cGMP HVAC Mechanic

Frederick National Laboratory, operated by Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., addresses urgent and intractable problems in biomedical sciences including cancer, AIDS, drug development, nanotechnology in medicine, and emerging infectious diseases.

About the role

The Vaccine Clinical Materials Program (VCMP) supports the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Vaccine Research Center (VRC) by advancing preclinical and clinical research, product development, and manufacture of novel clinical-stage vaccines and biologics for global infectious diseases (e.g., HIV-AIDS, Influenza, Ebola, Malaria, Novel Coronavirus, Tuberculosis). The VCMP operates a pilot plant facility in Frederick, MD, engaged in cGMP manufacture, testing, release, and supply of Phase I/II clinical products for investigational use in the U.S. and globally.

Responsibilities

• Install, service, rebuild, and repair commercial and industrial air-conditioning and refrigeration systems in accordance with applicable codes and safety requirements.
• Perform periodic inspections to identify, diagnose, and correct equipment malfunctions.
• Conduct preventive maintenance to reduce equipment failures involving refrigeration compressors, evaporators, condensers, pneumatic and electrical controls, pumps, fans, and heating-water systems.
• Accurately charge air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, perform leak testing, and evaluate/adjust refrigerant metering devices for proper system operation.
• Fabricate, assemble, and install ductwork as needed.
• Perform repairs and component replacement on heating-water systems, including circulating pumps, motors, valves, and associated mechanical equipment.
• Service and maintain Building Automation Systems (BAS), including monitoring system operation, adjusting setpoints, and component replacement.
• Install, service, and maintain cleanroom HVAC systems, including temperature, humidity, pressure, filtration, and airflow controls, in accordance with cGMP requirements.
• Operate and repair cGMP air handlers, roof-mounted exhaust fans, reheat coils, cabinet heating systems, and heating hot water distribution systems.
• Replace belts, sheaves, motors, and bearings on air handling equipment and exhaust fans.
• Assist with maintenance and repair of biosafety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, clean-in-place (CIP) and steam-in-place (SIP) systems, fan coil units, chilled-water and heating-water control valves, pneumatic controls, domestic hot-water systems, and emergency power-connected equipment.
• Train on and maintain current knowledge of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Assist other trades personnel with maintenance and repair work as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of two (2) years of HVAC-related experience.
• Experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting chilled-water distribution loops.
• Experience with heating-water system repair and replacement.
• Knowledge of high-tonnage air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, including various types of refrigeration compressors; pneumatic, electronic, mechanical, and building automation controls; and piping system practices.
• Experience with process glycol refrigeration systems, including multi-stage refrigeration equipment, evaporators, circulation pumps, condenser fans, and wet/dry-coil systems.
• Experience with a Building Automation System (BAS), such as Schneider Electric Building Automation System 3.2, automation servers, and associated peripherals.
• Ability to read blueprints and schematics related to air conditioning and refrigeration systems; apply standard practices and techniques; perform simple arithmetic calculations.
• Current EPA Section 608 Universal Certification for refrigerant handling, recovery, and system service.
• Ability to follow routine safety practices in the HVAC trade.
• Ability to work in environments involving bending, stooping, confined spaces, potential exposure to particulates/vapors, and noisy conditions.
• Availability for emergency on-call duties as needed.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Physical Qualifications

• Maintain balance at all times; walk, kneel, and hear (corrective appliances allowed).
• Use of both hands, arms, and legs; carry up to 50 lbs; lift over 50 lbs.
• Reach above shoulders, climb ladders, push/pull, and perform repeated bending.
• Stand for extended periods and obtain confined space certification.
• Visual acuity including depth perception, color distinction, and correctable vision to 20/40.
• Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Ability to enter laboratories or hazardous areas.
• Ability to operate/service equipment contacting or transporting compressed or liquid gas.
• Exposure to temperatures below 32°F and above 90°F indoors for short durations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a formal HVAC apprenticeship program or equivalent combination of technical training and at least five years of relevant experience.
• A current Maryland HVAC Journeyman License may be accepted as evidence of equivalent qualification.
• Familiarity with cGMP policies and procedures, including experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing environments and GMP control.
• Experience with clean and dirty utilities in GMP settings.
• Experience with steam boiler operation, controls, maintenance, and basic troubleshooting.
• Experience with residential and commercial plumbing systems, maintenance, and repair.
• Experience with operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of large commercial or industrial chiller plants.

Job Hazards

• Potential exposure to infectious materials, requiring medical clearance and immunizations.
• Potential exposure to high noise levels for extended periods, requiring medical clearance.

Pay

65,500.00 - 96,407.00 USD. The posted pay range is a general guideline and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered include job responsibilities, education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and market data alignment.

Benefits

Competitive compensation packages, including Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave, and Retirement benefits.

Schedule

Full-time, non-exempt position with work hours from 6:30 AM to 3:00 PM.