R&D Laboratory Manager

OptiCool; Town of Webster (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

OptiCool is seeking a hands-on Laboratory Engineer to lead thermal testing for data center cooling products in Webster, NY. You will design experiments, build test setups, run tests and translate results into product improvements, collaborating with engineering, manufacturing and customer teams.

The role runs the R&D lab, oversees safety and equipment, and requires strong data analysis, troubleshooting and technical communication.

Qualifications

• 5–12 years in thermal engineering, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, HVAC or data center cooling.
• Hands-on laboratory testing, including writing test procedures and analyzing data.
• Thermal instrumentation and data-logging systems.

Responsibilities

• Runs day-to-day operation and technical direction of the laboratory, including priorities, schedules and resources.
• Designs and runs thermal performance tests on components and complete cooling systems: temperature, pressure, flow, heat transfer, power and efficiency.
• Writes test plans, procedures, instrumentation requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Troubleshoots unexpected results to root cause, and develops accelerated and reliability testing.
• Builds prototypes, proof-of-concept systems, test fixtures and repeatable test environments that replicate customer conditions.
• Keeps equipment maintained, calibrated and available, and recommends equipment spending for laboratory expansion.
• Sets and enforces laboratory safety procedures for pressure, temperature, electrical, rotating-equipment and chemical hazards.
• Analyzes data, builds engineering models, and presents findings to engineering leadership.
• Supports mechanical, controls, applications, manufacturing, service and sales teams with testing and thermal expertise.

Skills

Thermal engineering experience

Lab testing & data analysis

Troubleshooting & root cause analysis

Technical writing & communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Chemical/Thermal or related

Master's degree in mechanical engineering or thermal sciences (preferred)

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

CFD software

Job description

OptiCool is positioned at the intersection of advanced thermal management, data center infrastructure, and liquid cooling technology. This role provides an opportunity to work on technically complex projects supporting the rapidly evolving data center industry while collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and customer teams. OptiCool Technologies designs and builds data center cooling equipment. This role runs the research and development laboratory and leads the thermal testing that proves new products work. It is a hands-on engineering role: designing experiments, building test setups, running equipment and turning results into product improvements.

Responsibilities:

• Runs the day-to-day operation and technical direction of the laboratory, including priorities, schedules and resources.
• Designs and runs thermal performance tests on components and complete cooling systems: temperature, pressure, flow, heat transfer, power and efficiency.
• Writes test plans, procedures, instrumentation requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Troubleshoots unexpected results to root cause, and develops accelerated and reliability testing.
• Builds prototypes, proof-of-concept systems, test fixtures and repeatable test environments that replicate customer conditions.
• Keeps equipment maintained, calibrated and available, and recommends equipment spending for laboratory expansion.
• Sets and enforces laboratory safety procedures for pressure, temperature, electrical, rotating-equipment and chemical hazards.
• Analyzes data, builds engineering models, and presents findings to engineering leadership.
• Supports mechanical, controls, applications, manufacturing, service and sales teams with testing and thermal expertise.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, thermal or energy engineering, or a related discipline.
• 5 to 12 years in thermal engineering, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning), liquid cooling or data center cooling.
• Hands-on laboratory and experimental testing, including writing test procedures and analyzing data.
• Thermal instrumentation and data-logging systems (the hardware and software that record sensor readings).
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause skills, and the ability to read drawings and schematics.
• Clear technical writing and communication.

Preferred:

• Master's degree in mechanical engineering or thermal sciences.
• Designing or testing CDUs or similar cooling systems.
• CFD (computational fluid dynamics, software that simulates fluid flow and heat transfer).
• LabVIEW, MATLAB or Python for test automation and data analysis.
• PLCs (programmable logic controllers, industrial computers that run equipment) and automated test systems.
• Building a laboratory from the start.
• ASHRAE, AHRI, UL or IEC standards (industry standards for cooling performance, safety and electrical equipment).

Visa Sponsorship:

OptiCool is unable to provide employment visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship.