Commercial VRF Commissioning & Controls Technician

Job Description

Job Description Shape Comfort Across the Bay

DMG (an Ambient Company) is a fast-growing sales and distribution partner to leading HVAC manufacturers. With 150+ team members across offices in Castro Valley, San Jose, Fremont, and the greater Bay Area, we pair a friendly, family-like culture with strong benefits and career growth.

Role: Oakland-based Commercial VRF Commissioning & Controls Technician

A day in this role

You roll up to a commercial site in Oakland to bring a new VRF system online. You connect your laptop and touchscreen interface, verify refrigerant circuits, and put your knowledge of Daikin, LG, and AAON equipment to work. You walk wiring diagrams with the installing contractor, identify a controls misconfiguration, and reprogram the sequence. After confirming stable operation, you finalize the startup packet and submit it for warranty registration before heading to your next call.

What you’ll do

• Perform on-site startups for multiple manufacturers and commercial projects
• Troubleshoot and validate control system installations, including Daikin, LG, and AAON HVAC platforms
• Collaborate with installing teams to resolve issues using clear communication, logic, and documentation
• Program and commission new control systems via touchscreens and computers
• Document all actions on service reports and complete startup paperwork for warranty submission
• Read and interpret HVAC wiring diagrams during diagnostics
• Maintain consistent, reliable attendance and support other assigned tasks as needed

Knowledge and abilities

• HVAC trade practices, codes, and industry standards
• HVAC/R system theory and refrigerant properties (expert-level for VRF)
• Materials, methods, and tools used in installation, service, and repair
• Electrical theory as applied to HVAC equipment and controls
• Ability to read/interpret OEM manuals and wiring schematics
• Brazing and soldering proficiency
• Safety regulations, record-keeping, and proper handling/storage of materials
• Advanced familiarity with LG and AAON commercial systems and package units
• Automated temperature control systems, BMS communication, and modern computer-based HVAC platforms (email, internet, office software, basic networking)
• Mechanical, electrical, and hydronic systems relevant to commercial HVAC

Education & experience

• High school diploma or GED
• Two years of formal HVAC training

Licenses & certifications

• Valid California driver’s license
• Active EPA Universal Technician Certification

Compensation & benefits

$40–$60 per hour DOE. We offer excellent health benefits, a 401(k) plan, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and flexible scheduling.

About Ambient

Ambient is a collective of HVAC design and implementation experts, each entity esteemed in their respective regions, with decades of experience. Our experts merge craft with care, delivering safety, comfort, and highly efficient, sustainable solutions for spaces that matter most: healthcare, commercial, and residential. We have over 1k employees across the US and Canada.*