Lead Laboratory Engineer (HVACR)

Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States

Company

Develops energy-efficient HVAC and data center cooling systems, including liquid cooling and large-scale air solutions for AI and hyperscale environments.

What you will do

• Lead the startup and commissioning of a new engineering and product development laboratory.
• Establish laboratory infrastructure, workflows, testing capabilities, safety systems, and operational readiness with Engineering, Facilities, EHS, and Leadership.
• Manage the installation, qualification, commissioning, and relocation of test equipment, instrumentation, utilities, and laboratory resources.
• Conduct thermodynamic tests covering heating and cooling performance, evaporative cooling, fan, pump, heat exchanger, electrical validation, and failure mode analysis.
• Install instrumentation, configure data acquisition equipment, and design and construct test fixtures with ductwork, mechanical structures, controls, and measurement devices.
• Execute testing plans, troubleshoot results, analyze data, report findings, and manage continuous improvement, budgets, capital equipment, and facility projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an accredited university.
• Experience leading the startup, expansion, relocation, or commissioning of a laboratory, testing facility, manufacturing operation, or engineering center.
• Experience managing capital projects, facility improvements, laboratory infrastructure, equipment qualification, and commissioning.
• HVACR knowledge or experience and a strong mechanical background, preferably supporting thermal management, refrigeration, or data center cooling testing.
• Ability to work independently and cross-functionally with strong critical-thinking, communication, attention-to-detail, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work onsite in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Nice to have

• Master’s degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Experience with VBA, LabVIEW, PLCs, or other programming languages.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing electrical control circuits, HVACR and hydronic systems, and low- or medium-voltage electrical and electronic systems.
• Knowledge of ASHRAE, ISO, ANSI, or AHRI testing standards, rating criteria, metrology, and calibration.
• Basic carpentry, sheet metal, and plumbing skills.

Culture & Benefits

• Hands-on, collaborative environment focused on ownership, direct communication, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Clean, safe, air-conditioned laboratory and work environment.
• Health, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability, FSA, HSA, and 401(k) benefits with company contributions.
• Benefits begin on the first day.
• 401(k) match and four weeks of accrued vacation during the first year.