Maritime Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanic

United Support Services, Inc., founded in 2003, is an innovative engineering and technology business headquartered in San Diego, CA. We have an exciting new opportunity and are currently looking to add an Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanic to our berthing and maintenance team, supporting the Hampton Roads, VA area. USS offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits! Veterans are highly encouraged to apply!

Duties and Responsibilities

• Install, service, and repair environmental-control systems on berthing and messing craft, utilizing knowledge of refrigeration and steam theory, pipefitting and structural layout.
• Repair systems that utilize a variety of methods for air conditioning and heating such as mechanical compression, vapor compression, absorption, steam jet or air cycle.
• Capability of repairing a variety of domestic and commercial refrigeration units such as walk in and reach in coolers, refrigerators, water coolers, freezers, juice dispensers, and other equipment of comparable complexity.
• Mounts compressor and condenser units, using hand tools, following blueprints or engineering specifications.
• Fabricate, assemble and install ductwork and chassis parts, using portable metalworking tools and welding equipment.
• Install evaporator unit in chassis or in air-duct system, using hand tools.
• Cut and bend tubing to correct length and shape, using cutting and bending equipment and tools.
• Cut and thread pipes using machine-threading or hand-threading equipment.
• Join tubing or pipes to various refrigerating units by means of sleeves, couplings or unions, and solders joints, using torch, forming complete circuit for refrigerant.
• Install expansion and discharge valves in circuit.
• Connect motors, compressors, temperature controls, humidity controls and circulating ventilation fans to control panels and connect control panels to power source.
• Install air and water filters on completed installation. Injects small amount of refrigerant into compressor to test systems and adds freon gas to build up prescribed operating pressure.
• Observe pressure and vacuum gauges and adjust controls to ensure proper operation.
• Test joints and connections for gas leaks, using gauges or soap-and-water solution.
• Wrap pipes in insulation batting and secure them in place.
• Replace defective breaker controls, thermostats, switches, fuses, and electrical wiring to repair installed units, using electrician’s hand tools and test equipment.
• May install, repair and service air conditioning units ranging from small window units to centralized units up to 300 tons cooling capacity.
• Prioritize work; plans testing procedures; selects test equipment; determines the work sequence; locates malfunctions; determines the proper kind and type of parts and materials required and completes the repairs or installations.
• Follow or refer to blueprints, manufacturers’ specifications, schematics, block diagrams, and technical orders as needed.
• Require little or no supervision or checks during the progress of his/her work assignments.
• Must have own basic tool kit.
• Must have a Universal EPA Certification.
• Per contract requirements, must be able to respond to urgent calls outside of regular working hours.
• Additional tasks and duties may be assigned.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of shipboard air conditioning and refrigeration (AC&R)/HVAC repair experience required
• Knowledge of U.S. Navy AC&R equipment required
• Knowledge of industrial U.S. Navy ship repair activities, ship layout, configuration, control plates, placards, markings, and symbols required
• Understanding of ship electrical power, heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, isolation procedures, hot work, confined spaces, and fire-watch requirements preferred
• Messing & Berthing Barge Experience preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Valid Drivers License
• Security Clearance required
• Must be able to pass a government background check and obtain base access credentials
• Must possess a Universal EPA Certification
• Must provide own basic tool kit
• Must be able to lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to traverse narrow passageways, ladders/stairs, and confined spaces
• Must be able to work in industrial shipboard environments with occasional noise
• Ability to work independently and complete assignments with minimal supervision required

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Special Conditions

This employment position is CONTINGENT upon a contract award to employer for the required services, completion of applicant’s favorable employment background investigation, and the ability of applicant to obtain a military base access card and security clearance at all times during the period of employment.

Job Type: Full-time, Non-Exempt

United Support Services, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and affirmative action employer.