Principal Lab Technician

Ecolab • Naperville, IL

4d

About The Position

Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company, is seeking a skilled member with expertise in hardware engineering and testing to join the Global High Tech (GHT) R&D team in Naperville, IL as a Principal Lab Technician. The GHT team supports Ecolab’s Data Centers, Microelectronics, and Colloidal Technologies segments. In this role, you will lead laboratory activities supporting data center hardware design and development to help maintain a strong pipeline of products and platforms that address complex hardware challenges. What You Will Do Work closely with thermal and mechanical engineers to advance new designs from concept to validated hardware. Develop and execute lab tests, characterization plans, and validation procedures. Assist with mechanical and thermal assembly and integration of prototype systems, collaborating with engineering teams on enclosures, mounting, cabling, and other system‑level integration activities. Coordinate a varied workload, manage shifting priorities, and complete tasks within required timelines. Assemble and troubleshoot electronic systems for data centers, including CDUs (Cooling Distribution Units), pumps, sensors, and other electro‑mechanical hardware systems. Perform mechanical assembly, disassembly, and maintenance tasks Follow established safety procedures and provide guidance to the engineering team on proper practices.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Science with 4 years of experience.
• Experience working with hardware systems for data centers.
• Hands‑on lab experience, including thermal/mechanical experimentation, data acquisition, soldering, rework, modifications, and repair of data center hardware.
• Experience designing and maintaining prototype test fixtures, jigs, and laboratory setups.
• Experience designing and fabricating hardware and assemblies using CAD/CAM software and CNC machining.
• Ability to lift 30 lbs.
• Immigration sponsorship is not available for this role.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of cooling technologies, cold plates, and cooling distribution units.
• Familiarity with servers, racks, and mechanical assembly processes for data center hardware.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Understanding of industry standards and regulations related to cooling distribution units.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with thermal and mechanical engineers to advance new designs from concept to validated hardware.
• Develop and execute lab tests, characterization plans, and validation procedures.
• Assist with mechanical and thermal assembly and integration of prototype systems, collaborating with engineering teams on enclosures, mounting, cabling, and other system‑level integration activities.
• Coordinate a varied workload, manage shifting priorities, and complete tasks within required timelines.
• Assemble and troubleshoot electronic systems for data centers, including CDUs (Cooling Distribution Units), pumps, sensors, and other electro‑mechanical hardware systems.
• Perform mechanical assembly, disassembly, and maintenance tasks
• Follow established safety procedures and provide guidance to the engineering team on proper practices.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees