2

Entry Level Hvac Installer Jobs in Ridgecrest, CA

Thermal Systems Engineer I

California City, CA ยท On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Participate in and conduct HVAC performance tests of pre-production (prototype) vehicles. This ... installing instrumentation and repairing vehicle failures. * May require operation of vehicles for ...

New

Maintenance

California City, CA ยท On-site

$20 - $22/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... HVAC/Exhaust units and roof of debris โ€ข Must be available at 4 am every day of the week, especially weekends Additional Info: Along with competitive pay, a Maintenance Person at a McDonald's ...

Generally, indoor work location has power, water, heating and air conditioning, although outages should be expected. The incumbent will be required to live on the camp, where living quarters are a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Hvac Installer information

See Ridgecrest, CA salary details

$13

$26

$41

How much do entry level hvac installer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level hvac installer in Ridgecrest, CA is $26.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.53 and $31.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Hvac Installer vs HVAC Technician?

AspectEntry Level Hvac InstallerHVAC Technician
CertificationsNone required or basic HVAC certificationsEPA Certification often required
Work EnvironmentInstallation sites, residential and commercialMaintenance, repair, troubleshooting in various settings
Job ResponsibilitiesInstalling HVAC systems, basic setupDiagnosing issues, repairing, maintaining systems

Entry Level Hvac Installers focus on installing HVAC systems and typically require minimal certifications, working mainly on new installations. HVAC Technicians have more experience, often hold EPA certifications, and handle repairs and maintenance. Both roles are essential in the HVAC industry, but they differ in responsibilities and skill levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level HVAC installer?

To thrive as an Entry Level HVAC Installer, you need a basic understanding of mechanical systems, familiarity with hand and power tools, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of HVAC control systems, refrigerant handling, and EPA Section 608 certification are commonly required for handling equipment safely. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and team members set candidates apart. These skills are crucial to ensure safe, accurate installations, maintain customer satisfaction, and support career growth in the HVAC industry.

What does an entry level HVAC installer do?

An entry level HVAC installer assists in the installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Typical duties include carrying equipment, installing ductwork, connecting electrical wiring, and supporting experienced technicians on job sites. They also learn to follow safety protocols and read blueprints or technical diagrams. This role is ideal for those looking to gain hands-on experience in the HVAC industry and often serves as a stepping stone to more advanced positions.
What cities near Ridgecrest, CA are hiring for Entry Level Hvac Installer jobs? Cities near Ridgecrest, CA with the most Entry Level Hvac Installer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Hvac Installer job openings in Ridgecrest, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,172 per year, or $26.5 per hour.

Thermal Systems Engineer I

Hyundai Motor Company

California City, CA โ€ข On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Thermal Systems Engineer I
  • Research and develop thermal system performance through vehicle testing.
  • The Thermal Performance Test Team is responsible for test and calibration of vehicle thermal systems, including HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning), Automatic Temperature Control, Powertrain Cooling and Battery Thermal Management for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis models sold in the North American market using internally-developed and industry standard test procedures.
  • Thermal test activities support corporate goals of ensuring safety and improving customer satisfaction.
What You Will Do
  • Support development of thermal systems testing related to engine cooling, HVAC, and battery thermal management for pre-production (prototype) vehicles.
  • Participate in and conduct HVAC performance tests of pre-production (prototype) vehicles. This includes seasonal field validation testing in hot and cold climates, and climate wind tunnel development testing as needed.
  • Calibrate Automatic Temperature Control (or auto climate control) for cabin comfort according to North American customer expectations. This includes field validation testing and climate wind tunnel development testing as needed.
  • Participate in and conduct cooling performance tests of pre-production (prototype) vehicles, including engine, transmission, electric motor and inverter, and battery cooling. Conduct battery thermal management testing for developing EV performance. This will incorporate seasonal field testing, trailer tow validation field testing and climate wind tunnel development testing as needed.
  • Plan for and support effective testing by preparing test instrumentation documents and configuring data acquisition equipment, working competently with a wide range of sensors and signals including vehicle CAN buses, thermocouples, pressures, voltages and more. Retrieve data, perform analysis, and provide high-level commentary on results.
  • Create test reports that drive forward improvements in performance and communicate opportunities to solve problems in a collaborative environment.
  • Complete administrative tasks such as purchasing requests, vacation requests, business travel plans, etc. Plan and oversee project work such as purchase of fixed assets or facility/equipment repair.
What You Will Bring to the Role
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred)
  • 1+ years of automotive engineering experience in vehicle testing or calibration preferred
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Data Acquisition Experience (ETAS (INCA), IPetronik, Vector)
  • Climatic Chamber Testing Experience is preferred.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office: Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word
  • Project management, time management and organizational leadership skills
  • Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driving record
What Hyundai Can Offer You
  • Zero-dollar employee premiums on Medical, Dental, and Vision for you and your family
  • 100% employer-paid disability and life insurance
  • Generous paid time off including vacation, sick and abundant holidays
  • A global environment that fosters diversity
  • Range of position: $75,000~$90,000.00/Year
  • Retirement savings and planning benefits
  • Access to health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts
OTHER DETAILS

Physical Demands, Work Environment, Travel Expectations:

  • Able to work in a culturally diverse team environment
  • Travel up to 20~40% of time domestically or internationally in support of off-site testing or evaluation
  • Work indoors and outdoors in harsh weather conditions (Winter -40F, Summer +120F, altitude up to 10,000 ft)
  • Shop Environment: Exposure to fuel, compressed air/gas, emissions and exhaust fumes; pinching, tripping, electrical, and chemical hazards; bending and stooping required; must be able to lift up to 75 lbs and work safely with hand power tools. Use of personal protective equipment required where prescribed.
  • May require bending, stooping and lifting while removing and attaching trailers to vehicles, installing instrumentation and repairing vehicle failures.ย 
  • May require operation of vehicles for long distance driving over multiple days.

Note: As full-vehicle validation requires constant hands-on activity, this is not a hybrid or remote role.

Candidates applying for positions with Hyundai KIA must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.

Hyundai America Technical Center, Inc. (HATCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer included Disabled and Veteran. VEVRAA Federal contractor.