HVAC Test Engineering Co-op

REPORTS TO: Supervisor / Manager / Sr. Manager

The HVAC Test Engineering Co-op will support product validation, testing, and development activities within the Engineering Test & Validation team. This position provides hands-on experience in laboratory testing, test setup development, instrumentation, data acquisition, data analysis, and technical reporting. The co-op will work closely with Test, Design, R&D, and Manufacturing Engineers to validate automotive HVAC components and systems, troubleshoot performance issues, and support new product development activities from prototype through production readiness.

Test Planning & Execution

• Assist engineers in preparing and executing laboratory and vehicle-level test plans for HVAC components, subsystems, and systems.
• Support test setup activities, including installation of instrumentation, sensors, and data acquisition equipment.
• Conduct performance, durability, environmental, and functional testing according to engineering specifications and customer requirements.
• Record, monitor, and maintain accurate test data and test logs.
• Assist in developing and improving test procedures, work instructions, and validation methods.
• Support prototype build and evaluation activities.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Collect, organize, and analyze test data using engineering tools and software.
• Create charts, summaries, and reports to communicate test results and findings.
• Assist engineers in identifying trends, anomalies, and product performance issues.
• Support root cause investigations and troubleshooting activities related to product failures or unexpected test results.
• Participate in benchmarking and competitive product evaluations.

Laboratory Operations & Equipment Support

• Assist with calibration, maintenance, and organization of laboratory equipment and test fixtures.
• Support development and modification of test fixtures, instrumentation setups, and laboratory processes.
• Ensure laboratory equipment and testing areas remain organized and compliant with company standards.
• Follow established test procedures and documentation requirements to ensure data accuracy and repeatability.

Technical Documentation

• Prepare test reports, engineering summaries, presentations, and technical documentation.
• Maintain test records, validation reports, and engineering documentation in accordance with company procedures.
• Support Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) and validation documentation activities.
• Organize electronic files, test data, and laboratory records.
• Work closely with Test, Design, R&D, Manufacturing, and Project Engineering teams.
• Participate in project meetings and communicate progress on assigned assignments.
• Support cross-functional teams in resolving product performance and validation issues.

Overall

• Follow all Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

The above duties are representative of the level and nature of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

This work is performed in a combination of office, engineering laboratory, and manufacturing environments. Occasional lifting of test equipment and components may be required.

The incumbent must:

• Be currently pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in:
  Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, or any other related engineering disciplines.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 preferred.
• Strong interest in product testing, validation, data analysis, and automotive systems.
• Knowledge of engineering principles and problem-solving methodologies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Effective communication, organizational, analytical, and teamwork skills.
• Be able to pass all background checks and pre-employment tests, including any required drug test.
• Be able to maintain the confidentiality of any information encountered in the course of work.
• Experience with laboratory testing, validation activities, or data acquisition systems.
• Familiarity with instrumentation such as thermocouples, pressure sensors, flow measurement devices, environmental chambers, or automated test equipment.
• Experience with data analysis tools such as Excel, MATLAB, Minitab, Python, or similar software.
• Previous internship, co-op, Formula SAE, Baja SAE, senior design project, or other hands-on engineering experience.
• Basic understanding of automotive HVAC systems and thermal management principles.
• Exposure to CAD software such as CATIA, NX, Solid Works, Creo, or similar platforms.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including data organization, charting,…