R&D Test Engineer

Alfa Laval

$80K — $90K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in testing, laboratory work, or similar engineering roles.
  • Electrical Safety Certification or experience with OSHA Electrical Safety Training.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office and digital data-collection tools.
  • Familiarity with SOPs and structured workflows.

Responsibilities

  • Perform calibration and maintenance of sensors and measurement probes.
  • Operate and monitor heat exchanger test rigs and thermal loops.
  • Participate in team meetings to coordinate testing activities.
  • Assist in developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Support continuous improvement and optimization of tests.
  • Troubleshoot instrumentation and refrigeration-based system issues.
  • Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment.

Benefits

  • Healthcare, dental and vision plans.
  • Robust wellness program.
  • Generous 401(k) plan.
  • Paid holidays and time-off benefits.
Full Job Description

About the job:

We are seeking a Test Engineer to join our U.S. Richmond R&D Laboratory, supporting experimental development and validation of Brazed and Fusion Bonded Heat Exchangers, with a focus on two phase applications. You will work hands on with test rigs, instrumentation, data acquisition, and structured laboratory procedures. This role is part of a collaborative team of Senior Test Engineers, Test Engineers, and Thermal Analysts, and interacts closely with Thermal Specialists, Technology Development, and Sales.


This position offers strong exposure to laboratory operations, engineering analysis, and cross functional teamwork within a regulated U.S. safety environment.


You will be part of a dedicated Global R&D laboratory team of eight people, composed of experienced Senior Test Engineers, Test Engineers, and a Thermal Data Analyst, working together with complementary and well-defined expertise.

Currently, this is an onsite opportunity located in Richmond, VA.

As a part of the team, you will:

  • Perform calibration, functional checks, and maintenance of sensors, instrumentation, and measurement probes.
  • Operate and monitor heat9 exchanger test rigs, thermal loops, and two9phase systems; record and validate performance data.
  • Participate in daily and weekly team meetings to coordinate test activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Assist in developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in accordance with U.S. safety and quality requirements.
  • Build strong working knowledge of laboratory processes, tools, and data9collection systems.
  • Support continuous improvement, waste reduction, and optimization of test execution sequences.
  • Troubleshoot test setups, instrumentation issues, and refrigeration9based systems.
  • Safely install, configure, and remove heat exchangers and associate piping/equipment.
  • Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment.

"We care about diversity, inclusion and equity in our recruitment processes. We also believe behavioral traits can provide important insights into a candidate's fit to a role. To help us achieve this we apply Pymetrics assessments, and upon application you will be invited to play the assessment games."

What you know:

You have an Bachelor9s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and:

  • 3+ years of experience in testing, laboratory work, or similar engineering roles.
  • Electrical Safety Certification or exposure to OSHA Electrical Safety Training (29 CFR 1910 Subpart S) NFPA 70E ,Lockout/Tagout (LOTO 6 OSHA 1910.147) and verification of absence of voltage
  • Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital data9collection tools.
  • Understanding of SOPs, structured workflows, and team processes.
  • Knowledge of refrigeration systems, thermal loops, or two9phase technologies.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
  • Experience in industrial laboratory environments. (preferred)
  • Familiarity with heat9transfer equipment or thermal performance testing. (preferred)
  • Hands9on experience with data acquisition systems or instrumentation calibration. (preferred).

Work Environment, Compliance, Physical Factors:

Alfa Laval is committed to maintaining a safe workplace. This role requires adherence to OSHA, NFPA 70E, and internal safety protocols. Final candidates will undergo a standard background check. This is an onsite 40 hrs / week role with occasional international travel.

Regularly required to stand ; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

At Alfa Laval, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and dynamic workplace that values diverse perspectives and experiences. While we typically welcome applicants from all locations, currently, we are prioritizing candidates who reside in the US or have an established presence in the area.

What9s in it for you?

We offer a challenging position in an open and friendly environment where we help each other to develop and create value. Your work will have a true impact on Alfa Laval9s future success. Our benefits-eligible associates enjoy healthcare, dental and vision plans, a robust wellness program, generous 401(k), paid holidays, paid time off benefits, and more. At Alfa Laval, we carefully consider a wide range of factors to determine your total compensation package. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job, background, skills, and experience to get it right.  The base salary for this role is typically $80,000 - $90,000.

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