Thermal-Fluid Test Engineer: Build & Run High-Pressure Rigs

Ecotal; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ecotal is seeking a Test Engineer to design, assemble, and operate high-temperature, high-pressure thermal-fluid test systems and rigs. The role emphasizes hands-on building, instrumentation integration, and safe operation to turn experimental data into engineering decisions.

The ideal candidate will own test rigs from concept to operation, with experience in thermal-fluid hardware, pressurized systems, and DAQ/controls. Opportunity to contribute to advanced energy technology development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in engineering preferred.
• 3–7 years of directly relevant test engineering or hands-on systems experience preferred.
• Experience building, instrumenting, commissioning, or operating test rigs and pressurized systems.
• Familiarity with LabVIEW, Python, PLCs, DAQ, instrumentation and control systems.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, commission, and operate thermal-hydraulic test loops and test rigs.
• Select and integrate pumps, valves, sensors, and instrumentation for campaigns.
• Develop run plans, P&IDs, test documentation, and commissioning procedures.
• Wire, calibrate, and troubleshoot instrumentation including thermocouples and pressure transducers.
• Build and troubleshoot DAQ and automated control systems using LabVIEW, Python, PLCs.
• Operate high-temperature/high-pressure water, steam, gas, cryogenic, hydraulic, or pneumatic systems safely.
• Execute end-to-end test campaigns including data collection and post-test analysis.
• Support heat-transfer, heat-exchanger, and two-phase flow testing.
• Apply safety discipline around pressure systems and lab operations.
• Use experimental data to validate models and support engineering decisions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

DAQ

Instrumentation

Controls

LabVIEW

Python

PLCs

HMI systems

VFDs

Industrial automation

Education

Bachelor/Master in Mechanical/Aerospace/Nuclear/Chemical Eng or related field

Tools

Industrial automation platforms

Job description

Ecotal is seeking a Test Engineer to design, assemble, and operate high-temperature, high-pressure thermal-fluid test systems and rigs. The role emphasizes hands-on building, instrumentation integration, and safe operation to turn experimental data into engineering decisions.

The ideal candidate will own test rigs from concept to operation, with experience in thermal-fluid hardware, pressurized systems, and DAQ/controls. Opportunity to contribute to advanced energy technology development.