Service Tech Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Service Technician II (Intermediate Field Technician)

About the Role

Hudson Technologies is seeking a Service Technician II for immediate hire to expand our U.S. field service team. As a Tech II, you are an intermediate-level field technician who can work more independently on service calls. In this role, you will perform a broad range of HVAC/R service and refrigerant recovery tasks with minimal supervision, demonstrating full proficiency in core service skills. You’ll be trusted to take on more complex assignments – such as assisting with system retrofits or large-scale refrigerant projects – while often mentoring junior Tech I team members on the job. This position is ideal for a skilled technician with ~1–3 years of experience who is ready to step up as a fully capable field service professional.

Key Responsibilities

• Independent Field Work: Execute routine service jobs and refrigerant recovery operations with minimal supervision. You’ll be dispatched to customer sites to perform preventative maintenance, service recovery equipment, and handle standard repairs efficiently while upholding Hudson’s quality standards. Often, you will act as the on-site lead when working with a Tech I assistant, ensuring work is completed safely and effectively.
• Advanced Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve intermediate-level issues in chiller and refrigeration systems. This includes identifying refrigerant leaks, failed components (compressors, expansion valves, etc.), or control system faults. Utilize diagnostic tools (pressure gauges, multimeters, recovery units) and interpret data (pressures, temperatures, error codes) to pinpoint problems, implementing repairs or stable temporary fixes until a permanent solution is in place.
• Special Projects Support: Assist senior technicians or Leads on complex projects such as refrigerant retrofit conversions or chiller decontamination procedures. You may perform significant portions of these jobs – for example, pulling deep vacuums, charging new refrigerant, flushing oil, and replacing filters under guidance. You’ll expand your expertise in Hudson’s niche services by taking on these specialized tasks as part of your development.
• On-site Coordination: In the absence of a supervisor or Lead, coordinate on-site logistics to keep projects running smoothly. Ensure the necessary tools, materials, and refrigerant inventory are prepared before heading to the job. Make minor on-the-spot decisions to adjust to field conditions (within the scope of the project) and keep the Service Manager or Lead informed of progress and any issues that arise.
• Mentoring Junior Techs: Serve as a role model and on-the-job trainer for Service Tech I employees. Work alongside less experienced techs to guide them in proper procedures, safety practices, and basic troubleshooting. Help foster their growth by answering questions and demonstrating techniques, thereby developing your own leadership skills in the process.
• Customer Interaction: Communicate directly with customers more frequently as you handle jobs independently. Provide clear explanations of the work performed (e.g., “We located and recovered refrigerant from a leak point and are making repairs”) and ensure the client is informed and satisfied before leaving the site. Professionally address routine inquiries and know when to involve a Lead or Manager for complex questions or scope changes.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 1–3 years of hands-on HVAC/R field service experience (progression from a Tech I or equivalent level). Proven track record of successfully completing service calls with increasing independence and technical competence.
• Certifications: EPA 608 Universal Certification (required by this level if not obtained earlier). OSHA-10 safety training (or equivalent) is required; OSHA-30 is a plus. HAZMAT handling training or certification is a plus (given frequent work with refrigerants and occasional SF₆ gas jobs). Must maintain a valid driver’s license and be able to meet DOT requirements for operating service vehicles. A forklift operation certification is required (if not already held, must be obtained).
• Technical Skills: Intermediate proficiency in all Service Tech I duties plus stronger diagnostic abilities. Solid knowledge of industrial chillers, refrigerant recovery units, vacuum pumps, and electrical control systems. Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, basic wiring diagrams, and service bulletins to guide your work. Familiar with performing oil and refrigerant analysis sampling (using test kits and interpreting results with some guidance). Comfortable using computers/tablets for service reports, email communications, and accessing technical documentation.
• Soft Skills: Excellent organization and time management – able to juggle multiple work orders and prioritize tasks on-site. Clear communication skills for giving instructions to a Tech I helper and reporting detailed job information to managers or customers. A proactive problem-solving mindset: you take initiative to troubleshoot and only seek additional support after exhausting available solutions. Team-oriented attitude with emerging leadership qualities (e.g. you can effectively direct a junior helper when needed). Commitment to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction in all aspects of work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Post-secondary or technical training in HVAC/R or a related field (e.g. associate degree or trade school certificate) is preferred but not required if experience criteria are met.
• Additional Certifications: Training certificates from chiller or HVAC equipment manufacturers (e.g. completion of Daikin, Carrier, or Trane service courses) are a plus. A state HVAC technician license (if applicable) or other relevant licenses/certifications would be beneficial.
• Advanced Safety Training: Completion of OSHA-30, HAZWOPER, or other advanced safety courses. Any first aid/CPR training or other safety leadership training is a plus, demonstrating a commitment to jobsite safety.
• Additional Skills: Experience handling specialty refrigerants (like SF₆) or large tonnage systems is a plus. CDL Class B with HAZMAT endorsement remains a plus at this level, as it can broaden the range of jobs you can independently handle.

Travel Requirements

This role involves significant travel to serve customers in your region and beyond. Anticipate up to 80% regional travel to job sites within your territory and roughly 20% national travel for projects outside your region. You should be prepared for frequent same-day travel and regular overnight trips. A flexible schedule is needed to respond to urgent service calls or extended on-site work, with overtime as required to meet customer needs. Hudson provides all necessary travel accommodation and adheres to strict safety protocols during travel.

Why Hudson Technologies

Hudson Technologies offers you the chance to grow with an industry leader known for innovation in refrigerant services and chiller maintenance. We foster a team-focused culture where experienced mentors and managers actively support your development. At Hudson, your ideas for improvement are valued – our continuous improvement mindset means you’ll have opportunities to help refine our processes. We are dedicated to environmental stewardship, reclaiming refrigerants to reduce greenhouse gases, so your work makes a real environmental impact. In addition, we offer ongoing technical training to keep your skills sharp and help you progress toward senior technician and leadership roles. Join Hudson and experience a supportive, safety-first environment with clear career pathways – we invest in our people so we can reclaim the future together.