Hands-On Mechanical & Thermal Lab Lead

Insight Global; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 160,000 - 218,000; Full time

Job summary

Insight Global is seeking a Mechanical and Thermal Lab Manager to lead a hands‑on lab supporting next-generation server and data center hardware. This player-coach role blends active testing with day-to-day lab operations, safety, and equipment care.

You will partner with engineering teams to execute test plans, troubleshoot hardware, and help establish a best-in-class testing environment while mentoring technicians and coordinating lab activities.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in a mechanical, thermal, hardware, electronics, or data center lab environment.
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical/thermal testing, hardware validation, troubleshooting, and server or data center equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience operating machine shop equipment (CNC, drill press, band saw, welding equipment, 3D printers, etc.).
• Experience supporting lab operations, including equipment maintenance, calibration, inventory management, and safety compliance.
• Ability to independently manage testing activities while collaborating effectively with engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Perform hands‑on mechanical and thermal testing, validation, and troubleshooting of server and data center hardware.
• Partner with engineering teams to execute test plans and support hardware development and validation efforts.
• Act as a hands‑on lab leader, dedicating approximately 75% of time to testing activities and 25% to lab ownership and operational oversight.
• Oversee day‑to‑day lab operations, including equipment maintenance, calibration, inventory management, safety compliance, and overall lab organization.
• Support the growth and operation of a new mechanical and thermal testing laboratory, while providing guidance to technicians and contractors as needed.
• Operate machine shop equipment and support prototype fabrication, process improvements, and test documentation.

Skills

Mechanical testing

Thermal testing

Hardware validation

Lab operations

Troubleshooting

Project coordination

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

CNC

Drill press

Band saw

Welding equipment

3D printers

Job description

Insight Global is seeking a Mechanical and Thermal Lab Manager to lead a hands‑on lab supporting next-generation server and data center hardware. This player-coach role blends active testing with day-to-day lab operations, safety, and equipment care.

You will partner with engineering teams to execute test plans, troubleshoot hardware, and help establish a best-in-class testing environment while mentoring technicians and coordinating lab activities.