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We're a new, technology-enabled HVAC home services company launching in Northern New Jersey. We're looking for operators, craftspeople, and partners who want a real seat at the table — and a real stake in what we build.

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Open Positions

Master HVACR Contractor — Chief Operating Officer

Full-Time Northern New Jersey Founding Role Equity Partner $165k–$195k Base

Master HVACR Contractor — Chief Operating Officer

Northern New Jersey · Full-Time · Equity Partner
Master HVACR License 5% — up to 15% equity Company Vehicle Full Benefits

The Opportunity

You've spent 15–20 years mastering your craft. You know how to run an HVAC operation better than anyone — but nobody's listening. Your ideas for improving efficiency get shelved. Technology that could transform the business sits unused. You generate hundreds of thousands in revenue, but you don't share in the upside. You've thought about starting your own business, but the risk, the capital, the brand building, the back office — it's a lot to take on alone.

There is another way.

Dear Air is a new HVAC home services company launching in Northern New Jersey, built from the ground up with modern technology, a strong brand identity, and a business model designed to scale. We're looking for our founding Chief Operating Officer — a licensed Master HVACR Contractor who will be a true partner in this business, with real equity, real authority, and a real seat at the table.

This isn't a job posting. It's an invitation to build something.

About Dear Air

Dear Air is capitalizing on a unique market opportunity in Northern New Jersey. The region experiences harsh winters and hot summers, driving non-discretionary demand for HVAC services. Our target market — affluent single-family homeowners — require high-skill, high-invoice services, and New Jersey's density enables efficient routing and service delivery. The HVAC market remains fragmented with no dominant brand, creating space for a premium player to establish itself.

We're building Dear Air on three core values: Available, Responsive, and Transparent. These principles guide everything we do — from how we interact with customers to how we build our internal operations. We're leveraging the latest back office and field management technology to eliminate friction, improve availability and responsiveness, ensure service quality, and create a platform for growth. Our brand will be highly recognizable, professional, and built for longevity and scale.

The medium-term vision is to build a dominant, technology-enabled HVAC home services company in New Jersey, expand to adjacent markets, and position the business as an attractive industry target. As an equity holder and partner, the value you create and the profitability you drive has real, tangible value.

The Role

You will wear two hats, each equally important.

As our Master HVACR Contractor of record, you are the technical authority and quality standard-bearer. Every installation, repair, and maintenance call reflects on you. You set the standards, establish best practices, ensure code compliance, and guarantee that every customer interaction upholds Dear Air's promise of excellence.

As Chief Operating Officer, you are the operational leader and strategic partner. You build and manage the team, drive efficiency through technology and process optimization, manage budgets and growth targets, and work directly with Dear Air partners to shape the company's direction and execute the vision.

You'll be a player-coach in Year 1 — hiring and leading crews, setting quality standards, and building the operation from the ground up. As we scale, you'll transition into full executive operational leadership, managing a growing team while we handle the finance, legal, technology, and other support functions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as the company's Master HVACR Contractor of record for New Jersey.
  • Oversee all field operations including installation, maintenance, and repair services.
  • Build, train, and manage service crews from the ground up.
  • Establish quality control standards and ensure code compliance across all work.
  • Drive operational efficiency through technology adoption and process optimization.
  • Manage dispatch, scheduling, and routing to maximize crew utilization.
  • Develop and manage vendor and supplier relationships and procurement.
  • Collaborate with partners on strategic planning, budgeting, and growth targets.
  • Lead the recruiting pipeline and workforce development as the company scales.
  • Ensure exceptional customer experience aligned with Dear Air's brand promise: Available, Responsive, Transparent.
  • Identify and capitalize on growth opportunities including heat pump and electrification services.
  • Contribute to building a company culture that attracts and retains top talent.

Who You Are

The ideal candidate is an accomplished HVAC professional with the entrepreneurial mindset and operational discipline to help build something significant.

You bring 15–20+ years of hands-on HVAC experience and hold a New Jersey Master HVACR license (or are immediately qualified to obtain one). You've managed field crews of five or more technicians and have deep expertise in residential HVAC systems. Commercial experience is a bonus. You understand HVAC at every level — the technical details, the operational realities, and the customer dynamics.

You're entrepreneurial by nature. You've thought about starting your own business, building your own brand, and keeping the upside. You understand the appeal — and the challenges. You're comfortable with modern technology, whether that's CRM systems, field service management platforms and apps, or digital dispatch tools. You see technology as an enabler, not a threat.

You're a genuine leader who develops people, not just manages them. Your teams respect you. Your crews are efficient and professional. You have excellent customer-facing skills — you know that reputation is everything in this business. You understand New Jersey building codes, EPA regulations, and refrigerant handling requirements. You hold EPA 608 certification and are committed to regulatory compliance and safety.

You're based in or willing to relocate or commute to Northern New Jersey. You're excited about the opportunity to build something, not just maintain something. You're ready for a different kind of role — one where your voice matters and where the value you create belongs to you too.

What We Offer

We recognize that attracting an exceptional COO requires more than a salary.

Base Salary

$165k – $195k

Commensurate with experience.

Equity Ownership

5% → 15%

Meaningful vesting equity stake, with the ability to earn up to 15% based on milestones.

Vehicle

Company Van

Company vehicle or vehicle allowance.

Health Benefits

Premium

Premium health, dental, and vision insurance.

Time Off

PTO + Holidays

Paid time off and paid holidays.

Growth

CE Budget

Annual continuing education budget and a modern technology stack — no paper-heavy processes.

Why Dear Air Is Different

Most HVAC companies are owner-operated shops. Dear Air is different. Here's why it should matter to you.

Your Voice Matters

As COO and equity partner, you shape the company's direction. This isn't a role where you execute someone else's vision. You help create it.

Technology-First Operations

We're building with modern systems from day one — CRM, dispatch, scheduling, lead generation, customer communication. These tools make your life easier and your operations stronger.

A Brand You Can Be Proud Of

Professional, recognizable, built to last. Dear Air represents excellence in the market, and you're the face of that commitment to quality.

Real Equity = Real Upside

In a market where PE firms are paying 6–10x EBITDA for established, well-run HVAC businesses, your ownership stake has tangible, measurable value. Build a strong business, and you share in profit distributions and any strategic deal down the road.

Build Your Team

You'll hire and develop the people, set the standards, and create the culture. This is your team.

Growth Market

New Jersey's density, climate, and electrification incentives create massive opportunities. You're not squeezing growth from a mature market. You're building in one of the best markets in the country.

How to Apply

Ready to Build Something?

Send your resume and a brief note about your HVAC experience — and what excites you about this opportunity — to our careers team. We review every message.

Apply Now

Or email us directly at careers@dear-air.com

Dear Air is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.