R&D Lab Manager

Hubbard Products Ltd; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK refrigeration company is seeking a Mid-Senior level professional to manage the R&D lab in Ipswich. This role involves overseeing product testing and innovation in energy efficiency. Candidates should have a degree in Mechanical or Refrigeration Engineering with strong analytical and leadership skills. Experience in refrigeration R&D and familiarity with low-GWP refrigerants is essential. This full-time position emphasizes sustainable and energy-efficient technology development.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant engineering field is required.
• Proven experience in R&D or testing within refrigeration.
• Experience with low-GWP refrigerants is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the R&D laboratory.
• Develop and enforce lab safety procedures.
• Lead development and testing of new refrigeration technologies.
• Manage and mentor lab technicians.

Skills

Thermodynamics understanding

Heat transfer expertise

Lab team management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Leadership abilities

Experience with HVAC/R systems

Troubleshooting skills

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Degree in Refrigeration Engineering

Degree in Thermal Sciences

Job description

About the Company

Hubbard Products Ltd, a member of the Daikin Group, is a leading UK company in the design, manufacture, and supply of commercial and transport refrigeration solutions. With over fifty years of innovation, we specialise in sustainable, energy‑efficient cooling technologies for food retail, pharmaceutical, hospitality and logistics sectors. We use low‑GWP and natural refrigerants and have been awarded "Refrigeration Product of the Year" at the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards 2025.

Role Overview

This role manages the R&D Lab within our factory, leading the testing and development of new products, analysing performance, and driving innovation in energy efficiency and sustainability. It also oversees test standards, documentation, and reporting, while mentoring team members and supporting product development goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the R&D laboratory and maintain all lab equipment, tools and testing facilities in optimal condition.
• Develop and enforce lab safety procedures, SOPs and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
• Schedule and coordinate testing activities to meet project timelines.
• Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of testing instruments (temperature chambers, environmental chambers, data loggers, pressure sensors, etc.).
• Lead development and testing of new refrigeration technologies, systems and components; work with the design team in prototyping, experimentation and optimisation.
• Evaluate performance of compressors, condensers, evaporators, refrigerants and control systems; analyse test results and recommend design improvements.
• Drive innovation in energy efficiency, low‑GWP refrigerants, thermal performance and sustainability.
• Develop and maintain test schedules, coordinating with relevant teams to prioritise testing activities.
• Conduct performance, reliability, environmental testing and failure analysis.
• Validate compliance with product specifications and regulatory standards.
• Work with Daikin EDC to implement Daikin test protocols where applicable.
• Manage and mentor lab technicians, assign tasks, monitor performance and provide technical training.
• Develop and maintain documentation for all product lines, including user manuals, technical specifications and service manuals.
• Establish standardised testing procedures and protocols for different product lines and continuously improve them.
• Generate comprehensive test reports for both laboratory and field tests; collaborate with engineering and quality teams to interpret data and provide insights for product improvement.
• Coordinate preparation of documentation and reports for Product Development Meetings (PDM); compile data, analysis and presentations to facilitate discussion and decision‑making.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, Thermal Sciences or a related field.
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer and refrigeration systems.
• Experience managing lab teams and technical projects.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
• Proven experience in refrigeration R&D or testing.
• Experience with low‑GWP refrigerants (CO2, A2L, R290).
• Hands‑on experience with HVAC/R systems, refrigerants and testing tools.

Job Details

Location: Ipswich, England, United Kingdom

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Research, Analyst and Information Technology

Industries: Industrial Machinery Manufacturing