Lead Laboratory Engineer

Nortek•Oklahoma City, OK

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Nortek Data Center Cooling, a Madison Industries company, is seeking a Lead Laboratory Engineer to play a critical role in thermal testing and lab operations. This position will validate the performance, reliability, and safety of Nortek’s data center cooling solutions. The role involves managing laboratory equipment, testing activities, and facility resources to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality support for product development and validation programs. This position ensures that all thermal testing is executed with precision, discipline, and alignment to Nortek DCC’s engineering standards, customer commitments, and quality expectations. As Nortek continues to invest in growth, this position will be key in establishing and expanding a new state-of-the-art laboratory facility, including equipment selection, laboratory layout, process development, safety systems, and operational readiness. The Lead Laboratory Engineer will collaborate closely with Engineering, Product Development, Facilities, and Leadership teams to build a world-class testing environment that supports innovation and future business growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited university
HVACR knowledge and/or experience
Strong mechanical background
Self-starter, independently motivated and able to work cross-functionally
Strong work ethic with excellent attention to detail
Ability to think critically
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must possess or be able to learn desirable skills listed below

Nice To Haves

Advanced technical education such as a Master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline
Experience with VBA, LabVIEW, PLC, or other programming language(s)
Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical control circuits
HVACR systems knowledge: operations, psychometrics, troubleshooting, installation, repair
Hydronic systems knowledge
Electrical and electronic installation and repair (low and medium voltage)
Basic carpentry, sheet metal, and plumbing skills
Knowledge of ASHRAE/ISO/ANSI/AHRI testing standards and rating criteria
Experience in metrology and calibration
A strong commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and highly effective laboratory environment is essential for success in this role.

Responsibilities

Lead the startup and commissioning of a new engineering and product development laboratory facility
Partner with Engineering, Facilities, EHS, and Leadership teams to establish laboratory infrastructure, workflows, and testing capabilities
Manage the installation, qualification, and commissioning of test equipment, instrumentation, and laboratory utilities
Coordinate facility expansion projects, equipment relocations, and future laboratory capability enhancements
Conduct a wide variety of thermodynamic tests in accordance with ANSI, AMCA, ASHRAE and/or ISO standards. Typical tests include heating and cooling performance, evaporative cooling, fan/pump/HX performance, electrical validation, and failure mode analysis
Install and configure electronic instrumentation and data acquisition equipment.
Design and construct test fixtures including duct work, mechanical structures, controls, and measurement devices.
Execute testing plans including setup, calibration, measurement, troubleshooting, analysis, teardown, and report of findings
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize laboratory utilization, efficiency, safety, and testing throughput
Develop and manage laboratory budgets, capital equipment requests, and facility improvement projects.