Apprentice Instrumentation Jobs in Charlotte, NC

SUPPORT INNOVATION IN COMMERCIAL HVAC TECHNOLOGY

Location: Charlotte, NC | Pay Rate: $22.80/hour | Schedule: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Occasional OT

PDS Tech Commercial is seeking a dependable and technically skilled HVAC Test Technician to support engineering laboratory operations for a leading HVAC manufacturing organization.

Make an Impact Where Engineering Meets Performance

If you enjoy working with mechanical and electrical equipment, troubleshooting complex systems, and supporting hands-on testing environments, this opportunity offers a unique chance to contribute to the development of next-generation HVAC technology.

In this role, you'll support engineering teams by setting up, operating, monitoring, and maintaining laboratory equipment used to test commercial HVAC and chiller systems. You'll work with instrumentation, refrigeration systems, pumps, motors, controls, and test equipment that play a critical role in product performance and validation.

Your technical skills and mechanical aptitude will directly contribute to successful testing, product development, and laboratory operations.

What You'll Do

• Operate, monitor, inspect, and maintain laboratory equipment and HVAC test systems.

• Set up test environments, instrumentation, and supporting equipment for engineering projects.

• Support testing activities involving commercial HVAC and chiller equipment.

• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and control-related issues.

• Assist with operation of pumps, compressors, motors, valves, and related equipment.

• Work with flow, temperature, and pressure measurement devices and test instrumentation.

• Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment and measurement devices.

• Collect, document, and communicate test status, results, and equipment performance.

• Collaborate with engineers and technical teams to support testing and validation activities.

• Perform preventive maintenance and equipment inspections to maximize laboratory uptime.

• Support safe laboratory operations by following EHS policies and 5S practices.

• Identify equipment concerns and assist with corrective actions to minimize downtime.

What You BringRequired Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, Technical School Certificate, or Skilled Trades Apprenticeship.

• Minimum 2 years of experience working with mechanical, electrical, HVAC, refrigeration, industrial, manufacturing, or technical equipment.

• Experience using hand tools, power tools, pneumatic tools, and measurement devices.

• Experience working with pressure, temperature, flow, or other test instrumentation.

• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities.

• Ability to read and follow technical procedures, work instructions, and safety requirements.

• Ability to work safely in a laboratory, manufacturing, industrial, or technical environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting engineering, testing, commissioning, validation, laboratory, or R&D activities.

• Experience with HVAC, refrigeration, chiller, or thermal systems.

• Familiarity with pumps, compressors, motors, controls, and related mechanical equipment.

• Experience troubleshooting electrical and mechanical systems.

• Experience working with 460V, 3-phase equipment.

• EPA Refrigerant Certification.

• Experience calibrating equipment and working with instrumentation.

• Associate degree or technical training in HVAC, Mechanical Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Electronics, or a related field.

Work Environment

This is a hands-on technical position requiring:

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and climbing.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Work around mechanical equipment, electrical systems, refrigerants, and compressed gases.

• Exposure to varying temperatures within laboratory environments.

• Occasional overtime, weekend work, or after-hours support for critical testing and maintenance activities.

Ready to Put Your Technical Skills to Work?

Apply today for the Set Up Technician opportunity with PDS Tech Commercial and become part of a team that supports the testing, validation, and advancement of innovative commercial HVAC technologies.

Pay Details: $22.80 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act
• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.