Refrigeration Systems Lab Manager

Excelion Partners LLC.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Excelion Partners LLC. in Madison, WI seeks a Refrigeration Systems Lab Manager to lead our testing lab, oversee design and validation of refrigeration systems, and ensure compliance with UL, NSF, and EPA standards. You will coordinate with Design Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to support product development.

The ideal candidate has deep refrigeration design and testing expertise, strong leadership and project management skills, and experience navigating regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 5–8+ years in refrigeration systems testing or HVAC/thermal labs.
• 2–3+ years in lab operations management.
• Hands-on with refrigeration cycles, compressors, heat exchangers, controls.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily Lab Team operations and refrigeration test lab functions.
• Design and optimize refrigeration and control systems.
• Lead testing for product validation, certification, and reliability.
• Interface with UL and other certification bodies.
• Ensure calibration and compliance readiness of lab equipment.
• Support new product development through testing and validation.

Skills

Refrigeration principles

Thermodynamics

Fluid systems

Laboratory instrumentation

Data acquisition

Test automation

Regulatory standards

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Root cause analysis

Leadership

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering/HVACR

Job description

Madison, United States | Posted on 07/06/2026

The Refrigeration Systems Lab Manager leads laboratory operations, refrigeration system design, testing, and validation. This role ensures accurate performance testing, efficient lab processes, and UL, NSF, and EPA energy compliance to industry standards.

The manager collaborates closely with Design Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing Teams to support product development, and design optimization and serves as the primary liaison with certification agencies. This position combines technical expertise in refrigeration design, controls and testing with strong leadership and project management skills.

The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise in refrigeration system design, testing, and analysis with strong leadership, project management, and regulatory compliance experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of Lab Team and refrigeration systems testing laboratory.
• Design and optimize refrigeration and control systems.
• Manage lab team, testing for product validation, certification, and reliability assessments.
• Serve as primary interface with UL and other certification bodies.
• Ensure lab equipment calibration, maintenance, and compliance readiness.
• Support new product development through testing, troubleshooting, and compliance validation.

Requirements

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of refrigeration principles, thermodynamics, and fluid systems.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and test automation.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations including ASHRAE, AHRI, UL, NSF and EPA.
• Ability to analyze system performance data and generate detailed technical reports.
• Strong troubleshooting and root‑cause analysis skills for refrigeration systems.

UL & Regulatory Compliance

• Working knowledge of UL/CSA safety, NSF & EPA standards and certification processes applicable to refrigeration and HVAC equipment.
• Experience preparing products and test setups for agency evaluation, audits, and certification.
• Ability to interpret agency requirements and integrate them into lab test procedures and product validation plans.
• Ensure all lab activities, equipment, and test methods comply with UL, OSHA, and applicable electrical/mechanical safety standards.
• Coordinate with third‑party certification agencies (UL, CSA, NSF, EPA) for testing, documentation, and compliance approvals.
• Maintain proper documentation and traceability to support regulatory reviews and audits.

Leadership & Management

• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop engineers and lab technicians.
• Experience managing lab operations, schedules, budgets, and capital equipment.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to collaborate across engineering, product development, and quality teams.

Safety & Compliance

• Deep understanding of lab safety practices, including handling refrigerants, high‑pressure systems, and electrical components.
• Knowledge of environmental and regulatory requirements (EPA refrigerant regulations, F‑gas compliance).
• Experience implementing and maintaining safety programs and compliance audits.

Communication Skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present technical data and findings to internal stakeholders and external agencies.
• Excellent documentation practices for test procedures, reports, and compliance records.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, HVACR Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 5–8+ years of experience in refrigeration systems, HVAC, or thermal systems testing.
• 2–3+ years of experience managing laboratory operations or technical teams.
• Hands‑on experience with refrigeration cycles, compressors, heat exchangers, and control systems.

Working Conditions

Manager primarily works in an office environment, however, may be required to perform duties in the Engineering test lab, manufacturing and/or warehouse setting. Proper safety training and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided. Reasonable accommodation may be made for individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.