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Climate Control Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Polygon US

Service Technician (HVAC)

Fullerton, CA

$27 - $30/hr

Set up, maintain, and demobilize temporary climate control equipment on project sites * While not working on assigned projects, utilize down time to maintain, and prepare equipment for upcoming ...

Polygon US

Service Technician (HVAC)

Fullerton, CA · On-site

$27 - $30/hr

Set up, maintain, and demobilize temporary climate control equipment on project sites * While not working on assigned projects, utilize down time to maintain, and prepare equipment for upcoming ...

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All JobsClimate Control JobsClimate Control Jobs in California

Climate Control information

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$43

How much do climate control jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for climate control in California is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.36 and $22.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of climate control, high-paying roles such as chief sustainability officers or senior HVAC engineering executives can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often require specialized skills, management expertise, and may involve overseeing large projects or organizations. Most roles in this industry typically have lower average salaries, but top executives and specialized consultants can earn at or above this level.

What is the difference between Climate Control vs HVAC Technician?

AspectClimate ControlHVAC Technician
CertificationsEPA Certification, HVAC licensesEPA Certification, HVAC licenses
Work EnvironmentResidential, commercial, industrial settingsResidential, commercial, industrial settings
Job FocusControlling indoor climate, installing and maintaining climate systemsInstalling, repairing, maintaining heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems

Both Climate Control specialists and HVAC Technicians require similar certifications and work in comparable environments. Climate Control roles often focus specifically on managing indoor climate systems, while HVAC Technicians have a broader scope including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. The two roles overlap significantly, but Climate Control may emphasize climate-specific systems and controls.

What's the highest paying HVAC job?

The highest paying HVAC jobs are often for experienced HVAC engineers, project managers, or specialized technicians such as refrigeration or controls specialists, with salaries exceeding $80,000 to $100,000 annually. Advanced certifications, extensive experience, and leadership roles typically contribute to higher compensation in the HVAC industry.

What careers help with climate change?

Careers in climate control, such as environmental engineers, renewable energy technicians, and sustainability specialists, focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting clean energy solutions. These roles often require knowledge of environmental science, engineering, or related fields, and may involve working with renewable energy systems, energy efficiency technologies, or climate policy implementation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Climate Control Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Climate Control Technician, you need strong knowledge of HVAC systems, refrigeration principles, and relevant safety standards, often supported by a technical diploma or certification such as EPA Section 608. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, control systems, and computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and customer service skills set top technicians apart. These skills ensure efficient installation, maintenance, and repair of climate control systems, directly impacting comfort, safety, and energy efficiency in various environments.

Can I be a HVAC tech without going to school?

Becoming an HVAC technician typically requires completing a technical training program or apprenticeship to gain the necessary skills and knowledge. While some entry-level positions may be available without formal education, most employers prefer candidates with certification or training, and licensing requirements often mandate specific education or experience hours.

What are some of the main challenges faced by professionals working in climate control, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Professionals in climate control often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex HVAC systems, keeping up with rapidly evolving technology, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Addressing these challenges requires continuous learning, strong problem-solving skills, and close collaboration with building managers and maintenance teams. Many climate control specialists participate in ongoing training and certification programs to stay current with industry standards and best practices, which helps them adapt to new equipment and regulatory requirements.

What are climate control jobs?

Climate control jobs involve the installation, maintenance, and repair of systems that regulate temperature, humidity, and air quality in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. These positions often include roles such as HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians, system designers, and engineers. Professionals in this field ensure that climate control systems operate efficiently and safely, providing comfortable and healthy indoor environments. They may also focus on energy efficiency, system upgrades, and environmental compliance.
What are popular job titles related to Climate Control jobs in California? For Climate Control jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Climate Control jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Climate Control jobs in California are:
Climate Control jobs near you
Infographic showing various Climate Control job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,465 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Sr. Systems Engineer - Climate Control

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies

Irvine, CA • On-site

$135K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Us
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive's next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we're addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.
The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we'll map a new way forward. Working together, we'll create a future that's more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.
Role Summary
The Thermal Control System Team develops requirements and facilitates algorithm development to optimize thermal management for powertrains, battery packs using heat pumps, and cabin HVAC systems. In this role, you will collaborate closely with designers, engineers, manufacturing teams, firmware developers, and service personnel, leveraging your expertise in climate control to define requirements for embedded software implementation.
Responsibilities
  • Act as systems engineer to develop requirements and drive the development of software for automotive climate control system
  • Use modeling tools to model the thermodynamic behavior and human comfort aspects of an automotive HVAC system
  • Collaborate with hardware engineering to develop framework and requirements for control software development
  • Translate high-level feature requests into detailed controller software, sensor, and actuator requirements, driving implementation, testing, and release
  • Research and analyze various control algorithms; develop control-oriented simulation models to refine control strategies
  • Create and maintain system boundary diagrams, function allocation documents, state machines, sequence diagrams, and failure analysis

Qualifications
  • BS / MS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
  • Experience in software architecture and requirement management tools (JAMA, DOORS, etc.)
  • Foundation in heat transfer and thermodynamics, with familiarity in heat exchangers, blowers, fans, air control valves and their subsystem interactions
  • Proficient in control systems fundamentals and their application to the thermal/ HVAC domain is required
  • Knowledge and experience in automotive or building climate control system and air flow controls development
  • Understanding of aspects of human thermal comfort and its application to controlling HVAC systems
  • Strong analytical skills with experience handling large datasets in MATLAB/Python; familiarity with C/C++ is a plus
  • Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally, engage in hands-on work, and manage open-ended projects in fast-paced, resource-constrained environments
Total Rewards
Full-time positions include base salary, eligibility for an annual performance bonus, and eligibility for equity.
In addition to base salary, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies offers benefits tailored to the local market. For more information on the benefits available for full-time employees, check out our Global Benefits Site.
External candidates can apply for this role through the Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies careers site (https://rivianvw.tech/#careers). If you are a current employee, please apply through our internal job board.
Equal Opportunity
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information or characteristics, physical or mental disability, marital/domestic partner status, age, military/veteran status, medical condition, or any other characteristic protected by law. We are also committed to ensuring compliance with all applicable fair employment practice laws regarding citizenship and immigration status.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is committed to ensuring that our hiring process is accessible for persons with disabilities. If you have a disability or limitation, such as those covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act, that requires accommodations to assist you in the search and application process, please email us at candidateaccommodations@rivian.com.
Candidate Data Privacy
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies" may collect, use and disclose your personal information or personal data (within the meaning of the applicable data protection laws) when you apply for employment and/or participate in our recruitment processes ("Candidate Personal Data"). This data includes contact, demographic, communications, educational, professional, employment, social media/website, network/device, recruiting system usage/interaction, security and preference information. Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use your Candidate Personal Data for the purposes of (i) tracking interactions with our recruiting system; (ii) carrying out, analyzing and improving our application and recruitment process, including assessing you and your application and conducting employment, background and reference checks; (iii) establishing an employment relationship or entering into an employment contract with you; (iv) complying with our legal, regulatory and corporate governance obligations; (v) record keeping; (vi) ensuring network and information security and preventing fraud; and (vii) as otherwise required or permitted by applicable law.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may share your Candidate Personal Data with (i) internal personnel who have a need to know such information in order to perform their duties, including individuals on our People Team, Finance, Legal, and the team(s) with the position(s) for which you are applying; (ii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies affiliates; and (iii) Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies' service providers, including providers of background checks, staffing services, and cloud services.
Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may transfer or store internationally your Candidate Personal Data, including to or in the United States, Canada, and the European Union and in the cloud, and this data may be subject to the laws and accessible to the courts, law enforcement and national security authorities of such jurisdictions.
If you provide a mobile telephone number as part of your application or during the recruitment process, Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies may use that number to contact you via SMS text message for recruitment-related purposes, including scheduling, logistics, and status updates. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any text message you receive from us. Consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of applying for or being considered for employment.
Please see our Candidate Data Privacy Notice (English) and Candidate Data Privacy Notice (Serbian) for more information.
Please note this job posting represents an open, active vacancy. Additionally, we are not currently accepting applications from third party application services.

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