R&D LAB Technician III

EPTA•Columbus, GA

About The Position

The Laboratory Technician III will join Epta’s R&D lab team to conduct thermal testing of refrigerated display cases and support global compliance. This hands-on role involves executing test runs, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with lab and engineering colleagues to complete projects on schedule. The technician supports new product development through prototype testing, performance optimization, and regulatory submissions; supports existing product improvements and alternative-component qualifications; and assists with annual regulatory testing. Testing must follow prescribed regulatory standards, including ASHRAE methods. The role also involves maintaining test infrastructure and instruments, supporting lab safety and compliance, improving processes and documentation, and training less experienced technicians. Epta describes this as a permanent role. The company also mentions training opportunities through Epta Academy and external partners, remote work whenever possible with necessary technical equipment, flexible working hours, and volunteering activities.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience testing, servicing, or maintaining HVAC and/or commercial refrigeration equipment.
Experience with single-phase and three-phase electrical power systems, VFDs, PLCs, PID controls, laboratory instrumentation, and electrical test equipment, including Yokogawa Power Analyzers.
Experience with precise measurement systems, including temperature thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, and electrical measurements.
Demonstrated ability to independently perform loop tuning and manage closed-loop system stability.
Experience with National Instruments-LabVIEW data acquisition systems.

Responsibilities

Plan, set up, and execute testing in accordance with provided test plans.
Install and remove refrigerated display cases from test chambers.
Fabricate and connect associated piping, wiring, and test instrumentation.
Perform system leak testing and transfer refrigerants between test chambers and storage containers.
Record and manage test data using manual and automated data acquisition systems, and monitor data acquisition systems daily.
Assist with test prototype modifications.
Help establish project schedules and completion timelines.
Provide design feedback during and after testing.
Support structural, reliability, field-store, and other testing and laboratory activities as needed.
Perform thermal testing for new product prototype testing, performance optimization, and regulatory submissions.
Perform thermal testing to enhance existing-product performance, reduce material costs, and qualify alternative components.
Support annual regulatory testing and ensure testing follows prescribed standards, including ASHRAE.
Manage and monitor testing infrastructure, including refrigeration system modules, glycol chillers, outdoor condensing units, and connected equipment.
Perform preventive maintenance, repairs, and modifications on thermal test chambers.
Perform routine maintenance on data acquisition and other laboratory instruments.
Maintain laboratory cleanliness and neatness.
Maintain a zero-incident environment by adhering to arc-flash and lockout/tagout procedures.
Support continuous improvement initiatives in laboratory processes and documentation.
Train newer or less experienced technicians in test practices and procedures.
Help ensure R&D labs comply with ASHRAE methods of testing.
Author protocols and standard operating procedures for laboratory hardware operation, testing procedures, and laboratory activities.
Collaborate with colleagues toward shared goals and contribute to a respectful, helpful, and cooperative team environment.