Heating and Cooling Plant Mechanic ($7,500 Sign-on-Bonus)
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority | |
United States, Virginia, Arlington | |
Jan 20, 2026 | |
|
Compensation Grade: T19Salary Range: $35.01-$45.50Opening Date: January 21, 2026Closing Date: Please Note: All job announcements close at 11:59 p.m. of the day before the posted closing date. As a Heating and Cooling Plant Mechanic, you will maintain, repair, and modify systems in the central plant and related facilities to provide heating and cooling for terminal buildings, hangars, and parking structures at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).Heating and Cooling Plant Mechanic Serves in the Airport Utilities Division of the Engineering and Maintenance Department at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Safely performs preventive and corrective maintenance and repairs required to operate all equipment within the central plant and related remote facilities in compliance with applicable codes, accepted trade practices, and manufacturer's specifications. Performs related functions. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Maintains and repairs high-temperature hot water generators, 1150-ton centrifugal chillers, a million-gallon chilled water storage tank, cooling tower cells, and auxiliary equipment and controls. Maintains and repairs satellite systems, including local boilers, chillers, conversion equipment, and heat exchangers. Inspects for cracks, corrosion, gauge readings, sounds, odors, and temperatures, and review of computer data, logs, schematics, maintenance manuals, and drawings to troubleshoot problems with electrical, electronic, or pneumatic controls and mechanical equipment. Dismantles, inspects, cleans, repairs, and replaces or rebuilds equipment and parts. Repairs or replaces piping and modifies controls, per schematics and drawings. Aligns motor and pump shafts; adjusts controls; replaces bearings, bushings, and connecting rods; and cleans cooling tower basins, tubes on high-temperature generators, and related equipment. Rebuilds chilled water and high-temperature hot-water pumps by replacing impeller mechanical seals and adjusting to close tolerances required by manufacturers' specifications. Performs preventive maintenance on high-temperature hot water generators, centrifugal chillers, pumps, compressors, cooling towers, and related equipment. Lubricates and replenishes oil, changes filters, tightens loose connections, and cleans coils. Replaces worn belts, gaskets, pulleys, O rings, and other parts. Checks and charges refrigerant and performs other tasks to maintain equipment within the manufacturer's recommendations. May perform other housekeeping tasks such as cleaning, painting, and covering pipes. Occasionally uses a distributed control system (DCS) to determine the operational status of equipment monitored and controlled by it. Performs other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Four years of progressively responsible experience in repairing and maintaining central plant heating and cooling systems, including high-temperature hot water generators, industrial chillers, and chilled water storage tanks. Two of the four years of experience must have involved interpreting and applying schematics, diagrams, and manuals to troubleshoot and isolate system malfunctions. A License as a Journey HVAC Mechanic is evidence of four years of progressively responsible HVAC trade experience, but is not, by itself, evidence of the two years of specialized experience. Knowledge of the principles used and ability to operate and maintain high-temperature hot-water generators, centrifugal chillers, and all ancillary equipment. Knowledge of the principles of air conditioning and refrigeration cycles, refrigerant tables, pressure-temperature relationships, and mechanical operation of systems/equipment, and ability to apply it to diagnose, dismantle, repair, and reassemble. Knowledge of refrigerant R-123 and skill in handling it with the required safety precautions. Ability to use semi-automated computer-based instrumentation and distributed control systems (DCS) for heating/cooling systems to verify normal operating performances, adjust controls, and identify and isolate operational problems. Ability to analyze data and information (diagrams, schematics) to perform work. Skill in using tools and equipment of the trade (e.g., wrenches, socket sets, etc.) Ability to work safely and knowledge of the safety rules, regulations, and procedures needed to do so. Ability to speak and write effectively. Skill in using a computer and computerized work order, time, and attendance systems. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS A License as a Master HVAC Mechanic in the Commonwealth of Virginia. EDUCATION A high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development (GED). CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED A state driver's license in good standing. Licensure as a Journey HVAC Mechanic within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job. Certification (universal Section 608) to service HVAC/Refrigeration Equipment from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) within 90 days of hire, promotion, or placement in the job. NECESSARY SPECIAL FACTORS Must maintain licensures and certifications. Work is typically reviewed in progress and upon completion for quantity, quality, timeliness, teamwork, customer service, and other factors. Operates vehicle landside and airside (requires AOA permit). Is subject to some first or third shift work. Is subject to hold-over and recall on a 24-hour basis for essential services and emergencies such as snow removal. May bend, stoop, crouch, and work in confined spaces such as generators for most of a shift. Carries/moves objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Is exposed to some adverse weather conditions and dust, grease, dirt, loud noise, high temperatures, possible burns, falls, or injuries. Wears personal protective equipment, as required. A background security investigation will be required for all new hires. Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer.| Follow us on Twitter @MWAAcareers. | |
Jan 20, 2026