HVAC R&D Technician

Laars Heating Systems Company is a global leader in the boiler and water heater industry. Our products are designed and manufactured in the United States, and we have earned a competitive advantage through our innovation and customer dedication. We have a talented team of Engineers, Designers, and Technicians, along with a new state-of-the-art R&D laboratory. Our focus is on new condensing boiler and heat pump water heater technology and the continued growth and success of our organization.

Primary Function:

We have an excellent opportunity for an experienced HVAC Technician who is responsible for following established procedures and/or general testing protocols to complete component and product performance and compliance testing to support Engineering initiatives and lab team improvement projects. Under general direction, the technician is responsible for a variety of routine and non-routine operations in a laboratory testing environment.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts regulatory compliance testing, on-demand and according to schedule
• Sets up and operates test equipment and apparatus following manufacturer’s instructions with limited supervision, normally under general supervision of an engineer or qualified manager
• Conducts advanced system and complete testing of boilers, water heaters and heat pump, reports results and makes observations/recommendations based on these results, normally under general supervision of an engineer or qualified manager
• Concisely records and reviews data and results, performs advanced calculations, and prepares advanced technical data
• Sets up and operates new testing procedures and guidelines to perform routine and non-routine laboratory procedures
• Performs advanced maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment to ensure it is in good working order
• Builds advanced electro/mechanical assemblies including the potential of assembling simple prototypes by reviewing assembly requirements from Engineering drawings & BOM, securing required materials from stock, and completing prototype assembly
• Work safely as a team member in a Lab environment, identifies and aids in implementation of safety improvements.
• Set up and tear down advanced electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems in the Lab (install/remove boilers and water heaters).
• Troubleshoot advanced test issues – electrical, mechanical, fluid, refrigeration.
• Active engagement in lab cleaning, maintenance, and assistance in other lab technician projects
• Determines requirements and fabricates, installs, tests and validates new laboratory apparatus, as required; coordinates activities to support non-engineering functions (e.g. production support)
• Acts in lead technical role on simple to medium complexity projects, including test schedule review/sequencing and task duration/resourcing estimation
• Limited overnight travel

Education Requirement:

High School Diploma or Equivalent required, Technical School certificate or degree, or relevant military training preferred.

 Experience/Skills Requirements:

• Problem solving capabilities both independently and collaboratively
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong detail-oriented data entry and data review experience required
• Ability to independently read, comprehend, and follow written test procedures and qualify results
• Position requires moderate physical labor including standing, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.; protype builds, appliance modifications, preparing appliances for testing, and equipment/product movement throughout the facility
• Minimal night/weekend work required to support production pilot runs
• Must be adaptable and enjoy creativity in a constantly evolving research laboratory environment
• Requires advanced knowledge in using laboratory instruments to prepare for and perform tests
• Adaptable, and creative mindset with aptitude in engineering and analytical studies

• Advanced understanding of electrical, mechanical, refrigeration, and fluid systems
• Experience with agency regulations preferred
• Experience in task scheduling/planning preferred
• Hands-on – able to safely and properly operate advanced hand and power tools and electrical instruments.  Familiarity with data acquisition (DAQ) preferred
• Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook) – able to create/edit/save documents, able to create graphs/charts and apply basic statistical concepts to data.
• Advanced math skills –algebra (rearranging and solving formulas), graphing.
• Two to five years of experience in any of the following:
• Gas heating products or appliances
• Refrigeration products (residential and/or commercial)
• Electrical wiring (low voltage to 600V)
• Automotive technology
• Manufacturing environment – complex products