Factory Test Operations Manager

Thermal Works • Salt Lake City, UT

4h • Onsite

About The Position

ThermalWorks is seeking a Factory Test Operations Manager to oversee factory testing operations for high-capacity, mission-critical data center chillers at its Salt Lake City facility. The manager directly supervises Product Testing Technicians and is responsible for organizing daily testing activities, assigning work, coordinating schedules and resources, and ensuring testing is performed safely, accurately, and according to established procedures and performance specifications.

The role oversees chiller setup, pre-commissioning, refrigerant charging, startup, and full-load performance testing, including Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT). The manager ensures units meet quality, performance, design, and applicable customer requirements before shipment. Responsibilities also include developing and documenting test procedures, validating and documenting performance data, reviewing results, resolving issues, and providing feedback to engineering and R&D.

The manager maintains the readiness, reliability, and upkeep of the factory test facility, its equipment, supporting systems, and instrumentation. This includes ensuring measurement equipment is calibrated, coordinating maintenance and repairs, and ensuring safe refrigerant handling and compliance with applicable environmental, electrical, and workplace safety requirements. The position calls for an experienced HVAC/R professional with hands-on knowledge of refrigeration, hydronic systems, and electrical power, as well as the ability to lead technicians and improve testing operations.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in the HVAC industry.
• EPA certification or equivalent credentials required for refrigerant handling.
• Strong hands-on experience with refrigeration systems.
• Experience with hydronic systems, including pumps, valves, and glycol/water systems.
• Working knowledge of electrical systems, including single- and three-phase power.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
• Proven troubleshooting skills across mechanical and electrical systems.
• Experience leading, supervising, or mentoring technicians in a technical, manufacturing, service, or testing environment.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage schedules, coordinate resources, and prioritize multiple testing activities.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with factory testing, product performance testing, or Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT).
• Experience managing product testing, commissioning, service, or HVAC/R technicians.
• Familiarity with controls, sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• HVAC/R technical training or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience working with large-capacity chillers or mission-critical data center cooling systems.
• Experience developing or improving testing procedures and troubleshooting processes.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise and manage Product Testing Technicians.
• Assign daily work, coordinate schedules, and prioritize testing activities to meet production and shipment timelines.
• Provide technical guidance, hands-on support, and training to technicians.
• Monitor team performance, testing quality, productivity, and adherence to procedures.
• Promote safety, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with R&D, engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to resolve issues and improve testing processes.
• Oversee setup, operation, and modification of thermal system test loops and supporting equipment.
• Manage chiller pre-commissioning, refrigerant charging, startup, and full-load performance testing.
• Oversee Factory Acceptance Testing to verify completed units meet design specifications, performance requirements, and applicable customer requirements.
• Support development, documentation, and execution of test procedures and acceptance criteria.
• Ensure accurate collection, validation, and documentation of performance data, including temperature, flow, pressure, and electrical power.
• Review test results, identify performance issues, and coordinate troubleshooting and corrective actions.
• Lead or support root cause analysis for testing failures and recurring equipment issues.
• Ensure test results are documented and acceptance criteria are met before equipment is approved for shipment.
• Provide testing feedback to engineering and R&D for product improvements, design validation, and reliability.
• Maintain the operational readiness, reliability, and upkeep of factory test equipment, test infrastructure, and supporting systems.
• Ensure instrumentation and measurement equipment are calibrated and maintained.
• Identify equipment maintenance needs and coordinate repairs or improvements to minimize testing downtime.
• Ensure safe refrigerant handling and compliance with applicable environmental, electrical, and workplace safety requirements.
• Identify opportunities to improve testing efficiency, equipment reliability, and operational performance.

Benefits

• Flexibility and autonomy to execute work.
• Collaboration with experienced industry experts.
• A respectful, continuous-learning culture.
• Opportunity to contribute to solutions intended to benefit people and the planet.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed