Mechanical Engineering Technician

Thermo Fisher Scientific•Marietta, OH

21h

About The Position

As an R&D – Mechanical Engineering Prototype Technician in the Technology Center, you will provide hands-on technical support for rapid prototyping, refrigeration system assembly, engineering builds, and test-model preparation for the development and evaluation of cold storage and laboratory equipment. You will work with R&D engineers and Technology Center technicians to fabricate, assemble, modify, instrument, and troubleshoot prototype refrigeration and mechanical systems throughout the New Product Development process. The primary focus is preparing functional test models for engineering performance, verification, and reliability evaluations. Work includes refrigeration circuit assembly, brazing, refrigerant charging, and instrumentation. The role supports engineering teams in rapidly building, testing, troubleshooting, and improving products while preparing prototype systems safely, accurately, and efficiently. Infrequent travel may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 2 years of hands-on experience in mechanical assembly, refrigeration/HVAC systems, prototype development, manufacturing, or a related technical environment.
Experience building, assembling, and troubleshooting refrigeration systems.
Strong mechanical aptitude and practical knowledge of refrigeration and HVAC/R systems.
Ability to safely and accurately perform refrigeration system assembly, tubing fabrication, brazing, leak testing, evacuation, and charging.
Working knowledge of vapor-compression refrigeration principles, system components, and common troubleshooting methods.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, mechanical layouts, CAD models, wiring diagrams, and work instructions.
Ability to use common fabrication tools, hand tools, power tools, and precision measurement equipment.
Basic electrical and electromechanical knowledge sufficient to support prototype wiring, component installation, and system troubleshooting.
Strong hands-on troubleshooting and practical problem-solving skills.
Ability to accurately document prototype configurations, build activities, technical issues, and test preparation.
Strong organizational skills and ability to support multiple concurrent prototype and engineering test activities.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work effectively with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional partners.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and common electronic documentation systems.
Ability to frequently lift up to 30 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform hands-on work in laboratory and prototype environments.
Commitment to safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, HVAC/R Technology, Refrigeration Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or a related technical discipline.
Relevant technical apprenticeship, vocational training, or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
EPA Section 608 certification; required where applicable to assigned refrigerant-handling activities.
Hands-on experience with refrigeration tubing fabrication, brazing, leak testing, evacuation, and refrigerant charging.
Experience with refrigeration components including compressors, heat exchangers, expansion devices, fans, tubing, and related components.
Experience interpreting mechanical drawings, CAD models, schematics, and technical work instructions.
Experience installing thermocouples, pressure transducers, sensors, and other engineering instrumentation.
Experience supporting prototype builds, engineering testing, or manufacturing equipment troubleshooting.
Experience in an engineering laboratory, prototype shop, refrigeration manufacturing facility, or HVAC/R service environment.
Experience with ultra-low-temperature or cascade refrigeration systems.

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe work environment and follow safety procedures for brazing, refrigerant handling, pressure testing, evacuation, charging, and refrigeration-system operation.
Maintain an organized laboratory using 5S, Gemba walks, standard work, and good laboratory practices.
Maintain tools, fabrication equipment, instrumentation, and refrigeration service equipment.
Assist the Mechanical Prototype Lab Supervisor with inventory, consumables, materials, and laboratory equipment readiness.
Fabricate, assemble, modify, and troubleshoot prototype mechanical and refrigeration systems.
Assemble refrigeration circuits, including tubing preparation, bending, fitting, brazing, leak testing, evacuation, and refrigerant charging.
Install and integrate refrigeration components such as compressors, condensers, evaporators, heat exchangers, expansion devices, filters, tubing, and fans.
Support development of conventional and cascade refrigeration systems used in temperature-controlled and ultra-low-temperature products.
Perform mechanical fabrication, sheet metal modifications, component mounting, and assembly using engineering drawings, CAD models, and work instructions.
Support prototype electrical wiring, sensor installation, and integration of motors, relays, switches, and related electromechanical components.
Work with engineers to implement design changes and prepare updated prototype configurations for testing.
Prepare and instrument prototype products, refrigeration systems, and test fixtures for engineering performance, verification, and reliability testing.
Install thermocouples, temperature sensors, pressure transducers, and other measurement devices.
Verify prototype assembly, system operation, instrumentation readiness, and test configuration before engineering evaluation.
Assist with fabrication and installation of test fixtures, reliability test fixtures, and specialized laboratory equipment.
Document prototype configurations, component changes, instrumentation locations, and build information in laboratory information systems.
Conduct assigned product evaluation and troubleshooting at the system, subsystem, and component levels.
Use practical refrigeration knowledge to identify potential issues involving refrigerant charge, airflow, temperature performance, compressor operation, and mechanical function.
Assist with testing performed according to Engineering Test Procedures and engineering instructions.
Communicate prototype build observations, test abnormalities, and troubleshooting findings to engineering teams.
Support engineering builds from early prototypes through alpha, beta, pre-pilot, and pilot configurations.
Contribute to a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.