Position Overview
CPI Service is seeking an experienced Senior HVAC & Plumbing Service Technician with advanced technical expertise across residential and commercial mechanical systems.
This position is designed for a highly skilled technician capable of independently diagnosing, repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex plumbing, heating, cooling, and mechanical equipment.
The ideal candidate brings extensive hands-on experience across both plumbing and HVAC disciplines, including commercial boilers, hydronic heating systems, pumps, water heaters, refrigeration, and mechanical controls.
Beyond technical expertise, Senior Technicians are expected to demonstrate leadership, mentor junior technicians, take ownership of challenging service calls, and consistently deliver exceptional customer experiences.
This position requires an individual who is self-motivated, inquisitive, technically proficient, and committed to CPI Service's standards of safety, quality, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Advanced HVAC & Mechanical Service
Independently diagnose, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain residential and commercial HVAC systems.
Service and repair furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, mini-splits, package units, and other mechanical equipment.
Diagnose complex heating and cooling problems involving electrical components, refrigeration circuits, motors, compressors, and controls.
Perform preventative maintenance, system testing, startups, and commissioning.
Diagnose and repair commercial and residential boilers, hydronic heating systems, circulation pumps, and associated mechanical controls.
Troubleshoot airflow, temperature, pressure, and system performance issues.
Perform refrigerant recovery, charging, and system repairs in accordance with EPA requirements.
Recommend system improvements, repairs, and replacements based on technical findings.
Advanced Plumbing & Hydronic Systems
Diagnose and repair residential and commercial plumbing systems.
Service, troubleshoot, and replace commercial and residential water heaters, including tankless and high-capacity systems.
Diagnose and repair domestic hot water recirculation systems, circulation pumps, mixing valves, and associated controls.
Troubleshoot hydronic heating systems, boilers, pumps, expansion tanks, and distribution systems.
Diagnose and repair plumbing equipment involving mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical controls.
Perform plumbing repairs involving water supply, drainage, fixtures, valves, and gas piping.
Support commercial plumbing repairs, repiping, and specialty mechanical projects as required.
Ensure all work complies with applicable plumbing and mechanical codes.
Complex Diagnostics & Technical Problem-Solving
Serve as a senior technical resource for challenging plumbing and HVAC service calls.
Independently identify root causes of mechanical failures and system inefficiencies.
Apply systematic diagnostic procedures rather than relying on unnecessary parts replacement.
Read and interpret mechanical drawings, electrical schematics, equipment manuals, and technical specifications.
Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, efficiency, and performance.
Provide technical recommendations for repair-versus-replacement decisions.
Support other technicians remotely or in the field when specialized technical assistance is required.
Customer Service & Communication
Serve as a trusted technical advisor to residential and commercial customers.
Clearly explain diagnostic findings, recommended repairs, and available solutions.
Prepare accurate estimates, invoices, and supporting documentation.
Obtain customer authorization before performing additional work.
Communicate professionally with property managers, facility managers, homeowners, and other customer representatives.
Take ownership of customer concerns and ensure satisfactory resolution.
Identify additional maintenance, repair, and replacement opportunities when appropriate.
Training & Technical Leadership
Mentor apprentices, junior technicians, and journeyman technicians.
Provide technical guidance on diagnostics, troubleshooting, and proper repair procedures.
Assist with hands-on training and the development of technician competency.
Demonstrate proper use of diagnostic equipment, tools, and safety procedures.
Help establish and improve CPI's technical service standards and operating procedures.
Lead by example through professionalism, accountability, and quality workmanship.
Support management in evaluating new equipment, technologies, and service methods.
Documentation & Operational Excellence
Complete service reports, diagnostic findings, estimates, and invoices accurately and on time.
Document equipment conditions, model and serial numbers, repairs, and recommendations within Housecall Pro.
Maintain accurate labor, material, and equipment usage records.
Communicate job progress, follow-up requirements, and outstanding issues to dispatch and management.
Coordinate with dispatch to ensure efficient scheduling and completion of service calls.
Minimize callbacks through proper diagnostics, quality workmanship, and thorough testing.
Identify opportunities to improve field efficiency, customer service, and company processes.
Tools, Equipment & Vehicle
Maintain personal trade tools and specialized diagnostic equipment as required.
Keep assigned company vehicles clean, organized, stocked, and in safe operating condition.
Properly maintain and protect CPI-owned tools, equipment, and materials.
Monitor commonly used parts and inventory to maximize service efficiency.
Report damaged, missing, or malfunctioning equipment promptly.
Safety & Compliance
Follow applicable OSHA regulations and CPI Service safety policies.
Practice safe electrical troubleshooting, refrigerant handling, combustion testing, and mechanical equipment servicing.
Follow appropriate lockout/tagout and hazardous energy control procedures.
Maintain required certifications and participate in ongoing technical training.
Ensure work complies with applicable California plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and building codes.
Qualifications
10+ years of combined HVAC, plumbing, or mechanical service experience preferred.
Demonstrated advanced competency in both HVAC and plumbing service, with particular emphasis on diagnostics and mechanical systems.
Strong experience with commercial and residential boilers, hydronic systems, circulation pumps, and water heating equipment.
Experience diagnosing electrical controls, motors, pumps, and mechanical equipment.
EPA Section 608 certification appropriate to the refrigerant work performed required.
Strong understanding of refrigeration, combustion, hydronics, and plumbing fundamentals.
Ability to interpret technical manuals, schematics, and mechanical drawings.
Experience with commercial and industrial mechanical systems strongly preferred.
Experience training or mentoring technicians highly desirable.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Proficiency with smartphones, tablets, and service management software.
Valid California Driver's License and acceptable driving record.
Ability to perform the essential physical functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, including climbing, kneeling, working in confined spaces, and lifting equipment.
Ability to participate in scheduled after-hours and emergency service coverage when required.
Ideal Candidate
The successful Senior HVAC & Plumbing Service Technician is someone who:
Is a Technical Expert: Possesses deep mechanical knowledge and enjoys solving challenging technical problems.
Takes Ownership: Treats every service call and customer relationship as their own responsibility.
Is Self-Motivated: Can independently assess problems, develop solutions, and execute repairs.
Is Inquisitive: Continuously seeks to understand how systems operate and why equipment fails.
Is a Teacher: Enjoys sharing technical knowledge and helping other technicians improve.
Values Quality: Takes pride in completing repairs correctly and minimizing callbacks.
Communicates Effectively: Can explain complex technical issues clearly to customers and coworkers.
Embraces Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks opportunities to improve personal skills, company procedures, and team performance.
Represents CPI Professionally: Demonstrates integrity, positivity, accountability, and respect for customers and colleagues.
Compensation & Benefits
Competitive hourly compensation based on technical experience and qualifications.
Overtime and after-hours opportunities.
Performance-based bonus opportunities.
Health, dental, and vision insurance, subject to plan eligibility.
401(k) retirement plan.
Paid time off and company holidays.
Company service vehicle and equipment.
Ongoing manufacturer and technical training.
Career advancement opportunities into Lead Technician, Technical Superintendent, or Service Management roles.
About CPI Service
Founded in 1986, CPI Service is an established plumbing and HVAC contractor serving residential and commercial customers throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.
Our team provides plumbing, HVAC, mechanical, and specialty service solutions to homeowners