate complex issues to the Mechanical Supervisor, Safety, Engineering, or outside contractors.

Small Projects (<$250K) & Construction Support

• Infrastructure Improvements: Support facility renovations, equipment replacements, and minor construction projects under $250,000 by installing, modifying, or repairing mechanical piping, ductwork, valves, pumps, and controls.
• Commissioning & Startup: Review mechanical drawings and project specifications to assist with system verification, functional testing, startup, and commissioning.

Safety, Administration & Mentorship

• Documentation: Record labor hours, materials, equipment conditions, and repair logs accurately within UCAR’s Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).
• Safety Protocols: Follow strict safety guidelines, including lockout/tagout (LOTO), safe refrigerant handling, and PPE requirements.
• Knowledge Transfer: Provide technical guidance, troubleshooting advice, and informal mentorship to less-experienced maintenance personnel.

Requirements

Education & Apprenticeship

• High school diploma (or equivalent) combined with completion of a recognized HVAC/mechanical technical school program, formal apprenticeship, or equivalent technical education.

Experience

• Journey-level mechanical worker with a minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in commercial, institutional, industrial, or facilities mechanical maintenance.

Technical Proficiency

• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and repairing commercial HVAC, critical facility infrastructure, boilers, hydronic pumps, air handlers, refrigeration, plumbing, and BAS platforms.

Licensing & Certification

• Valid Colorado Driver’s License with a driving record compliant with UCAR liability insurance standards.
• Current EPA Section 608 Certification appropriate for assigned refrigeration work (Universal Certification preferred).

Physical & Operational Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds for a distance of 20 feet.
• Ability to work safely from ladders, scaffolds, elevated platforms, mechanical spaces, and rooftops.
• Willingness and ability to participate in scheduled after-hours on-call rotations and emergency response duties.

Core Competencies

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, piping diagrams, sequences of operation, and schematics; skilled in using standard hand/power tools and diagnostic equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Advanced Education 

• Associate degree, technical degree, or advanced trade education in HVAC, refrigeration, or mechanical systems.

Certifications

• Active NATE Certification;
•  or OSHA 10- / 30-Hour General Industry Certification.

Advanced Systems Experience

• Hands-on experience with Siemens Desigo CC or advanced Energy Management Systems, including troubleshooting control sequences, VFDs, and sensors.

Specialized Expertise

• Experience with equipment commissioning, startup, and optimization in laboratory, research, data center, or institutional facility environments.

Software Skills

• Proficiency with Google Workspace applications and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).

 

Additional Information

Work Location Expectations:  This position is open to candidates seeking in-person opportunities. UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

Application Requirements

Questionnaire, Resume/CV

Submit all required application materials by 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time on the deadline. Only candidates with complete applications (including questionnaires, when required) will be considered.

We recognize that no candidate will meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you believe your background has prepared you for success in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Candidates selected for hire will complete background checks and/or federal screenings.

Benefits Overview

UCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• Generous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of eligible pay
• Time Off Plans
  • Minimum 20 days of annual PTO
  • 10 paid holidays
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave
  • FAMLI Leave 
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer
  

Additional Information

UCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes all applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. You don’t need to include age-related information, such as birth or graduation dates, in your initial application.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act, or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on an employee. Please inform your Recruiter if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.

Visa Sponsorship: UCAR can sponsor H-1B status only for candidates already in the U.S. who hold H-1B status or another status that allows a change to H-1B within the country. We cannot sponsor new H-1B visas that require consular processing abroad.

Compliance and Location: All roles must comply with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements. Hybrid staff work on-site 3 days per week or equivalent, based on their flexible work arrangement. UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use: AI tools are permitted, but we strongly encourage candidates to submit primarily original work.