Senior HVAC-R Technician

Senior HVAC-R Technician (Ammonia Refrigeration Specialist)/ Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic

- Install, service, maintain and repair industrial and commercial refrigeration systems, including ammonia-based refrigeration plants.

- Conduct ammonia plant operations including inspections, leak checks, and safety compliance procedures.

- Diagnose and rectify mechanical, electrical and electronic control system faults.

Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic

Location: Melbourne, VIC

Employment Type: Full-Time

Company: MD Tradeworks – HVAC/R, Electrical & Plumbing

Salary: AUD 80,000-90,000 Per Annum

About the Employer

MD Tradeworks is a growing mechanical services provider delivering HVAC/R, electrical and plumbing solutions across commercial, industrial and essential services sectors throughout Victoria. With more than 50 employees and an engineering-focused service model, the company provides installation, maintenance and technical support for complex mechanical and refrigeration systems.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior HVAC-R Technician with specialised experience in Ammonia (NH3) Refrigeration to join our Industrial Refrigeration division. The role involves carrying out installation, maintenance, servicing, diagnostics and commissioning of industrial and commercial refrigeration and HVAC systems, including ammonia plant operations.

This full-time position requires strong technical competence, extensive field experience and the ability to independently conduct advanced diagnostics, compliance checks and system optimisation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be required to perform the following duties:

- Install, service, maintain and repair industrial and commercial refrigeration systems, including ammonia-based refrigeration plants.

- Conduct ammonia plant operations including inspections, leak checks, purging, safety compliance and emergency response procedures.

- Carry out installation, commissioning and performance testing of refrigeration and HVAC systems such as VRF/VRV systems, chillers (air-cooled and water-cooled), cold-storage equipment and commercial cooling systems.

- Diagnose and rectify mechanical, electrical and electronic control system faults, including VFDs, controllers, relays, contactors and PLC/BMS interfaces.

- Perform refrigeration trade tasks including brazing, pressure testing, leak detection, evacuation, recovery and refrigerant charging.

- Interpret and work with technical drawings, including P&IDs, mechanical schematics and electrical diagrams.

- Prepare job reports, maintenance documentation, logbooks, compliance forms and condition assessments.

- Ensure all work is completed in accordance with Australian Standards, WHS regulations and ammonia handling protocols.

- Participate in on-call duties and respond to breakdowns as required.

- Provide technical guidance and support to junior technicians and apprentices when required.

Skills, Experience and Requirements

To be considered for this role, applicants must demonstrate:

- Minimum 5 years’ experience in commercial and industrial refrigeration, including hands-on experience with Ammonia (NH3) systems.

- Extensive experience servicing VRF/VRV systems, commercial HVAC equipment, chillers, cold-storage plants and mechanical control systems.

- Ability to diagnose complex refrigeration and electrical faults and carry out commissioning and performance optimisation.

- Understanding of AS/NZS 1677 or equivalent standards for ammonia refrigeration.

- Strong commitment to safety, compliance and accurate documentation.

- Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently.

- Valid Driver’s Licence, White Card, and First Aid/CPR certification.

Qualifications and Licences (Mandatory)

- Certificate III in Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (or equivalent AQF qualification).

- ARCTick Refrigerant Handling Licence (Full licence preferred; trainee licence accepted with upgrade pathway).

Highly Desirable Experience

- Experience working with industrial refrigeration components such as:

- Screw and reciprocating compressors

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time ongoing position with a competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience.

Additional benefits include:

- Company vehicle, fuel card, tools, uniform and phone

- Ongoing technical training and upskilling (including ammonia plant training and ARCTick licence support)

- Career progression pathways into Industrial Lead Technician, Commissioning Specialist or Supervisory roles

- Exposure to highly technical commercial and industrial HVAC/R projects across Victoria

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