Chiller Technician I

Job Type:  Full-time | Location:  Childress, TX | Department:  Operations | Reporting to:  Mechanical Manager | Work Location Type:  #onsite

 

IREN is a leading AI Cloud Service Provider, delivering large-scale GPU clusters for AI training and inference. IREN’s vertically integrated platform is underpinned by its expansive portfolio of grid-connected land and data centers in renewable-rich regions across the U.S. and Canada.  

The Chiller Technician I helps keep the cooling running at IREN’s liquid-cooled hyperscale campuses in West Texas and Oklahoma. Working on shift as part of the mechanical team, this entry-level role supports the operation of the central utility plant (CUP) that removes heat from some of the densest AI compute in North America – centrifugal and screw chillers, cooling towers, pumps, heat exchangers, coolant distribution units and the direct-to-chip liquid cooling loops that serve the racks themselves.

This is a hands-on, closely-supervised role for a technician who wants to move from commercial HVAC or industrial refrigeration – or straight from a trade program – into mission-critical central utility plant operations. Reporting to the Associate Director of Operations and working under the direct guidance of Chiller Technician IIs, IIIs and the Chiller Specialist, the successful candidate will be supported through structured training on liquid cooling systems and a clear progression path toward Chiller Technician II, Chiller Technician III and Chiller Specialist as the portfolio grows.

With 100% renewable energy, we build, own and operate our data centers and take pride in being at the forefront of sustainable solutions for the ever-evolving applications of high-performance compute. We believe that human progress is invaluable, but it should be done in the right way – responsibly, sustainably and having a positive impact on the communities we operate in.  

Responsibilities

• Central utility plant operation (supervised): Assist with operating, monitoring and maintaining the central utility plant (CUP) – centrifugal, screw and air-cooled chillers, cooling towers, pumps, heat exchangers, dry coolers, valves and associated piping – on assigned shifts, under the direction of a Chiller Technician II, III or the Chiller Specialist.
• Preventive maintenance execution: Carry out routine, scheduled preventive maintenance tasks on central utility plant equipment to the published programme and quality standard, under supervision, completing all documentation accurately and on time.
• Liquid cooling support: Assist with maintaining direct-to-chip and immersion cooling infrastructure including CDUs, manifolds, quick-disconnects, filtration and leak detection, under the guidance of Chiller Technician IIs, IIIs and the Chiller Specialist.
• Operational rounds and readings: Perform routine rounds, take operational readings across mechanical systems, and escalate abnormal trends, alarms or conditions promptly.
• Basic troubleshooting: Assist in diagnosing straightforward mechanical faults on chillers, pumps, towers and controls under supervision, escalating all but the most routine issues to a Chiller Technician II or III, the Chiller Specialist or the Associate Director of Operations.
• Water treatment support: Support condenser and technical cooling water treatment programmes through sampling, testing, dosing and record-keeping.
• Incident response: Respond to thermal alarms and mechanical events on shift under the direction of a more senior technician, execute recovery steps per approved procedures, and contribute to post-incident reviews.
• Procedure compliance: Execute all work on critical plant strictly in accordance with approved Methods of Procedure, SOPs and the change management process – no improvisation on live systems.
• Safety: Follow lockout/tagout, confined space, hot work, arc flash and refrigerant handling requirements without exception, and raise safety concerns immediately.
• Contractor escort and oversight: Assist with escorting and monitoring OEM and specialist contractors on site, verifying that work matches the approved scope and meets IREN safety expectations.
• Documentation and CMMS: Keep work orders, asset histories, readings and refrigerant records accurate and current in the CMMS.
• Continuous learning: Participate actively in the training and qualification programme, building toward Chiller Technician II, Chiller Technician III and, over time, Chiller Specialist competency on liquid cooling and central utility plant operations.

Requirements

• 1+ years of hands-on experience maintaining and troubleshooting commercial or industrial chillers and HVAC plant, or recent completion of an HVAC/refrigeration trade program, apprenticeship or military technical training; mission-critical or industrial process cooling exposure is a plus but not required
• EPA Section 608 certification is required (Type II minimum, with a commitment to obtain Universal certification within the first year)
• Basic working knowledge of chiller refrigerant circuits, cooling towers, pumps, heat exchangers, VFDs and hydronic systems
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, schematics and basic control sequences
• Willingness and aptitude to be trained on direct-to-chip and immersion liquid cooling systems – prior exposure is an advantage but not required
• Familiarity with BMS or building automation front ends, and comfort using a CMMS for work order and record management
• High school diploma or equivalent required; trade school, apprenticeship, military technical training or an associate degree in HVAC, refrigeration or mechanical technology preferred
• Additional credentials welcomed: HVAC journeyman license, Texas TDLR registration, NATE, RETA, or manufacturer-specific chiller training
• Ability to work 12-hour rotating shifts including nights, weekends and holidays, and to participate in an on-call rotation
• Physically able to climb ladders and stairs, work at height and in confined spaces, lift up to 50 pounds, and work in mechanical spaces and outdoor West Texas conditions
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel between the Texas and Oklahoma campuses as required
• Must live within, or be willing to relocate to, commutable distance of the assigned campus; relocation assistance is available