Evaluation Engineer – Refrigeration & HVAC Systems

Lennox International•Stone Mountain, GA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Evaluation Engineer is responsible for leading laboratory testing, evaluation, troubleshooting, and validation activities for refrigeration systems. This position serves as the technical leader within the laboratory, providing direction to laboratory technicians, ensuring high-quality execution of test programs, and communicating test results, technical risks, and project status to engineering leadership and senior management. The successful candidate will possess a strong mechanical engineering background combined with significant hands-on refrigeration experience. This role requires the ability to bridge practical laboratory operations with engineering objectives, enabling effective execution of development, validation, performance and investigative testing programs. This position will serve as the primary technical resource within the laboratory and contribute to the development of laboratory capabilities, test methodologies, and technician competencies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
Minimum 5 years of experience in HVAC/R product development, testing, laboratory operations, field engineering, or related technical roles.
Demonstrated experience troubleshooting refrigeration and HVAC/R systems.
Proven ability to lead technical projects and coordinate the work of others.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels.
Strong understanding of refrigeration cycles, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and HVAC/R system operation.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, piping diagrams, electrical schematics, and control logic.
Experience with laboratory instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition systems, and performance testing.
Proficiency in root cause analysis and advanced troubleshooting methods.
Knowledge of refrigeration controls, variable-speed systems, compressors, heat exchangers, and system optimization techniques.
Working knowledge of statistical analysis and engineering test methodologies.
Technical leadership and decision-making.
Project planning and execution.
Team development and mentoring.
Effective communication with technicians, engineers, and executives.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Ability to influence outcomes across cross-functional teams.
Focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

7+ years of HVACR, refrigeration, or thermal systems experience.
Experience leading laboratory personnel or technical teams.
Experience working in an HVAC or refrigeration testing laboratory.
Prior experience as an HVAC/R service technician, commissioning engineer, facilities engineer, or field applications engineer.
EPA Section 608 Certification.
Familiarity with AHRI, ASHRAE, UL, CSA, and other applicable industry standards.

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of refrigeration and HVAC/R laboratory testing activities.
Develop and review test plans, procedures, and protocols to ensure accurate and repeatable results.
Evaluate system performance and identify opportunities for product, process, and testing improvements.
Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, controls, and refrigeration system issues.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to laboratory technicians and junior engineers.
Support product development, validation, certification, reliability, and competitive benchmarking programs.
Develop technician skills through coaching, training, and performance feedback.
Establish best practices for troubleshooting, test execution, and data collection.
Direct daily laboratory activities and prioritize resources to meet project schedules.
Ensure test equipment, instrumentation, and laboratory systems are properly maintained and calibrated.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory efficiency, safety, and data quality.
Oversee installation, modification, and operation of test systems and laboratory infrastructure.
Ensure compliance with laboratory safety requirements, environmental regulations, and company standards.
Prepare clear and concise technical reports and presentations for engineering, management, and leadership teams.
Communicate project status, technical findings, risks, and recommendations to senior management.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, product management, quality, manufacturing, and service organizations.
Present test results and technical conclusions to internal and external stakeholders.