Laboratory Test Specialist HVAC

Nortek Data Center Cooling builds the systems that keep modern data centers running — from liquid cooling to large‑scale air solutions. Our work supports some of the world’s most demanding AI and hyperscale environments, and we solve those challenges with engineering depth and practical execution.

We keep things simple here. We communicate early, stay close to the details, and follow through. When issues come up, we address them directly, not with layers of process. Customers count on us because we do what we say and we keep projects moving.

Our culture is hands‑on and collaborative. People take ownership, move quickly, and help each other. If you like working with teammates who are straightforward and accountable, you’ll feel at home.

Summary

The Laboratory Test Specialist is responsible for the setup, execution, troubleshooting, and documentation of laboratory testing activities supporting the development, validation, and qualification of data center cooling products and technologies. The role serves as a key technical contributor within the laboratory, ensuring testing is performed safely, accurately, and in accordance with engineering requirements, industry standards, and laboratory procedures.

The Laboratory Test Specialist works closely with engineers, technicians, and laboratory operations personnel to support product development programs, execute test plans, maintain laboratory equipment, and deliver reliable test data. The ideal candidate may be either an early-career engineer seeking hands-on laboratory experience or an experienced testing professional with a strong technical background and demonstrated capability in laboratory operations.

Job Responsibilities

Test setup & Execution

• Execute laboratory test plans supporting product development, validation, reliability, and performance evaluations
• Configure and operate test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems
• Prepare test articles, test fixtures, and laboratory systems for testing activities
• Perform testing in accordance with applicable procedures, engineering requirements, and industry standards
• Coordinate test setup, execution, monitoring, troubleshooting, and teardown activities

Laboratory Scheduling & Resource Coordination

• Install, configure, and maintain sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition equipment
• Verify measurement accuracy and proper operation of test systems before testing begins
• Support calibration activities and measurement systems verification
• Identify and resolve instrumentation, controls, and data collection issues
• Assist with development and improvement of laboratory data acquisition capabilities

Equipment Operation & Troubleshooting

• Operate laboratory equipment including thermal, hydronic, refrigeration, airflow, and electrical test systems
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control system issues
• Support maintenance, repair, and commissioning of laboratory equipment
• Assist with installation of new test equipment and laboratory capabilities
• Identify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, reliability, and testing throughput

Data Analysis & Documentation

• Collect, organize, and validate test data
• Analyze results and identify performance trends, anomalies, and potential issues
• Prepare laboratory reports, data summaries, and technical documentation
• Maintain accurate records of test setups, instrumentation, deviations, observations, and results
• Ensure test records are organized and traceable in accordance with laboratory quality requirements

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Support development and maintenance or test procedures, work instructions, and laboratory documentation.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and safety
• Recommend improvements to test methods, equipment, and laboratory processes
• Assist with laboratory audits, corrective actions, and quality initiatives

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all laboratory safety requirements and safe work practices
• Participate in hazard assessments and safety reviews
• Promote a culture of safety and accountability within the laboratory
• Ensure testing activities comply with applicable standards, procedures, and company requirements

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent combination of technical education and relevant laboratory experience
• Experience supporting laboratory testing, product validation, industrial equipment testing, HVAC systems, controls, instrumentation, or related technical activities
• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work safely with mechanical, electrical, fluid, and thermal systems
• Experience using test equipment, sensors, instrumentation, or data acquisition systems
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment
  

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline
• Two or more years of engineering experience in a laboratory or product development environment
• Five or more years of laboratory testing, HVAC, refrigeration, controls, industrial equipment, or related experience
• Experience with thermal systems, psychrometrics, heat transfer, refrigeration, hydronics, or HVAC equipment
• Familiarity with ASHRAE, ANSI, ISO, AHRI, or AMCA standards
• Experience with data acquisition software, LabVIEW, PLCs, Python, or related tools
• Experience with calibration and metrology practices
  

Success Profile

A successful Laboratory Test Specialist is:

• Hands-on, enjoying the challenge of building, modifying, and troubleshooting test systems
• Technically curious, seeking to understand equipment behavior and test results
• Analytical, using data to drive conclusions and recommendations
• Detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy in measurements and documentation
• Resourceful, able to diagnose and solve practical technical problems
• Collaborative, working effectively across engineering, laboratory operations, and product development teams
• Safety-focused, consistently maintaining safe laboratory practices

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Our benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HAS and 401(k) Plan with company contributions. To apply, please visit our career site at https://www.nortekdatacenter.com/careers/

Nortek Data Center Cooling. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.