Share this job SVGs not supported by this browser. Description Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals: Advance Airport Development Transform the Customer Experience Optimize Ongoing Business Cultivate Our Culture Here, culture starts with each of us. Our workplace is shaped by mindsets that guide how we show up for one another: believing the best in people, collaboration, empathy, listening, and thoughtful decision-making. If you are ready to contribute to a team that values meaningful impact and enjoys the journey along the way, we invite you to apply today and help us connect our community to the world. Why You'll Love Working at SAN: Location: Facilities Management Department (FMD) Administration Building, located on San Diego International Airport campus’s north end and sits adjacent to the rental car facility, providing one-of-a-kind views of our runway, along with several outdoor terraces and courtyards for employees to engage with nature. Salary: The hiring salary for Lead HVAC Controls Technician is $101,795. The full pay range for Lead HVAC Controls Technician is $82,912-$112,230. Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, retirement plan options that include a choice between our comprehensive pension plan or a 401(a) defined contribution plan, with the option to add a 457(b) deferred compensation plan. You can also take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more! Wellness: Take advantage of multiple on-site gyms with regular fitness classes, outdoor working areas, fitness discounts for all levels and goals, monthly fruit deliveries, rewards for volunteer time, financial wellness advisors, and a campus with easy access to some of San Diego's best walking trails. About the Job: The Facilities Management department is looking for a Lead HVAC Controls Technician with a solutions-driven focus on maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving the airport’s large-scale mechanical systems to ensure a comfortable, safe, and reliable environment for millions of travelers. This role is both technical and highly collaborative—guiding daily operations, supporting construction and tenant improvement projects, and serving as a key liaison with contractors, engineers, and internal teams. This position works within a large and complex commercial plant, contributing to ongoing system upgrades and construction projects while overseeing fieldwork and ensuring quality standards are met. It plays a highly visible and impactful role in airport operations, balancing hands-on technical expertise with patience, tact, and diplomatic communication. The ideal candidate will bring strong mechanical and troubleshooting skills, confidence in navigating building automation systems, and the ability to lead projects from start to finish. They will demonstrate steady judgment in a fast-paced, customer-centered environment, earning trust through clear communication, collaboration, and consistent delivery. The role shapes the design, reliability, and long-term performance of the systems that will support the airport’s next generation of operations, standing out through its scale, impact, and visibility in shaping the passenger experience across one of the region’s most essential public spaces. What You’ll Do: HVAC Operations Oversight: Leads and coordinates HVAC Technicians and contractors performing installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair across complex airport systems and the central plant. Preventive and Predictive Maintenance: Ensures routine inspections, testing, and servicing of refrigeration units, heating and ventilation systems, air-conditioning equipment, and building automation systems are completed to standard. Project and Team Leadership: Leads HVAC work for construction and tenant improvement projects—from reviewing plans and work orders to verifying specifications, securing materials, and ensuring high-quality completion. Provides daily directions, technical support, and specialized HVAC training to team members; supports development of procedures and work standards. System Diagnostics and Calibration: Performs and oversees system calibrations, piping repairs, equipment rebuilds, and quality checks to maintain safe, efficient, and reliable operations. Customer Service and Communication: Responds to departmental inquiries, prepares documentation and work records, attends meetings, and communicates clearly with internal and external partners. Emergency and Cross-Departmental Support: Coordinates with other departments, supports emergency response needs, and performs journey-level HVAC work when required. Operational Driving*: Drives Airport Authority vehicles to reach work sites throughout the airport campus, enabling effective oversight, maintenance, and troubleshooting of HVAC and building systems. The Skills You Need: Leadership and Supervision — leads, coordinates, and evaluates the work of HVAC staff and contractors; provides training, coaching, and guidance to support technical growth and safe work practices. HVAC Systems Expertise — applies advanced knowledge of installation, maintenance, testing, repair, and balancing of HVAC equipment, air distribution systems, hydronic systems, and building automation systems. Mechanical System Design and Operation — understands the fundamentals of heating, cooling, ventilation, exhaust, ductwork, hydronics, and related electrical components to diagnose issues and implement effective solutions. Building Automation and Digital Tools — uses BAS platforms, software, and diagnostic tools to monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and maintain accurate documentation. Codes, Standards, & Compliance — interprets and applies mechanical codes, safety regulations, and industry standards governing HVAC operations and construction activities. Safety & Hazard Awareness — recognizes hazards, enforces safe work methods, and models proper use of tools, equipment, and protective practices in all environments. Technical Interpretation & Decision-Making — reads and interprets plans, drawings, and specifications; estimates labor and materials; exercises sound judgment and initiative within established guidelines. Communication & Collaboration — builds productive relationships, coordinates work with other departments and stakeholders, and ensures clear communication and accurate records, reports, and work orders. Requirements The Experience You Need to Have**: Four years of journey-level construction and/or industrial HVAC experience and building automation systems of which two years were in a supervisory role, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience. High school diploma or GED equivalent. Licenses, Certificates, and Special Requirements : Maintain a valid driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Authority’s vehicle insurance policy. Successful completion of a fingerprint-based background investigation, training, and testing required for employment and operation and operation of Authority and San Diego County physical security, surveillance, radio and telecommunications equipment. *Driving is an Essential Function This role requires regular driving as a critical part of performing work-related duties, specifically involving the operation of Airport Authority vehicles. A valid California driver’s license is required, along with strict adherence to all traffic laws and safety regulations. Applicants must maintain an acceptable driving record to operate Authority vehicles. Compliance with Airport Authority vehicle use policies, including safety protocols and reporting requirements, is mandatory. Applicants must acknowledge that driving Airport Authority vehicles is an essential function of this role. **Don’t meet every requirement? That’s okay. At San Diego International Airport, we value your unique experience and your willingness to learn. Some roles require specific qualifications or degrees, but others don’t—and we're always open to individuals committed to growth and excellence. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply. And if it’s not the right fit, we’ll keep you in mind for future opportunities. We may have the perfect spot for you to land. EEO Statement It is the policy of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, SDCRAA will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. Physical & Mental Demands Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation. If you need any form of accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform the Talent Acquisition Partner (Recruiter). Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as they may be assigned to them by their employer or law. Apply for this job