Senior HVAC Specialist

About the role

KBR is seeking a Senior HVAC Specialist to lead the operation, maintenance and repair of heating, ventilation and air‑conditioning systems at Camp Lemonnier Naval Base in Djibouti. The role ensures reliable climate control for both building and industrial processes in a demanding, mission‑critical environment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead HVAC and refrigeration repair, troubleshooting and preventive maintenance for chillers, packaged units, split units, refrigerated containers, walk‑in chillers/freezers and ice machines.
• Inspect, diagnose and service compressors, condenser and evaporator coils, fan motors, pumps, expansion valves, refrigerant circuits, filter driers, VFDs, VRV/VRF systems and related electrical components.
• Read and interpret complex electrical schematics to perform refrigerant recovery, charging, leak detection, component replacement, functional testing and re‑commissioning.
• Prioritize breakdowns, coordinate planned maintenance and corrective actions to minimise downtime.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to junior technicians while ensuring compliance with safety and maintenance standards.
• Lead emergency breakdown response, conduct root‑cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive measures.
• Supervise the HVAC department when directed.

Required profile

• 7–10 years of experience as an HVAC Mechanic Lead or senior HVAC mechanic.
• Hands‑on experience with commercial and residential air‑conditioning, refrigerated containers, walk‑in chillers/freezers and ice machines.
• High school diploma or equivalent; associate degree or technical certificate preferred.
• EPA certification or equivalent.
• Fluent English and a valid passport with at least 12 months validity.
• Physical stamina to lift heavy equipment and work in confined or elevated spaces.

Required skills

• HVAC systems and refrigeration
• Chiller, packaged, split and walk‑in unit maintenance
• Compressor, condenser, evaporator, fan motor and pump servicing
• Refrigerant recovery, charging and leak detection
• Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and VRV/VRF technology
• Electrical schematic interpretation
• Preventive maintenance planning
• Root‑cause analysis and corrective action implementation
• Safety standards compliance