The Senior HVAC Specialist supports the University of Tennessee Space Institute by providing advanced skilled trade services related to facilities, infrastructure, and physical plant operations. This position performs complex trade work involving installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of building systems and equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient campus operations.

The Senior HVAC Specialist works independently with limited supervision, applies technical expertise to resolve non-routine issues, and supports campus operations through preventative maintenance, corrective repairs, and emergency response activities. The position may also provide work direction to others and support coordination of projects within the Facilities and Infrastructure unit.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Demonstrated experience performing skilled trade work relevant to facilities, infrastructure, or building systems.
• Ability to work independently and apply technical judgment to non-routine work assignments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Vocational or technical training in a related trade discipline.
• Experience in facilities maintenance within a higher education, government, or industrial environment.
• Experience working with complex building systems and preventative maintenance programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of skilled trade methods, tools, materials, and safety practices.
• Skill in diagnosing and repairing building systems and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret technical documentation, schematics, and work orders.
• Ability to prioritize work, manage time effectively, and respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and campus stakeholders.
• Ability to follow safety procedures and comply with applicable codes and regulations.

Work Location

• Location: Tullahoma, TN
• Work Arrangement: Onsite

Compensation and Benefits

• UT Market Range: 09
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package through the University of Tennessee.

To express interest, please submit an application with the following materials:

• Resume

About The Division: The UT Space Institute is a vibrant research, education, and innovation center of excellence, located on a satellite campus of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT), in Tullahoma, Tennessee, adjacent to the epicenter of US aerospace ground testing at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC). UTSI is:

• Dedicated to advancing Tennessee’s leadership role in aerospace and defense and equipping graduates with expertise in related fields.
• Supporting AEDC in maintaining state of the art expertise in both technical and managerial ranks, providing critical educational support toward AEDC’s national mission for the Department of Defense, NASA, and the aerospace industry.
• Uniquely poised to meet the needs of the US Space Force by preparing a world-class workforce in East Tennessee and beyond, and advancing the technologies and systems necessary to protect US and allied interests in space.
• Playing a pivotal role in the land-grant mission of UT, ensuring the creation of economic growth and workforce development opportunities for underserved communities in middle and east Tennessee.

Facilities and Trade Services

• Performs advanced skilled trade work involving the installation, maintenance, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of building systems, infrastructure, and equipment.
• Diagnoses system issues and determines appropriate corrective actions for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or related systems.
• Performs preventative maintenance activities to ensure reliable and efficient operation of facilities systems.
• Responds to service requests and emergency calls to restore critical building operations.
• Reads and interprets blueprints, schematics, technical manuals, and work orders to complete assigned work accurately.
• Operates hand tools, power tools, and specialized trade equipment safely and effectively.

Coordination and Support

• Coordinates work activities with other Facilities and Infrastructure staff to support campus operations, maintenance schedules, and projects.
• May provide work direction, guidance, or technical assistance to lower-level staff, vendors, or student employees.
• Supports facilities projects, renovations, and infrastructure improvements as assigned.
• Communicates effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and campus stakeholders regarding work status and facility needs.

Safety, Compliance, and Documentation

• Ensures all work is performed in compliance with applicable safety standards, building codes, and university policies.
• Maintains accurate records of work performed, materials used, and maintenance activities.
• Follows established procedures for safety, equipment use, and emergency response.