Field Study & Installation Engineer, HVAC/IAQ

Field Study & Installation Engineer, HVAC/IAQ

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Contract, Part-Time | San Francisco Bay Area based. | On-site + travel (in-state and out-of-state); some remote work

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Pay: $35.00 - $45.00 per hour

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About the Role

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Poppy is seeking a technically-minded Field Study & Installation Engineer to support our federally-funded BREATHE program, assessing indoor air quality and HVAC systems in middle schools nationwide. You'll visit school facilities to evaluate ventilation, collect data, and document building conditions.

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You'll also lead the technical/hands-on side of a prototype installation: deploying a biosensor and IAQ monitoring system in a Bay Area school, working with Poppy's account manager and outside tech vendors. This role may expand into overseeing similar installations at 40–60 schools nationwide.

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Ideal for someone with hands-on HVAC/IAQ experience who's comfortable with fieldwork, engaging school staff, and building best practices from scratch on a new, scaling project.

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Hours: 10–30/week during active data collection phases; 5–10/week between phases. The SF prototype's active 6-month phase will require more consistent hours. Some work may take place before or after a typical school day.

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Travel is required, including regular trips outside the Bay Area and California. Valid passport/photo ID needed. Schools may require additional background checks and/or fingerprinting.

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What You’ll Do

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• Conduct on-site HVAC/ventilation assessments for the ARPA-H BREATHE program
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• Document HVAC configurations, airflow, occupancy, and building conditions
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• Assess feasibility of sensors, air cleaners, and HVAC upgrades (filtration, ductwork, bypass venting)
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• Follow field protocols for consistent, accurate data collection
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• Collect materials or samples (i.e. air filters) and ship to biosensor team post-visits for analysis
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• Perform quality checks and basic setup on field measurement devices
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• Communicate professionally with facilities staff and administrators
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• Actively engage in planning meetings and debrief sessions
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• For the SF prototype: install sensors/IAQ system/air cleaners/in-duct humidifiers, select and oversee trades like electricians, coordinate maintenance and eventual removal, and help build repeatable installation practices for future scale-up
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• Additional responsibilities as needed
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What We’re Looking For

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• Background in Civil/Mechanical Engineering, HVAC, mechanical systems, and/or IAQ
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• Familiarity with ASHRAE Standards (62.1 and/or 241) and ventilation best practices
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• Ability to read mechanical drawings/HVAC schematics
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• Multi-system Installation experience (ductwork, sensors w connectivity, electrical/placement assessment, filtration)
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• Customer-facing or client-site experience, ideally technical/field-based
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• Strong attention to detail, time management, and communication skills
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• Bonus points: prior work in school or institutional buildings; LEED/CEM accreditation; building automation/smart building experience; valid driver's license + vehicle; interest in public health research.
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Interested?

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Submit your resume and a short cover letter outlining your HVAC/IAQ experience and your interest in supporting the ARPA-H schools program.

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