Test Engineer III

Job Title: HVAC Test Engineer III

Job Description

The HVAC Test Engineer III works in a large research and development laboratory to evaluate the performance of new HVAC products and technologies. In this role, you provide subject matter expertise to design, build, and improve test facilities that integrate mechanical and electrical systems, data acquisition, control, and automation. You lead lab initiatives that prepare equipment, people, and processes to support the development and validation of products and technologies across a broad portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Apply and further develop expertise in mechanical and electrical HVAC systems to support new product development engineering activities.
• Act as the primary technical resource for troubleshooting complex issues with test cells, instrumentation, data acquisition software, and test units.
• Create technical project plans for new capital test equipment or upgrades to existing test facilities with limited supervision.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional project teams to define testing expectations, clarify requirements, and provide technical insights and recommendations.
• Lead and champion the data collection process, including signal acquisition, data verification, and preparation of clear and accurate test reports.
• Provide comprehensive technical oversight for general testing activities to ensure the highest level of quality, reliability, and integrity of test results.
• Implement laboratory process improvements focused on productivity, metrics, and continuous improvement of test methods and workflows.
• Review, comprehend, and interpret external testing standards and translate them into internal testing procedures and protocols.
• Develop new testing methodologies and incorporate them into existing test methods and procedures, particularly for complex or novel testing needs.
• Coordinate activities with product engineers and technicians, providing technical direction and support throughout test planning and execution.
• Interpret and create engineering drawings and specifications with limited supervision to support test system design and setup.
• Analyze and interpret data from test results, draw meaningful conclusions, and provide recommendations for design and performance improvements.
• Coach and review the work of lower-level specialists and technicians, supporting their technical development and ensuring quality deliverables.
• Continuously develop existing technical expertise and expand into new areas based on the evolving needs of the organization.
• Effectively coordinate and communicate with vendors to perform work and services related to mechanical and electrical facility systems.
• Manage and execute multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring tasks are prioritized and completed within a resource-constrained environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of demonstrated success and progressive responsibility in an engineering role.
• Knowledge and proficiency in testing methods for components, systems, and complete machines.
• Knowledge and proficiency in statistical methods related to test and product development disciplines.
• Ability to plan and prioritize multiple activities in a resource-constrained environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including demonstrated success in mentoring technical colleagues.
• Ability to manage and execute multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Exceptional organizational and communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise technical and status reports.
• Ability to interpret and create technical standards for testing and product validation.
• Knowledge and proficiency in the specification and setup of complex, automated test setups.
• Proficient with fundamentals of instrumentation, including RTDs, thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, electrical and power measurements, and analog/digital data acquisition.
• Thorough understanding of HVAC equipment and components.
• Experience with test methods and setups specific to HVAC systems.
• Experience with LabVIEW for data acquisition and control.
• Experience with PLCs and PID controllers.
• Ability to effectively coordinate and communicate with vendors regarding mechanical and electrical facility systems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to multitask and frequently reprioritize tasks.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with laboratory, design, and product marketing teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Test engineering experience in an R&D center or laboratory setting.
• LabVIEW certification.
• EPA refrigerant certification.
• Formal coursework in measurement systems, heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, machine design, and strength of materials.
• Experience with thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics applied to HVAC systems.
• Experience with machine design and strength of materials in relation to test equipment and fixtures.
• Familiarity with thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, and related measurement devices used in HVAC testing.
• Familiarity in developing and implementing automated test setups and data acquisition systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and expanding technical expertise.
• Interest in contributing to process improvements and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ability to champion data collection, verification, and reporting processes for complex test programs.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large, modern research and development laboratory focused on HVAC products and technologies. You work closely with cross-functional teams, including laboratory personnel, design engineers, product engineers, and product marketing professionals, in a collaborative and technically focused environment. The lab uses advanced test cells, complex automated test setups, PLCs, PID controllers, and data acquisition systems such as LabVIEW, along with a wide range of instrumentation including RTDs, thermocouples, pressure transducers, flow meters, and electrical and power measurement equipment. The position involves hands-on work with mechanical and electrical HVAC systems, test rigs, and facility systems, as well as time at a workstation for data analysis, documentation, and report preparation. The environment emphasizes safety, quality, continuous improvement, and professional growth, offering opportunities to shape your career and make a meaningful impact while working with diverse perspectives and ideas.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $62.50/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Minneapolis,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 1, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.