Engineer in Boots: Advanced Heat Pump Apprenticeship: Path to Master Installer

Engineer in Boots: Advanced Heat Pump Apprenticeship (Path to Master Installer)

You’ve studied energy, sustainability, or engineering. You’ve seen all the slides about decarbonization, electrification, and heat pumps.

At Just Heat Pumps (Denver Metro), we’re offering a hands-on, field-first apprenticeship that blends physics, data, and real-world installation work. The goal is:

In 12–24 months, you can step into a Lead Installer role running your own small crew.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Work directly with our Lead Installers and founders on real residential projects:

• Inside / Interior Work:
  
  • Assist with ductwork modification and layout
  • Help mount air handlers and indoor units
  • Run low-voltage and control wiring
  • Design, build and maintain condensate drain systems and pumps
     
• Outside:
  
  • Help place and level outdoor units and pads
  • Assist with line set routing, insulation, line set covers
  • Learn to pull deep vacuum, to master leak checks, and correct charging
     
• Data & Diagnostics:
  
  • Participate in airflow measurements, temperature splits, and power checks
  • Help collect and log performance data for our in-house lab and training systems
  • Turn field measurements into insights that improve future designs

WHO THIS IS FOR

• You’re in or have completed a program in: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, renewable energy, energy systems, sustainability, building science, or similar
• OR you’ve been a handyperson / facilities tech / carpenter / electrician and now want to go deep into heat pumps
• You’d rather be in boots and a headlamp than at a desk all day
• You care about air quality, electrification, and climate—and want your work to matter
• You’re coachable, organized, and not afraid of ladders, crawlspaces, and long days

This role is intentionally character and aptitude first: we’ll teach you the HVAC pieces.

COMP & BENEFITS (APPRENTICE LEVEL)

• Pay: Typically $22–$28/hour to start, depending on hands-on background
• Bonuses: Project and profit-sharing bonuses tied to quality, internal goals and team performance.
• Paid Time Off With Additional Paid Holidays
• Healthcare: Health premium & expenses reimbursement (we help you pick the best option)
• Retirement: Retirement 3% company match
• Tools: Core tools provided + Tool allowance
• Training & Lab: In-house training rigs, real performance testing, and direct mentoring from from the owners:
  • Dr. Xerxes Steirer – PhD physicist, Mines & NREL background.
  • Erin Shine – BPI building scientist with 15 years as a serial entrepreneur in sustainability.

We are designing one of the best heat pump training systems in the U.S. – your input will shape it.

GROWTH PATH

Your first year:

1. 0–3 months: Learn JHP standards, safety, tools, and basic install tasks
2. 3–9 months: Own meaningful chunks of inside or outside work on installs
3. 9–18 months: Run small projects or sections of projects under a Lead Installer
4. 12–24 months: Transition to Lead Installer, with pay and responsibilities to match

HOW TO APPLY

When you apply, include:

• Resume (and short experience summary) to HR@JustHeatPumpsLLC.com including the below
• A short note on:
  • Why heat pumps and home electrification interest you
  • One project (class, lab, job, or DIY) that you’re proud of
• Your rough availability (start date, full-time vs co-op/part-time)

Check out our other open positions and careers page here: https://justheatpumpsllc.com/join-our-team/

Thank you!