Thermal Test Engineer

Actalent; West Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 75,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) match

PTO/vacation

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Hybrid/remote flexibility

Life/disability insurance

Employee stock plans

Job summary

Actalent in West Hartford, CT is seeking a Thermal Test Engineer to support refrigeration-based test equipment for aerospace applications. You will troubleshoot, upgrade, and contribute to next-generation test stands, applying HVAC and refrigeration-cycle expertise.

The role emphasizes hands-on testing, data collection using LabVIEW, CAD layout support, and collaboration with engineering and operations teams. On-site with strong problem-solving and independent work.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with thermal testing and refrigeration systems in an engineering/ HVAC service context.
• Strong HVAC and refrigeration-cycle expertise with diagnostic skills.
• Deep understanding of compressors, evaporators, condensers, refrigerants, and cycling behavior.
• Proficiency in supporting and troubleshooting test equipment and thermal test stands.
• Solid mechanical fundamentals for refrigeration components and test hardware.
• Solid electrical fundamentals for control systems and instrumentation.
• Ability to perform failure analysis on refrigeration/thermal systems.
• Familiarity with EPA regulations related to refrigeration systems.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot refrigeration-based thermal test equipment in a lab environment.
• Diagnose issues in test stands and implement solutions.
• Replace obsolete components and upgrade equipment for reliability.
• Contribute to design and development of future test systems for aerospace.
• Coordinate with vendors to source components and support upgrades.
• Collaborate with engineering and operations to plan and improve tests.
• Communicate test plans, results, and equipment status to stakeholders.
• Prepare presentations on test findings and equipment performance.

Skills

Thermal testing

HVAC systems

Compressor knowledge

Test/data analysis

Electrical fundamentals

Communication

Independent work

Cross-functional teamwork

Tools

LabVIEW

Visual Basic

CAD

Job description

Hiring for a Thermal Test Engineer in West Hartford!

Job Description

This hands‑on Thermal Test Engineer role focuses on supporting, improving, and helping design refrigeration‑based test equipment for aerospace applications. You will troubleshoot existing test systems, replace obsolete components, and contribute to the development of next‑generation thermal test stands. Candidates with strong HVAC and refrigeration-cycle expertise from either engineering or advanced HVAC service backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot and support refrigeration‑based thermal test equipment in a test engineering laboratory environment.

• Diagnose issues in existing thermal test stands and refrigeration systems, and implement effective technical solutions.

• Replace obsolete components and upgrade test equipment to improve reliability, performance, and maintainability.

• Contribute to the design and development of future thermal test systems and test stands for aerospace applications.

• Apply a deep understanding of compressors, evaporators, condensers, refrigerants, and system cycling in daily work.

• Perform failure analysis on refrigeration and thermal test systems to identify root causes and recommend corrective actions.

• Use CAD design tools to support mechanical design and layout of test equipment and system components.

• Develop or modify control and data interfaces using tools such as LabVIEW and Visual Basic where applicable.

• Ensure test equipment and refrigeration systems comply with relevant EPA regulations and other applicable standards.

• Coordinate with vendors to source components, resolve technical issues, and support equipment upgrades.

• Collaborate closely with engineering and operations teams to plan, execute, and improve test activities.

• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and customers about test plans, results, and equipment status.

• Prepare and deliver presentations on test findings, equipment performance, and proposed design changes.

• Execute work independently while contributing effectively to team objectives and shared projects.

• Maintain strong email responsiveness and professional communication with colleagues, customers, and vendors.

Essential Skills

• Hands‑on experience with thermal testing and refrigeration systems in an engineering or advanced HVAC service context.

• Strong expertise in HVAC systems and the refrigeration cycle, including practical service and diagnostic skills.

• In‑depth understanding of compressors, evaporators, condensers, refrigerants, and system cycling behavior.

• Proficiency in supporting and troubleshooting test equipment and thermal test stands.

• Solid mechanical fundamentals for working with refrigeration components and test hardware.

• Solid electrical fundamentals for understanding and supporting control systems and instrumentation.

• Ability to perform failure analysis on refrigeration and thermal systems to determine root causes.

• Working knowledge of EPA regulations relevant to refrigeration systems and refrigerants.

• Experience with data‑related tasks in test environments, such as collecting, reviewing, and interpreting test data.

• Strong verbal communication skills for effective interaction with engineering, operations, customers, and vendors.

• Consistent email responsiveness and professional written communication.

• Ability to coordinate with vendors and external partners to resolve technical and supply issues.

• Capability to execute tasks independently while meeting quality and schedule expectations.

• Ability to collaborate effectively within cross‑functional teams.

• Customer‑facing communication skills to discuss technical topics and test results with external stakeholders.

• Presentation skills for sharing technical information and project updates with various audiences.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using LabVIEW for data acquisition, control, or test automation.

• Experience with Visual Basic for developing or maintaining test‑related software tools.

• CAD design experience for creating or modifying mechanical designs of test equipment and system layouts.

• Background in aerospace‑related testing or engineering is a plus.

• Comfort working with both engineering and operations teams in a production or test environment.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple test activities and equipment upgrades concurrently.

Work Environment

This position is fully on‑site in a test engineering laboratory that focuses on thermal test stands and refrigeration systems for aerospace applications. You will work directly with refrigeration‑based test equipment, thermal test stands, and associated instrumentation, interacting regularly with both engineering and operations teams. The role offers high technical visibility, significant autonomy, and a clear path to owning test stand design responsibilities. You will engage frequently with vendors to support component sourcing and system improvements. The environment is collaborative and technically focused, with opportunities to influence future test system designs and gain broad exposure across engineering and operations.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of West Hartford, CT.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $118000.00/yr.

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.

Medical, dental, vision 401(k) match PTO/vacation Tuition reimbursement Parental leave Hybrid/remote flexibility Life/disability insurance Employee stock plans

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in West Hartford,CT.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 2026.

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.