Engineering Lab Technician

Engineering Lab 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 Engineering Lab 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.; prototype 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

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.