Aurora Launch Services (ALS): Aurora Launch Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Alaska Aerospace, established to provide low cost, highly reliable launch services on a contract basis to both government and commercial space launch customers worldwide. The company is headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, co-located with Alaska Aerospace.
Position Summary: The HVAC Specialist is responsible for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and installation of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems and associated control systems at the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska (PSCA). This position independently performs skilled technical work to maintain facility environment controls, equipment reliability, and operational readiness of mission-critical systems and support facilities. This position reports to the Infrastructure Lead and is primarily a hands-on technical role.
Location: This is a full-time position based at the Pacific Spaceport Complex – Alaska in Kodiak, AK. Work is performed on-site, with occasional travel to other operational sites in support of mission activities.
Primary Job Responsibilities
1Operate, inspect, troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and install HVAC and associated mechanical and electrical equipment serving processing, and related equipment throughout PSCA facilities.
2. Maintain the PPF (ISO Class 7) clean room environmental systems, including temperature, humidity, air pressure, filtration, and other controlled conditions necessary to support mission requirements.
3. Monitor, diagnose, and adjust HVAC systems using building automation and control systems, including Siemens BAS, to maintain operational efficiency and equipment performance.
4. Perform preventative maintenance, equipment inspections, testing, calibration, and corrective repairs to ensure system reliability and minimize operational disruptions.
5. Install, configure, and maintain environmental monitoring equipment and data loggers; retrieve, document, and analyze system data to identify trends and performance concerns.
6. Diagnose equipment malfunctions, identify appropriate corrective actions, and recommend repairs, replacements, or system improvements.
7. Maintain accurate records of inspections, repairs, preventive maintenance, equipment performance, and related work orders.
8. Coordinate material and equipment needs, maintain necessary supplies and inventory, and support procurement requests for HVAC and clean room operations.
9. Assist with facility modifications, upgrades, and general maintenance activities involving mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other site infrastructure within the scope of training and qualifications.
10. Support launch, mission, customer, or site operations as required, including extended hours, overtime, weekends, or schedule changes based on operational needs.
11. Follow applicable safety procedures, OSHA guidelines, site rules, security requirements, and company policies.
12. Perform other related duties as assigned.
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Strong working knowledge of commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems, mechanical components, electrical controls, and preventive maintenance practices.
Ability to independently diagnose and resolve HVAC system malfunctions using appropriate testing equipment, diagnostic tools, and technical procedures.
Knowledge of building automation systems, environmental controls, and equipment monitoring methods.
Ability to read and interpret mechanical and electrical drawings, schematics, technical manuals, and equipment specifications. • Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, diagnostic instruments, vehicles, and maintenance or logistics support equipment as qualified and authorized.
Ability to maintain accurate technical documentation, maintenance records, and equipment performance data.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with staff, customers, and the public in a variety of settings.
Ability to use basic computer systems, including email, digital timekeeping, and other company systems as required.
Ability to quickly identify problems and efficiently solve them.
Ability to multi-task in a very dynamic and complex aerospace environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams.
Required Education & Experience
High school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of an HVAC trade or technical program, apprenticeship, or equivalent technical training preferred.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in HVAC installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair, preferably involving commercial or industrial systems.
EPA Section 608 Universal Certification required.
Valid driver’s license required.
Experience with clean room environmental controls, Siemens building automation systems, and environmental monitoring equipment preferred.
Qualification to operation forklifts, man-lifts, or other maintenance support equipment preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements:
This position operates in both indoor and outdoor environments, including operational sites, field locations, and potentially confined spaces and elevated work areas, depending on assigned duties and operational needs. Duties require frequent standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs or ladders, and lifting up to 50 pounds. Work may involve exposure to equipment, machinery, loud noises, dust, dirt, fumes, smoke, uneven terrain, and varying weather conditions. Use of company-required and task-appropriate personal protective equipment is required.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Provides task-level direction, technical guidance, and daily coordination for junior maintenance staff. Works under the direction of the Facilities Lead or designee and may provide technical guidance or coordinate HVAC-related activities with maintenance personnel, contractors, and other site staff as assigned. May assist with work planning, prioritization, training, quality and timekeeping review, and identifying resource or performance concerns.
Additional Requirements:
Ability to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by mission campaigns, as applicable.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).
Successful completion of pre-employment background check and drug screening.
Must obtain and maintain required safety training, certifications, and qualifications applicable to assigned duties and hazards associated with operations.
ITAR Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is the policy of Aurora Launch Services to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
Compensation
A competitive salary and benefits package, determined upon experience level of individual, will be negotiated after an offer to hire has been given.
To Apply
Please apply online on Indeed.com or send a resume and cover letter to careers@akaerospace.gov. Professional references required. We recognize that candidates may not meet every listed qualification and encourage applicants with relevant experience, transferable skills, and interest in the role to apply. For questions call (907) 413-2301. This position will remain open until filled.