Lead HVAC Installer/Foreman

Lead HVAC Installer / Foreman

Location: Brea, CA

Work With Your Handz is partnering with a well-established, quality-first mechanical contractor based in Brea, CA, to find a dependable, skilled Lead HVAC Installer / Foreman.

Specializing in custom residential homes and light commercial installations, this company takes pride in craftsmanship, organized job sites, and clean mechanical execution. If you are an experienced HVAC lead who excels at blueprint reading, running efficient job sites, and leading crews without corporate red tape or micromanagement, this is the opportunity for you.

The Opportunity

As the Lead HVAC Installer / Foreman, you will take ownership of installations across premier custom home builds and light commercial projects throughout the Orange County area. You will direct on-site operations, typically managing a tight, efficient 2-person crew (Lead plus Helper, occasionally expanding to a 3-person crew for larger scopes).

Rather than dealing with high-volume, rushed tract housing changeouts, you will manage detailed, high-standard installations. You will plan job logistics in advance, review mechanical drawings, guide your crew, and coordinate directly with management and general contractors to ensure every system is installed with precision.

Responsibilities and Expectations

• Manage complete system rough-ins and cut-ins, ductwork fabrication/installation, refrigerant piping, line sets, venting, and equipment setting for high-end custom residences and light commercial spaces.

• Direct and mentor a 2- to 3-person install team, delegating daily tasks to helpers/apprentices, maintaining quality control, and ensuring a safe, organized job site.

• Accurately read and interpret mechanical plans, architectural drawings, and job specifications to map out daily duct and piping layouts.

• Anticipate material, tooling, and equipment needs 24–48 hours in advance to keep projects moving smoothly without downtime.

• Install and commission advanced multi-split, VRV/VRF, and inverter systems (Daikin and Mitsubishi), ensuring proper vacuum, charge, and electrical connections.

• Use Housecall Pro for daily job dispatch/updates and QuickBooks for accurate, electronic timecard tracking.

Requirements

• 5 to 7+ years of hands-on HVAC installation experience, with proven exposure to custom home projects or light commercial installations.

• Active EPA Universal Certification required (Journeyman card is not required).

• : Strong proficiency in blueprint reading, layout design, sheet metal/duct fabrication, brazing, airflow, and low-voltage wiring.

• Experience installing Daikin or Mitsubishi equipment is strongly preferred (paid manufacturer certification and training provided).

• Independent, proactive mindset with the ability to foresee job bottlenecks, communicate clearly with management, and mentor helpers on-site.

• Valid California driver’s license with a clean, insurable driving record.

What Can We Do for You?

• $30.00 – $35.00 per hour (paid biweekly).

• Paid overtime opportunities for extra earning potential.

• Shared job-site tips and scrap metal proceeds distributed directly among installers.

• Comprehensive Medical and Dental insurance available after 3 months (75% employer-paid, 25% employee contribution).

• Paid Time Off (PTO): 2 weeks of annual paid vacation.

• Sick Pay: 5 paid sick days per year.

• Fully paid factory and manufacturer training courses (including Daikin/Mitsubishi systems) to keep your technical skills sharp.

The base compensation for this position is expected to range between $30.00 – $35.00 per hour. This range is a good-faith estimate, based on the qualifications necessary for the position, including experience, training, and other considerations permitted by law. Factors that may be used when making an offer may include a candidate’s skills, experience, the expected quality and quantity of work, and internal pay alignment, as needed.

About Work With Your Handz

Work With Your Handz is a national skilled trades recruiting firm. Since 2018 we have made more than 2,500 placements, connecting HVAC, plumbing, electrical and other trades professionals with residential, commercial and industrial service companies, from apprentice and technician roles through management and executive leadership. Our services are always free to candidates. Work With Your Handz is a 2026 Inc. 5000 company.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law.

Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.