Evaluation Engineer – Refrigeration Systems

Heatcraft Refrigeration Products; Stone Mountain (GA); On-site; USD 97,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition reimbursement

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Short-term disability

Paid parental leave

Paid holidays and PTO

Job summary

Heatcraft is seeking an Evaluation Engineer in Georgia to lead refrigeration laboratory testing, evaluation, and validation. The role acts as the technical lead within the lab, guiding technicians and engineers, and communicating test results and risks to management.

The ideal candidate has a strong mechanical engineering background with hands-on refrigeration experience and can bridge lab operations with engineering objectives across development, validation, and performance testing programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of HVAC/R product development, testing, or related roles.
• Experience troubleshooting refrigeration/HVACR systems and leading technical projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, execution, and reporting of refrigeration/HVAC/R laboratory testing.
• Develop test plans and protocols for accurate, repeatable results.
• Provide guidance to technicians and junior engineers and communicate results to leadership.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Refrigeration testing

Laboratory troubleshooting

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Instrumentation

Controls knowledge

Job description

The Evaluation Engineer is responsible for leading laboratory testing, evaluation, troubleshooting, and validation activities for refrigeration systems. This position serves as the technical leader within the laboratory, providing direction to laboratory technicians, ensuring high-quality execution of test programs, and communicating test results, technical risks, and project status to engineering leadership and senior management.

The successful candidate will possess a strong mechanical engineering background combined with significant hands‑on refrigeration experience. This role requires the ability to bridge practical laboratory operations with engineering objectives, enabling effective execution of development, validation, performance and investigative testing programs.

This position will serve as the primary technical resource within the laboratory and contribute to the development of laboratory capabilities, test methodologies, and technician competencies.

Technical Leadership

• Lead the planning, execution, and reporting of refrigeration and HVAC/R laboratory testing activities.
• Develop and review test plans, procedures, and protocols to ensure accurate and repeatable results.
• Evaluate system performance and identify opportunities for product, process, and testing improvements.
• Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, controls, and refrigeration system issues.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to laboratory technicians and junior engineers.
• Support product development, validation, certification, reliability, and competitive benchmarking programs.
• Develop technician skills through coaching, training, and performance feedback.
• Establish best practices for troubleshooting, test execution, and data collection.

Laboratory Operations

• Direct daily laboratory activities and prioritize resources to meet project schedules.
• Ensure test equipment, instrumentation, and laboratory systems are properly maintained and calibrated.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to laboratory efficiency, safety, and data quality.
• Oversee installation, modification, and operation of test systems and laboratory infrastructure.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety requirements, environmental regulations, and company standards.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare clear and concise technical reports and presentations for engineering, management, and leadership teams.
• Communicate project status, technical findings, risks, and recommendations to senior management.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, product management, quality, manufacturing, and service organizations.
• Present test results and technical conclusions to internal and external stakeholders.

What We Are Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in HVAC/R product development, testing, laboratory operations, field engineering, or related technical roles.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting refrigeration and HVAC/R systems.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and coordinate the work of others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of HVACR, refrigeration, or thermal systems experience.
• Experience leading laboratory personnel or technical teams.
• Experience working in an HVAC or refrigeration testing laboratory.
• Prior experience as an HVAC/R service technician, commissioning engineer, facilities engineer, or field applications engineer.
• EPA Section 608 Certification.
• Experience with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and controls.
• Familiarity with AHRI, ASHRAE, UL, CSA, and other applicable industry standards.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of refrigeration cycles, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and HVAC/R system operation.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, piping diagrams, electrical schematics, and control logic.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition systems, and performance testing.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and advanced troubleshooting methods.
• Knowledge of refrigeration controls, variable‑speed systems, compressors, heat exchangers, and system optimization techniques.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis and engineering test methodologies.
• Technical leadership and decision‑making.
• Project planning and execution.
• Team development and mentoring.
• Effective communication with technicians, engineers, and executives.
• Strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to influence outcomes across cross‑functional teams.
• Focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

Compensation

This is a salaried exempt role. The starting salary range for this role and market is between $97,000- $127,000 annually. Factors that may affect starting salary include geography/market and the skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate. Employees in this role are also eligible for an annual bonus in accordance with the terms of the Company’s applicable plan. Employees in this role are not eligible for overtime.

Benefits

Subject to applicable eligibility requirements, the following benefits are offered for this role: tuition reimbursement; medical, dental, and vision insurance; prescription drug coverage; 401(k) retirement plan; short-term disability insurance; 8 weeks paid birthing leave; 2 weeks paid bonding leave; life and long‑term disability insurance.

Depending on date of hire, and subject to applicable eligibility requirements, new employees in this role also receive up to: 12 days paid time off, 2 paid well‑being days, 1 paid volunteer day, 10-11 paid holidays, and 3 floating holidays per year.

Our Culture

At Heatcraft , our Core Values of Integrity, Respect & Excellence are ingrained in the fabric of the organization. They define our culture – which is about how we do business and how we treat others. Heatcraft , is not just a workplace; we are a global community that values each team member’s contributions. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to recruit, develop, and retain talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to our continued growth and success. At Heatcraft , you’ll take pride in our brands, knowing you are part of something special. Come, stay, and grow with us!

Disclaimers: The compensation and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Lennox reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law. We may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence, to support parts of our hiring process, such as application review and interview scheduling. These tools assist our teams but do not replace human decision‑making. If you need an accommodation or have questions, please contact [e-mail].