Refrigeration Systems Lab Manager

Standex • Belleville, WI

153d

About The Position

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

Requirements

• 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.
• Strong knowledge of refrigeration principles, thermodynamics, and fluid systems.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and test automation.
• Familiarity with ASHRAE, AHRI, UL, NSF, and EPA standards and regulations.
• 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, and EPA standards and certification processes applicable to refrigeration and HVAC equipment.
• Experience preparing products and test setups for agency evaluations, audits, and certification.
• Ability to interpret agency requirements and integrate them into laboratory test procedures and product validation plans.
• Ability to ensure laboratory activities, equipment, and test methods comply with UL, OSHA, and applicable electrical and mechanical safety standards.
• Deep understanding of laboratory safety practices, including handling refrigerants, high-pressure systems, and electrical components.
• Knowledge of environmental and regulatory requirements, including EPA refrigerant regulations and F-gas compliance.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineers and laboratory technicians.
• Experience managing laboratory operations, schedules, budgets, and capital equipment.
• Strong project management skills and ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering, product development, and quality teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to present technical data and findings to internal stakeholders and external agencies.
• Excellent documentation practices for test procedures, reports, and compliance records.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the Lab Team and refrigeration systems testing laboratory.
• Design and optimize refrigeration and control systems.
• Manage the lab team and testing for product validation, certification, and reliability assessments.
• Serve as the primary interface with UL and other certification bodies.
• Ensure laboratory equipment calibration, maintenance, and compliance readiness.
• Support new product development through testing, troubleshooting, and compliance validation.
• Coordinate with third-party certification agencies, including UL, CSA, NSF, and EPA, on testing, documentation, and compliance approvals.
• Maintain documentation and traceability to support regulatory reviews and audits.
• Implement and maintain safety programs and compliance audits.

What This Job Offers

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