R&D Test Engineer

Alfa Laval; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Dental & Vision

401(k)

Paid holidays

PTO

Job summary

Alfa Laval seeks a Test Engineer for our U.S. Richmond R&D Laboratory to support experimental development and validation of heat exchangers.

You will work hands‑on with test rigs, sensors, data acquisition, and lab procedures in a regulated environment. Located onsite in Richmond, VA, you will be part of a small, collaborative team of engineers and analysts, contributing to safety compliance and continuous improvement while gaining exposure to cross‑functional workflows and product testing in a

Qualifications

• Electrical Safety Certification and OSHA safety training exposure
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital data‑collection tools
• Understanding of SOPs, structured workflows, and team processes
• Knowledge of refrigeration systems, thermal loops, or two‑phase technologies
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Hands‑on data acquisition and instrumentation calibration experience

Responsibilities

• Calibrate, perform functional checks, and maintain sensors and probes
• Operate heat-exchanger test rigs and two‑phase systems; record performance data
• Participate in team meetings to coordinate test activities
• Develop and update SOPs per safety and quality requirements
• Maintain a clean, safe lab and handle equipment setup
• Troubleshoot test setups and instrumentation issues
• Assist in lab safety and process improvements

Skills

Electrical Safety Certification

OSHA Safety Training

Digital data collection

SOPs and workflows

Refrigeration systems knowledge

Two-phase technology understanding

English communication

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Instrumentation calibration

Microsoft Office

Job description

Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact – on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we’re pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world‑leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping.

About The Job

We are seeking a Test Engineer to join our U.S. Richmond R&D Laboratory, supporting experimental development and validation of Brazed and Fusion Bonded Heat Exchangers, with a focus on two phase applications. You will work hands‑on with test rigs, instrumentation, data acquisition, and structured laboratory procedures. This role is part of a collaborative team of Senior Test Engineers, Test Engineers, and Thermal Analysts, and interacts closely with Thermal Specialists, Technology Development, and Sales. This position offers strong exposure to laboratory operations, engineering analysis, and cross‑functional teamwork within a regulated U.S. safety environment. You will be part of a dedicated Global R&D laboratory team of eight people, composed of experienced Senior Test Engineers, Test Engineers, and a Thermal Data Analyst.

Currently, this is a onsite opportunity located in Richmond, VA.

As a Part Of The Team, You Will

• Perform calibration, functional checks, and maintenance of sensors, instrumentation, and measurement probes.
• Operate and monitor heat‑exchanger test rigs, thermal loops, and two‑phase systems; record and validate performance data.
• Participate in daily and weekly team meetings to coordinate test activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in accordance with U.S. safety and quality requirements.
• Build strong working knowledge of laboratory processes, tools, and data‑collection systems.
• Support continuous improvement, waste reduction, and optimization of test execution sequences.
• Troubleshoot test setups, instrumentation issues, and refrigeration‑based systems.
• Safely install, configure, and remove heat exchangers and associate piping/equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment.

What You Know

• 3+ years of experience in testing, laboratory work, or similar engineering roles.
• Electrical Safety Certification or exposure to OSHA Electrical Safety Training (29 CFR 1910 Subpart S) NFPA 70E, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO – OSHA 1910.147) and verification of absence of voltage.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital data‑collection tools.
• Understanding of SOPs, structured workflows, and team processes.
• Knowledge of refrigeration systems, thermal loops, or two‑phase technologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience in industrial laboratory environments (preferred).
• Familiarity with heat‑transfer equipment or thermal performance testing (preferred).
• Hands‑on experience with data acquisition systems or instrumentation calibration (preferred).

Work Environment, Compliance, Physical Factors

Alfa Laval is committed to maintaining a safe workplace. This role requires adherence to OSHA, NFPA 70E, and internal safety protocols. Final candidates will undergo a standard background check. This is an onsite 40 hrs / week role with occasional international travel.

Regularly required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

At Alfa Laval, we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive and dynamic workplace that values diverse perspectives and experiences. While we typically welcome applicants from all locations, currently, we are prioritizing candidates who reside in the US or have an established presence in the area.

What’s in it for you?

We offer a challenging position in an open and friendly environment where we help each other to develop and create value. Your work will have a true impact on Alfa Laval’s future success. Our benefits‑eligible associates enjoy healthcare, dental and vision plans, a robust wellness program, generous 401(k), paid holidays, paid time off benefits, and more. The base salary for this role is typically $80,000 - $90,000.

Alfa Laval is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, or business need, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

EEO/Vet/Disabled Employer