Summary

The Lead Laboratory Engineer, based in Oklahoma City, plays a critical role in thermal testing and lab operations that validate the performance, reliability, and safety of Nortek's data center cooling solutions. This role will be responsible for managing laboratory equipment, testing activities, and facility resources while ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality support for product development and validation programs. This position ensures that all thermal testing is executed with precision, discipline, and alignment to Nortek DCC's engineering standards, customer commitments, and quality expectations.

As Nortek continues to invest in growth, this position will play a key role in the establishment and expansion of a new state-of-the-art laboratory facility, including equipment selection, laboratory layout, process development, safety systems, and operational readiness. The Lead Laboratory Engineer will collaborate closely with Engineering, Product Development, Facilities, and Leadership teams to build a world-class testing environment that supports innovation and future business growth.

Job Responsibilities:

New Facility Development & Commissioning

• Lead the startup and commissioning of a new engineering and product development laboratory facility
• Partner with Engineering, Facilities, EHS, and Leadership teams to establish laboratory infrastructure, workflows, and testing capabilities
• Manage the installation, qualification, and commissioning of test equipment, instrumentation, and laboratory utilities
• Coordinate facility expansion projects, equipment relocations, and future laboratory capability enhancements

Lead Test Lab Engineer

• Conduct a wide variety of thermodynamic tests in accordance with ANSI, AMCA, ASHRAE and/or ISO standards. Typical tests include heating and cooling performance, evaporative cooling, fan/pump/HX performance, electrical validation, and failure mode analysis
• Install and configure electronic instrumentation and data acquisition equipment.
• Design and construct test fixtures including duct work, mechanical structures, controls, and measurement devices.
• Execute testing plans including setup, calibration, measurement, troubleshooting, analysis, teardown, and report of findings
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize laboratory utilization, efficiency, safety, and testing throughput
• Develop and manage laboratory budgets, capital equipment requests, and facility improvement projects.

Job Qualifications:

• Experience leading the startup, expansion, relocation, or commissioning of a laboratory, testing facility, manufacturing operation, or engineering center
• Experience managing capital projects, facility improvements, and laboratory infrastructure investments
• Knowledge of laboratory design, equipment qualification, commissioning, and operational readiness activities
• Experience supporting HVAC, thermal management, refrigeration, or data center cooling product testing environments

This addition positions the role as a strategic leadership opportunity rather than simply a supervisory lab position.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited university
• HVACR knowledge and/or experience
• Strong mechanical background
• Self-starter, independently motivated and able to work cross-functionally
• Strong work ethic with excellent attention to detail
• Ability to think critically
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must possess or be able to learn desirable skills listed below

Preferred:

• Advanced technical education such as a Master's degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline
• Experience with VBA, LabVIEW, PLC, or other programming language(s)
• Ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair electrical control circuits
• HVACR systems knowledge: operations, psychometrics, troubleshooting, installation, repair
• Hydronic systems knowledge
• Electrical and electronic installation and repair (low and medium voltage)
• Basic carpentry, sheet metal, and plumbing skills
• Knowledge of ASHRAE/ISO/ANSI/AHRI testing standards and rating criteria
• Experience in metrology and calibration

A strong commitment to maintaining a clean, safe, and highly effective laboratory environment is essential for success in this role.

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Our benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HSA and 401(k) Plan with company contributions. To apply, please visit our career site at https://www.nortekdatacenter.com/careers/