Test Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Test Technician – Engineering Laboratory Services (2nd Shift)
Job Description

This role supports an engineering laboratory by setting up, operating, and tearing down large commercial HVAC chiller systems and related test equipment. The Test Technician connects and troubleshoots electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration systems, runs tests for research and development and certification, and helps ensure every unit is fully tested before it leaves the facility. The position works on complex, large-scale industrial systems and collaborates closely with engineers and other technical staff to execute test plans and evaluate results.

Responsibilities

• Perform basic to moderately complex set-up and tear down activities for large water-cooled and air-cooled chiller systems in an engineering laboratory.
• Connect and troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and refrigeration systems on manufactured commercial HVAC equipment.
• Operate, inspect, and maintain test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions and ensure safe, reliable operation.
• Run tests for research and development and for certification, ensuring each unit is fully operated and tested before leaving the facility.
• Support engineering testing of chillers under moderate supervision, following established procedures and test plans.
• Perform technical tasks that contribute to the planning and execution of engineering projects, including test preparation, execution, and documentation.
• Collaborate with higher-level support staff and engineers to review test procedures, discuss test results, and understand the implications of findings.
• Set up and use instrumentation for pressure, temperature, and electrical measurements, ensuring accurate and reliable data collection.
• Assist with troubleshooting test setups, systems, and instrumentation issues, including LO/TO controls troubleshooting where applicable.
• Use hand and pneumatic tools to assemble, disassemble, and adjust mechanical components and test fixtures.
• Follow lockout/tagout and electrical safety practices; apply Arc Flash training where applicable to maintain a safe work area.
• Read and interpret complex drawings, schematics, and blueprints to correctly configure test setups and verify system connections.
• Handle large mechanical assemblies and components, including lifting and moving items up to approximately 35–50 lbs as required.
• Use computer applications such as email and spreadsheets to document test results, maintain data integrity and traceability, and support test report writing.
• Participate in occasional overtime, including some Saturday work as needed, to support test schedules and project deadlines.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• 2+ years of experience with HVAC service and systems.
• 1+ years of experience with hand and pneumatic tools (with some sections noting 3+ years of experience with hand/pneumatic tools).
• Strong mechanical skills and a mechanically inclined mindset.
• Strong electrical and troubleshooting background, with the ability to diagnose and resolve issues in test setups.
• HVAC experience with large commercial equipment.
• Experience setting up mechanical systems, including familiarity with nuts, washers, bolts, and general mechanical assembly.
• Ability to move and lift weights up to approximately 35 lbs and to stand, bend, and lift (less than 50 lbs) for extended periods of time.
• Ability to connect and troubleshoot electrical systems, including familiarity with 460-3-60 machinery and medium voltage industrial power supplies.
• Experience operating and maintaining test equipment and test setups in an industrial or laboratory environment.
• Basic computer skills, including email and spreadsheet applications (such as Excel).
• Ability to read and interpret complex drawings, schematics, and blueprints.
• Comfort working with large mechanical systems and industrial tools in a laboratory setting.

• Associate degree strongly preferred.
• Trade, technical, or business school certificate, or completion of a skilled trades apprenticeship, strongly preferred.
• Experience with HVAC or other large commercial equipment testing in a laboratory environment.
• Commercial HVAC industrial or operations experience.
• Experience with instrumentation setup, troubleshooting, and calibration.
• Experience with laboratory equipment used for pressure, temperature, and electrical measurements.
• Strong PC skills beyond basic usage, including handling test data and reports.
• Strong mechanical, electrical, and troubleshooting background, with a strong mechanical aptitude (strongly preferred).
• Experience with pumps, variable frequency drives (VFDs), boilers, control valves, cooling towers, heavy electrical switchgear, and motor control centers.
• Familiarity with HVAC operation, refrigerant handling, and EPA refrigerant certification (refrigerant certification preferred).
• Experience or familiarity with forklift and overhead crane operation.
• Training or experience with lockout/tagout (LO/TO) controls troubleshooting and Arc Flash safety.
• Knowledge of measurement techniques, data integrity, and traceability, as well as test report writing.
• Familiarity with industrial tools and test equipment used in large-scale mechanical and electrical systems.
• Comfort working with smart systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and hardware/software components.

This role is based in a large, complex engineering laboratory environment that focuses on commercial chiller systems, with both research and development and manufacturing activities on site. The facility includes five test labs and handles very large HVAC systems, including units sized to fit on the back of a tractor-trailer. Technicians work around ladders, fall protection equipment, large heavy hoses on the ground, and high-power electrical testing setups. The position is for 2nd shift only, typically 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm, Monday through Friday, with some overtime on Saturdays approximately twice per month as needed. The work involves frequent standing, bending, lifting (generally up to 35–50 lbs), and moving around large equipment in an industrial lab setting. You will work with mechanical, electrical, and hardware/software smart systems, as well as a variety of instrumentation and test equipment for pressure, temperature, and electrical measurements. Safety is a key focus, including adherence to lockout/tagout procedures, electrical safety, fall protection, and safe operation of tools and equipment. The environment offers exposure to advanced mechanical and electrical systems, multiple certifications (such as weldments, environmental, and energy-related testing), and a collaborative culture where technicians and engineers work together to test and validate commercial chiller products.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Charlotte, NC.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Charlotte,NC.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 23, 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 [email protected] 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.