Test & Validation Lab Technician

Actalent; City of Lockport (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Test & Validation Lab Technician in Lockport, NY to set up and execute performance and durability tests on automotive HVAC and engine cooling components. You will work closely with engineers in a hands-on lab, installing instrumentation, collecting data, and troubleshooting test setups.

The role emphasizes safety, documentation, and continuous learning, with opportunities to advance in validation methods and testing technologies.

Qualifications

• The role requires hands-on mechanical work with diagnostic skills.
• Experience with automotive, HVAC, or mechanical testing is preferred.
• Ability to document procedures and results clearly for reports.
• Want-to-learn mindset and ability to work with engineers in a lab.

Responsibilities

• Set up and run performance and durability tests on HVAC and engine cooling components.
• Install and remove test parts, fixtures, and instrumentation.
• Operate testing systems and data acquisition tools.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues on test setups.
• Verify configurations meet requirements and adjust as needed.
• Document procedures, observations, and results for validation.
• Collaborate with engineers and other lab technicians on tests.
• Maintain a safe, organized lab environment and proper tool handling.
• Contribute to process improvements in testing and documentation.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Automotive systems knowledge

Diagnostics & testing

Data acquisition tools

Communication

Team collaboration

Willingness to learn

Education

Associates degree in Engineering or related technical field

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Test benches instrumentation

HVAC testing equipment

Job description

Job Title: Test & Validation Lab Technician

Job Description

The Test & Validation Lab Technician sets up and executes performance and durability tests on automotive HVAC, heating, and engine cooling components to ensure products meet defined specifications and quality standards. This role combines hands-on mechanical work with computer-based data collection and test monitoring, requiring strong troubleshooting skills, technical aptitude, and a willingness to learn specialized testing systems. The technician installs and removes test parts and instrumentation, works closely with engineers in a collaborative lab environment, and contributes directly to validating products used in automotive applications.

Responsibilities

• Set up and execute performance and durability tests on automotive HVAC, heating, and engine cooling components in accordance with test plans and specifications.
• Install, configure, and remove test parts, fixtures, and instrumentation on test benches and related equipment.
• Operate specialized testing systems and data acquisition tools to monitor tests and collect accurate performance data.
• Perform mechanical troubleshooting on test setups and components to resolve issues that arise during testing.
• Verify that test configurations meet specified requirements and make adjustments as needed to ensure valid test results.
• Document test procedures, observations, and results clearly and accurately, supporting technical reporting and validation activities.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and other lab technicians to plan tests, interpret results, and refine test methods.
• Support diagnostics on automotive systems and components under test, identifying potential performance or durability concerns.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe lab environment, including proper handling of tools, test equipment, and instrumentation.
• Participate in hands-on training and continuous learning to develop expertise in validation methods, automotive systems, and HVAC technologies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of testing processes, procedures, and documentation within the validation lab.

Essential Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on experience working with mechanical systems or components.
• Proven troubleshooting skills, particularly in mechanical, automotive, HVAC, industrial maintenance, or technical environments.
• Experience with automotive systems, diagnostics, or repair, such as dealership or service technician work.
• Ability to perform diagnostics and testing on automotive systems and related components.
• Comfort working with both physical test benches and computer-based data collection and monitoring tools.
• Great communication skills for effective collaboration with engineers, technicians, and other team members.
• Strong work ethic and a demonstrated ability and willingness to learn new testing systems and procedures.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas: automotive, mechanical, HVAC, industrial maintenance, laboratory testing, or technical troubleshooting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associates degree in Engineering or a related technical field is preferred.
• Experience in validation or product testing environments is a plus.
• EPA Certification, such as EPA 608, related to HVAC systems is beneficial.
• Exposure to HVAC systems and components in automotive or building applications.
• Ability to contribute to technical writing and documentation of test procedures and results.
• Interest in transitioning from traditional maintenance or repair work into product testing and validation.
• Motivation to pursue a clear technician career progression with ongoing hands-on training.

Work Environment

The role is based in a hands-on technical lab environment that blends physical work at test benches with computer-based monitoring and data collection. Technicians work on automotive HVAC, heating, and engine cooling components supplied to major automotive manufacturers, using specialized test equipment and instrumentation. The position follows a first-shift schedule and offers a collaborative atmosphere where test technicians, engineers, and supervisors work closely together. The environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, and continuous learning, providing clear career progression and hands-on training for those looking to grow in product testing and validation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lockport, NY.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $36.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lockport, NY.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lockport,NY.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.