Refrigeration Systems Lab Manager

Excelion Partners LLC • Madison, WI

37d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Refrigeration Systems Lab Manager leads laboratory operations, refrigeration system design, testing, and validation. This role ensures accurate performance testing, efficient lab processes, and UL, NSF, and EPA energy compliance to industry standards. The manager collaborates closely with Design Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing Teams to support product development, and design optimization and serves as the primary liaison with certification agencies. This position combines technical expertise in refrigeration design, controls and testing with strong leadership and project management skills. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in refrigeration system design, testing, and analysis with strong leadership, project management, and regulatory compliance experience.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of refrigeration principles, thermodynamics, and fluid systems.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and test automation.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations including ASHRAE, AHRI, UL, NSF and EPA.
• Ability to analyze system performance data and generate detailed technical reports.
• Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skills for refrigeration systems.
• Working knowledge of UL/CSA safety, NSF & EPA standards and certification processes applicable to refrigeration and HVAC equipment.
• Experience preparing products and test setups for agency evaluation, audits, and certification.
• Ability to interpret agency requirements and integrate them into lab test procedures and product validation plans.
• Ensure all lab activities, equipment, and test methods comply with UL, OSHA, and applicable electrical/mechanical safety standards.
• Coordinate with third-party certification agencies (UL, CSA, NSF, EPA) for testing, documentation, and compliance approvals.
• Maintain proper documentation and traceability to support regulatory reviews and audits.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineers and lab technicians.
• Experience managing lab operations, schedules, budgets, and capital equipment.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering, product development, and quality teams.
• Deep understanding of lab safety practices, including handling refrigerants, high-pressure systems, and electrical components.
• Knowledge of environmental and regulatory requirements (EPA refrigerant regulations, F-gas compliance).
• Experience implementing and maintaining safety programs and compliance audits.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present technical data and findings to internal stakeholders and external agencies.
• Excellent documentation practices for test procedures, reports, and compliance records.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, HVACR Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5–8+ years of experience in refrigeration systems, HVAC, or thermal systems testing.
• 2–3+ years of experience managing laboratory operations or technical teams.
• Hands-on experience with refrigeration cycles, compressors, heat exchangers, and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Lab Team and refrigeration systems testing laboratory.
• Design and optimize refrigeration and control systems
• Manage lab team, testing for product validation, certification, and reliability assessments.
• Serve as primary interface with UL and other certification bodies.
• Ensure lab equipment calibration, maintenance, and compliance readiness.
• Support new product development through testing, troubleshooting, and compliance validation.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager