Mechanical and Thermal Lab Manager

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

Job Description

Insight Global is seeking a Mechanical and Thermal Lab Manager to support a leading technology organization focused on next-generation server and data center hardware. This individual will serve as the primary hands‑on technical leader within a mechanical and thermal laboratory environment, supporting thermal testing, hardware validation, prototype development, and overall lab operations.

This is a player‑coach role designed for an experienced lab professional who enjoys being actively involved in testing while also taking ownership of the lab's day‑to‑day operations, equipment, safety, and organization. The Lab Manager will partner closely with engineering teams to execute test plans, troubleshoot hardware, support validation efforts, and help establish a best‑in‑class testing environment.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years of experience in a mechanical, thermal, hardware, electronics, or data center lab environment and is passionate about hands‑on testing, problem‑solving, and supporting engineers. While previous people‑management experience is not required, this individual should be capable of providing guidance, coordinating lab activities, and serving as a key resource within the lab.

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.

Compensation

$160,000 - $218,000 base salary depending upon experience

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to [e-mail]. To learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

Skills and Requirements

• 4+ years of experience in a mechanical, thermal, hardware, electronics, or data center laboratory 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.
• Ability to safely lift and move laboratory and server equipment up to 25 pounds.
• Experience with server thermal testing, liquid cooling technologies, or Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC).
• Experience supporting AI infrastructure, data center hardware, electronics manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or similar hardware testing environments.
• Associate's degree in a technical discipline, military technical experience, trade school training, or related certifications.
• Experience leading lab activities, mentoring technicians, supporting NPI efforts, or serving as the primary point of contact for lab operations.