This role sits between apprentice and crew lead: you'll work independently on major portions of a job, fabricate ductwork, and troubleshoot system issues — while building toward full crew leadership with support from our team.
You'll work as part of a 2–3 person crew, collaborating closely with the lead installer, and may provide light guidance to more junior crew members as you grow into a lead role yourself.
Pay Range: $28–$35/hr, based on related experience, independence on the job, and quality of work.
Logistics
- Service area: Metrowest and Eastern Massachusetts — you'll travel to job sites across this area daily.
- Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, with occasional after-hours work when jobs run late.
- Tools & vehicle: You'll use your own reliable vehicle to get to job sites. Once you move into a crew lead role, you'll transition to a company van.
What You Will Do
- Install and start up ducted and ductless heat pump systems with minimal supervision
- Perform ductwork installation, including fabrication of transitions, plenums, and small on-site adjustments
- Support complex installs and take ownership of portions of jobs, ensuring high-quality workmanship and crew efficiency
- Conduct quality checks to ensure installations meet Forge standards, client needs, and manufacturer specifications
- Identify and resolve basic issues during installation or startup phases
- Carry heavy HVAC equipment with your crew, including condensers and air handlers
- Run line sets using extension ladders and building exteriors
- Work in tight, challenging environments (attics, crawl spaces, etc.)
- Perform physically demanding tasks in varying weather conditions and temperatures
- Follow all company and industry safety guidelines and protocols
- Communicate effectively with customers, peers, and office support
- Occasionally provide guidance to more junior installers and contribute to a positive team culture
Qualifications & Preferred Experience
- 2+ years of residential HVAC installation experience, including ducted and ductless systems
- Strong understanding of HVAC system design, airflow, and installation best practices
- Ability to fabricate basic ductwork components (plenum boxes, transitions, fittings)
- Experience working independently on installations or taking responsibility for parts of a job is a plus
- EPA Certification required
- Full-time availability, Monday–Friday, with occasional after-hours work when jobs run late
- Authorized to work in the U.S.
- Valid driver's license and vehicle required
- Able to pass a background check and drug test (does not screen for marijuana)
- Physical requirements: Ability to lift 50+ lbs; comfortable working in attics, basements, and crawl spaces; able to climb ladders and work in varying seasonal/outdoor conditions.
Who You Are
- You work hard, efficiently, and produce quality work — quality comes first, pace is a close second
- You know what good service looks and feels like to our customers, and you're professional with homeowners
- You can work independently on your piece of the job, but you know when to loop in your lead
- You're eager to keep sharpening your craft and building toward leading jobs of your own
- You stay calm when things get complicated on-site and pitch in to help fix it, no drama
- You take initiative, ask good questions, and support the crew around you
Why Choose Forge?
- Career Growth: A clear path toward crew leadership, with mentorship from experienced leads along the way.
- Competitive Compensation: We care more about your quality of work and work ethic than years of experience — pay reflects the value you bring to every job.
- Employee Benefits: Health and dental insurance, a strong 401(k) match, 11 paid company holidays, personal paid time off, and more.
More About Us
Forge is on a mission to build and power the next-generation trades workforce. Based in Newton, MA, we install heat pump systems across Metrowest and Eastern Massachusetts, and we're growing fast. We're guided by four values: always add value, solve the problems, teach and learn, and build together. If you're looking for a company that invests seriously in your growth and treats the trades as a career, not just a job, you'll fit right in at Forge.
Forge is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every qualification listed.