Laboratory Test Specialist

Nortek; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) plan

Life insurance

Dental and Vision

Job summary

Nortek Data Center Cooling is seeking a Laboratory Test Specialist to support development, validation, and qualification testing of data center cooling products. You will work with engineers and technicians to execute test plans, maintain equipment, and deliver reliable test data.

The role requires hands-on lab experience, strong mechanical aptitude, and the ability to troubleshoot complex test systems. Safety, accuracy, and documentation are essential in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field.
• Experience supporting laboratory testing, product validation, or HVAC/industrial equipment testing.

Responsibilities

• Set up and execute laboratory test plans for product development and validation.
• Configure, operate, and maintain test equipment and data acquisition systems.
• Prepare test articles and fixtures; ensure testing follows procedures and standards.
• Coordinate test activities, troubleshoot instrumentation and data issues.
• Collect, analyze, and document test data; prepare reports and summaries.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Engineering Technology

Tools

Data acquisition systems

LabVIEW

Python

PLCs

Job description

Nortek Data Center Cooling builds the systems that keep modern data centers running — from liquid cooling to large‑scale air solutions. Our work supports some of the world’s most demanding AI and hyperscale environments, and we solve those challenges with engineering depth and practical execution.We keep things simple here. We communicate early, stay close to the details, and follow through. When issues come up, we address them directly, not with layers of process. Customers count on us because we do what we say and we keep projects moving.Our culture is hands‑on and collaborative. People take ownership, move quickly, and help each other. If you like working with teammates who are straightforward and accountable, you’ll feel at home.SummaryThe Laboratory Test Specialist is responsible for the setup, execution, troubleshooting, and documentation of laboratory testing activities supporting the development, validation, and qualification of data center cooling products and technologies. The role serves as a key technical contributor within the laboratory, ensuring testing is performed safely, accurately, and in accordance with engineering requirements, industry standards, and laboratory procedures.The Laboratory Test Specialist works closely with engineers, technicians, and laboratory operations personnel to support product development programs, execute test plans, maintain laboratory equipment, and deliver reliable test data. The ideal candidate may be either an early-career engineer seeking hands-on laboratory experience or an experienced testing professional with a strong technical background and demonstrated capability in laboratory operations.Job ResponsibilitiesTest setup & ExecutionExecute laboratory test plans supporting product development, validation, reliability, and performance evaluationsConfigure and operate test equipment, instrumentation, and data acquisition systemsPrepare test articles, test fixtures, and laboratory systems for testing activitiesPerform testing in accordance with applicable procedures, engineering requirements, and industry standardsCoordinate test setup, execution, monitoring, troubleshooting, and teardown activitiesLaboratory Scheduling & Resource CoordinationInstall, configure, and maintain sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition equipmentVerify measurement accuracy and proper operation of test systems before testing beginsSupport calibration activities and measurement systems verificationIdentify and resolve instrumentation, controls, and data collection issuesAssist with development and improvement of laboratory data acquisition capabilitiesEquipment Operation & TroubleshootingOperate laboratory equipment including thermal, hydronic, refrigeration, airflow, and electrical test systemsTroubleshoot mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, and control system issuesSupport maintenance, repair, and commissioning of laboratory equipmentAssist with installation of new test equipment and laboratory capabilitiesIdentify opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, reliability, and testing throughputData Analysis & DocumentationCollect, organize, and validate test dataAnalyze results and identify performance trends, anomalies, and potential issuesPrepare laboratory reports, data summaries, and technical documentationMaintain accurate records of test setups, instrumentation, deviations, observations, and resultsEnsure test records are organized and traceable in accordance with laboratory quality requirementsProcess & Continuous ImprovementSupport development and maintenance or test procedures, work instructions, and laboratory documentation.Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and safetyRecommend improvements to test methods, equipment, and laboratory processesAssist with laboratory audits, corrective actions, and quality initiativesSafety & ComplianceFollow all laboratory safety requirements and safe work practicesParticipate in hazard assessments and safety reviewsPromote a culture of safety and accountability within the laboratoryEnsure testing activities comply with applicable standards, procedures, and company requirementsQualificationsRequiredBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline; or equivalent combination of technical education and relevant laboratory experienceExperience supporting laboratory testing, product validation, industrial equipment testing, HVAC systems, controls, instrumentation, or related technical activitiesStrong mechanical aptitude and hands-on troubleshooting skillsAbility to work safely with mechanical, electrical, fluid, and thermal systemsExperience using test equipment, sensors, instrumentation, or data acquisition systemsStrong organizational and communication skillsAbility to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environmentPreferredBachelor's degree in an engineering disciplineTwo or more years of engineering experience in a laboratory or product development environmentFive or more years of laboratory testing, HVAC, refrigeration, controls, industrial equipment, or related experienceExperience with thermal systems, psychrometrics, heat transfer, refrigeration, hydronics, or HVAC equipmentFamiliarity with ASHRAE, ANSI, ISO, AHRI, or AMCA standardsExperience with data acquisition software, LabVIEW, PLCs, Python, or related toolsExperience with calibration and metrology practicesSuccess ProfileA successful Laboratory Test Specialist is:Hands-on, enjoying the challenge of building, modifying, and troubleshooting test systemsTechnically curious, seeking to understand equipment behavior and test resultsAnalytical, using data to drive conclusions and recommendationsDetail-oriented, ensuring accuracy in measurements and documentationResourceful, able to diagnose and solve practical technical problemsCollaborative, working effectively across engineering, laboratory operations, and product development teamsSafety-focused, consistently maintaining safe laboratory practicesWe offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Our benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, FSA, HAS and 401(k) Plan with company contributions. To apply, please visit our career site at https://www.nortekdatacenter.com/careers/Nortek Data Center Cooling. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law.