Equipment Startup & Commissioning Technician – Commercial Kitchen Equipment
Position Overview
Ameritech Facility Services is seeking a highly skilled, detail-oriented Equipment Startup & Commissioning Technician to support new construction and remodel projects across the restaurant and foodservice industry.
This is not a standard installation position. The ideal candidate will possess a strong mechanical aptitude, advanced troubleshooting skills, and the ability to professionally commission, adjust, calibrate, and verify the operation of commercial kitchen equipment in live customer environments.
Successful candidates must be comfortable working under pressure, solving complex issues in the field, interacting directly with customers, and ensuring equipment performs to manufacturer specifications before turnover.
Key Responsibilities
Perform startup, commissioning, testing, calibration, and operational verification of commercial kitchen equipment.
Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical, electrical, gas, plumbing, and controls-related issues during startup.
Adjust gas appliances to manufacturer specifications, including proper combustion, pressure verification, flame characteristics, and operational performance.
Verify utility connections, equipment clearances, ventilation requirements, and code compliance.
Conduct functional testing of ovens, fryers, griddles, steamers, combi ovens, hot holding equipment, refrigeration systems, beverage equipment, and other foodservice equipment.
Identify installation deficiencies and coordinate corrective actions with project teams.
Complete startup reports, commissioning documentation, and customer sign-offs.
Train store personnel on proper equipment operation when required.
Represent the company professionally with customers, manufacturers, general contractors, and other trades.
Travel extensively throughout the United States as required.
Required Qualifications
5+ years of experience working on commercial foodservice equipment.
Strong knowledge of gas-fired cooking equipment and startup procedures.
Experience troubleshooting electrical systems, controls, gas systems, and mechanical components.
Ability to read equipment manuals, wiring diagrams, schematics, and installation drawings.
Familiarity with commercial kitchen equipment manufacturers and industry standards.
Strong communication and customer service skills.
Ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel.
Preferred Qualifications
CFESA certification or equivalent industry experience.
Factory-authorized training on major equipment manufacturers.
Experience commissioning:
Combi Ovens
Fryers
Ovens
Grills and Charbroilers
Refrigeration Equipment
Beverage Systems
Holding Cabinets
Ventless Equipment
Knowledge of NFPA, gas codes, and commercial kitchen utility requirements.
What Makes This Role Different
This position requires technicians who take pride in getting equipment fully operational—not simply installed. Success in this role comes from attention to detail, critical thinking, persistence, and the ability to diagnose and solve problems others may overlook.
Our technicians are trusted experts who ensure that every piece of equipment performs exactly as intended before a restaurant opens its doors.
If you enjoy troubleshooting, solving technical challenges, working with sophisticated equipment, and being the professional customers rely on when things get difficult, we want to hear from you.