Test Technician

Job Title:

Test Technician

Job Description

The Test Technician supports an engineering laboratory by setting up, operating, and tearing down large commercial HVAC chiller systems for research, development, and certification testing. Working under moderate supervision, this role connects and troubleshoots electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration systems, operates complex test setups, and ensures every unit is thoroughly tested before leaving the facility. The technician contributes directly to the planning and execution of engineering projects and provides hands-on technical support to engineers in a fast-paced, highly technical lab environment on 2nd shift.

Responsibilities

+ Perform basic to moderately complex setup and teardown of large water-cooled and air-cooled chiller units in an engineering laboratory.

+ Connect, operate, and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration systems on manufactured equipment.

+ Operate, inspect, and maintain test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions and ensure safe, reliable operation.

+ Run tests on very large commercial HVAC systems for research and development and for product certification.

+ Ensure each unit is properly run and tested before it leaves the facility, documenting results as required.

+ Support engineering testing of chillers under moderate supervision, following established procedures and safety practices.

+ Provide technical support to engineers on a variety of engineering tasks related to system performance and reliability.

+ Perform technical tasks that contribute to the planning and execution of engineering projects, including test preparation and execution.

+ Set up laboratory equipment and instrumentation for pressure, temperature, and electrical measurements.

+ Assist with instrumentation setup, troubleshooting, and calibration to ensure accurate data collection.

+ Collaborate with higher-level support staff and engineers to review test procedures, discuss test results, and understand implications for product performance.

+ Use mechanical skills and pneumatic tools to assemble, modify, and secure components, understanding proper hardware order such as nuts, washers, and bolts.

+ Apply troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, and control issues during testing.

+ Follow lockout/tagout (LO/TO) practices and apply knowledge of arc flash precautions when working on electrical systems.

+ Work with pumps, variable frequency drives (VFDs), boilers, control valves, cooling towers, and related equipment as part of test setups when applicable.

+ Use PC-based tools, including email and spreadsheets, to record test data, maintain data integrity, and support test report writing.

+ Read and interpret complex drawings, schematics, and blueprints to correctly configure and verify test setups.

+ Safely move, lift, and position components and equipment as needed for test preparation and teardown, within stated weight limits.

+ Support a culture of safety by using ladders, fall protection, and other safety equipment correctly and maintaining awareness of hoses, power cables, and other trip or electrical hazards in the lab.

+ Work 2nd shift and occasional Saturday overtime as needed to meet testing schedules and project deadlines.

Essential Skills

+ High School Diploma or GED.

+ 2+ years of experience with HVAC service and systems.

+ 1+ to 3+ years of experience with hand and pneumatic tools.

+ Strong mechanical skills and mechanical inclination.

+ Strong electrical and troubleshooting.

+ Ability to connect and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration systems.

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Experience with mechanical setup, machine setup, and test execution.

+ HVAC experience working with large commercial or industrial equipment.

+ Ability to move and lift weights up to approximately 35-50 lbs and to stand and bend for extended periods of time.

+ Ability to use email and spreadsheet software (such as Excel) for communication and basic data handling.

+ Ability to read and interpret complex drawings, schematics, and blueprints.

+ Comfort working with 460-3-60 machinery and medium voltage industrial power supplies, under appropriate supervision.

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