Poppy

Field Study & Installation Engineer, HVAC/IAQ

Contract, Part-Time | San Francisco Bay Area based. | On-site + travel (in-state and out-of-state); some remote work

Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour

About the Role

Poppy is seeking a technically-minded Field Study & Installation Engineer to support our federally-funded BREATHE program, assessing indoor air quality and HVAC systems in middle schools nationwide. You'll visit school facilities to evaluate ventilation, collect data, and document building conditions.

You'll also lead the technical/hands-on side of a prototype installation: deploying a biosensor and IAQ monitoring system in a Bay Area school, working with Poppy's account manager and outside tech vendors. This role may expand into overseeing similar installations at 40–60 schools nationwide.

Ideal for someone with hands-on HVAC/IAQ experience who's comfortable with fieldwork, engaging school staff, and building best practices from scratch on a new, scaling project.

Hours: 10–30/week during active data collection phases; 5–10/week between phases. The SF prototype's active 6-month phase will require more consistent hours. Some work may take place before or after a typical school day.

Travel is required, including regular trips outside the Bay Area and California. Valid passport/photo ID needed. Schools may require additional background checks and/or fingerprinting.

What You’ll Do

• Conduct on-site HVAC/ventilation assessments for the ARPA-H BREATHE program
• Document HVAC configurations, airflow, occupancy, and building conditions
• Assess feasibility of sensors, air cleaners, and HVAC upgrades (filtration, ductwork, bypass venting)
• Follow field protocols for consistent, accurate data collection
• Collect materials or samples (i.e. air filters) and ship to biosensor team post-visits for analysis
• Perform quality checks and basic setup on field measurement devices
• Communicate professionally with facilities staff and administrators
• Actively engage in planning meetings and debrief sessions
• For the SF prototype: install sensors/IAQ system/air cleaners/in-duct humidifiers, select and oversee trades like electricians, coordinate maintenance and eventual removal, and help build repeatable installation practices for future scale-up
• Additional responsibilities as needed

What We’re Looking For

• Background in Civil/Mechanical Engineering, HVAC, mechanical systems, and/or IAQ
• Familiarity with ASHRAE Standards (62.1 and/or 241) and ventilation best practices
• Ability to read mechanical drawings/HVAC schematics
• Multi-system Installation experience (ductwork, sensors w connectivity, electrical/placement assessment, filtration)
• Customer-facing or client-site experience, ideally technical/field-based
• Strong attention to detail, time management, and communication skills
• Bonus points: prior work in school or institutional buildings; LEED/CEM accreditation; building automation/smart building experience; valid driver's license + vehicle; interest in public health research.

Interested?

Submit your resume and a short cover letter outlining your HVAC/IAQ experience and your interest in supporting the ARPA-H schools program.