Test Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Test Technician

Job Description

The Test Technician supports an engineering laboratory by setting up, operating, and tearing down large commercial HVAC chiller systems for research, development, and certification testing. Working under moderate supervision, this role connects and troubleshoots electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration systems, operates complex test setups, and ensures every unit is thoroughly tested before leaving the facility. The technician contributes directly to the planning and execution of engineering projects and provides hands-on technical support to engineers in a fast-paced, highly technical lab environment on 2nd shift.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic to moderately complex setup and teardown of large water-cooled and air-cooled chiller units in an engineering laboratory.
• Connect, operate, and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration systems on manufactured equipment.
• Operate, inspect, and maintain test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions and ensure safe, reliable operation.
• Run tests on very large commercial HVAC systems for research and development and for product certification.
• Ensure each unit is properly run and tested before it leaves the facility, documenting results as required.
• Support engineering testing of chillers under moderate supervision, following established procedures and safety practices.
• Provide technical support to engineers on a variety of engineering tasks related to system performance and reliability.
• Perform technical tasks that contribute to the planning and execution of engineering projects, including test preparation and execution.
• Set up laboratory equipment and instrumentation for pressure, temperature, and electrical measurements.
• Assist with instrumentation setup, troubleshooting, and calibration to ensure accurate data collection.
• Collaborate with higher-level support staff and engineers to review test procedures, discuss test results, and understand implications for product performance.
• Use mechanical skills and pneumatic tools to assemble, modify, and secure components, understanding proper hardware order such as nuts, washers, and bolts.
• Apply troubleshooting skills to identify and resolve mechanical, electrical, and control issues during testing.
• Follow lockout/tagout (LO/TO) practices and apply knowledge of arc flash precautions when working on electrical systems.
• Work with pumps, variable frequency drives (VFDs), boilers, control valves, cooling towers, and related equipment as part of test setups when applicable.
• Use PC-based tools, including email and spreadsheets, to record test data, maintain data integrity, and support test report writing.
• Read and interpret complex drawings, schematics, and blueprints to correctly configure and verify test setups.
• Safely move, lift, and position components and equipment as needed for test preparation and teardown, within stated weight limits.
• Support a culture of safety by using ladders, fall protection, and other safety equipment correctly and maintaining awareness of hoses, power cables, and other trip or electrical hazards in the lab.
• Work 2nd shift and occasional Saturday overtime as needed to meet testing schedules and project deadlines.

Essential Skills

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of experience with HVAC service and systems.
• 1+ to 3+ years of experience with hand and pneumatic tools.
• Strong mechanical skills and mechanical inclination.
• Strong electrical and troubleshooting.
• Ability to connect and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration systems.
• Experience with mechanical setup, machine setup, and test execution.
• HVAC experience working with large commercial or industrial equipment.
• Ability to move and lift weights up to approximately 35–50 lbs and to stand and bend for extended periods of time.
• Ability to use email and spreadsheet software (such as Excel) for communication and basic data handling.
• Ability to read and interpret complex drawings, schematics, and blueprints.
• Comfort working with 460-3-60 machinery and medium voltage industrial power supplies, under appropriate supervision.
• Familiarity with industrial tools and pneumatic tools used in a lab or industrial environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree strongly preferred.
• Trade, technical, or business school certificate or skilled trades apprenticeship strongly preferred.
• Experience testing HVAC or other large commercial equipment in a laboratory environment.
• Commercial HVAC industrial or operations experience.
• Experience with instrumentation setup, troubleshooting, and calibration.
• Experience using laboratory equipment with pressure, temperature, and electrical measurements.
• Experience with VFDs, pumps, cooling towers, heavy electrical switchgear, and motor control centers.
• Familiarity with control valves and PLC operation.
• Refrigerant handling experience; refrigerant (EPA) certification preferred.
• Experience or familiarity with forklift and overhead crane operation.
• Knowledge of measurement techniques, systems troubleshooting, data integrity, and traceability.
• Experience contributing to test report writing or documenting test results.
• LO/TO controls troubleshooting experience and arc flash training.
• Strong PC skills beyond basic email and spreadsheets are a plus.
• Ability to work effectively under moderate supervision while collaborating with engineers and technical staff.

Work Environment

This role is based in a large, complex engineering laboratory dedicated to commercial chiller systems, with five test labs handling very large HVAC units that can fit on the back of a tractor-trailer. The environment is highly technical and hands-on, involving mechanical, electrical, and hardware/software smart systems, as well as exposure to weldments, environmental, and energy-related testing. Research and development and manufacturing operations are located on the same site, providing close collaboration with engineering and production teams. The work involves frequent use of ladders and fall protection, navigating around large heavy hoses, power cables, and high-capacity electrical testing equipment. Test setups may include pumps, boilers, VFDs, cooling towers, control valves, and medium-voltage power supplies. The position is for 2nd shift, typically Monday through Friday from approximately 2:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with occasional Saturday overtime as needed. The work is physically active, requiring standing, bending, and lifting moderate weights for extended periods, and adherence to all safety procedures and personal protective equipment requirements appropriate for an industrial lab setting.

This is a Contract position based out of Charlotte, NC.

The pay range for this position is $22.00 - $24.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Charlotte,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 View email address on ziprecruiter.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.