Lab Engineer

We are looking for a hands-on Lab Engineer who will be an active participant in the preparation, evaluation and reporting of critical performance data for Refrigeration Systems products.  They should be able to apply the scientific method to drive appropriate testing and problem resolution as necessary.

This work will support lab testing projects for Research & Development, New Product Development, Controls Development, Product Engineering, Quality, and Field Service Engineering.  The position will focus on testing for the Refrigeration Systems Division labs, but will also assist across divisions with Display Case, and Display Door testing projects as needs arise.  This work will be performed in conjunction with lab technicians, the lab manager, R&D Engineers, and Engineers from other departments.

What you’ll be responsible for in this role:

• Test project planning and the establishment of timelines in conjunction with the groups served by lab testing
• As an individual or as part of a team, leading the creation of formal test plans including the creation of Designs of Experiments (DOE’s), work instructions, safety guidelines, and operating manuals for customized test stations and lab equipment
• Identification of, and collaboration on, test projects for the labs at the Dover India Innovation Center
• Designing test equipment and data acquisition systems to support testing
• Creating and installing the data acquisition program.
• Development of piping and instrumentation drawings, and electrical and structural schematics both directly and/or through engineers and designers in other departments to support the lab testing environment
• Collaboration with Production, Facility Maintenance personnel, and others to acquire support of lab facility modifications when required
• Test support alongside Engineers and Lab Technicians
• The collection, management, and analysis of test data to confirm proper testing methods and accuracy of results, and its dissemination internally to other DFR teams
• Troubleshooting, diagnosing, and correcting issues with equipment, software, and networks
• Managing ongoing tests and test equipment and providing operational feedback to the appropriate groups
• Contributing to the development of new products and technologies with cross-functional teams to meet company goals
• Assisting with the observation and investigation of articles under test and the engineering analysis required to support testing conclusions
• Work coordination with Engineers, Lab Manager, Lab technicians, and other staff to ensure smooth operations
• Guiding Lab Technicians in the performance of preventative and corrective maintenance, upgrades, and calibrations of equipment
• Managing safety including ensuring compliance with safety guidelines and coordinating safety inspections of the lab and equipment
• Assisting with the planning and tracking of lab utilization, and maintaining an exemplary lab and process
• Other duties as assigned

What are the basic qualifications?

• A bachelor's degree in a technical field, such mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or equivalent. 
• 1-5 yrs work experience with refrigeration or HVAC equipment
• Experience working in a lab environment
• Experience with data acquisition system programming

What are the preferred qualifications?

 Technical Competencies:

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.).
• Proficient with AutoCAD or other CAD program
• Firm understanding of thermodynamics and heat transfer
• Familiarity with:
  • Interpreting Electrical Wiring Diagrams
  • Power and Control Wiring
  • Refrigeration Controllers
  • Interpreting Piping Diagrams
  • Refrigerants (EPA Section 608 Certification a plus)
• Troubleshooting of refrigeration systems, electrical equipment, electronics, and controllers desired.
• Experience with refrigeration system controls and LabVIEW or MATLAB are a plus
• Computer networking skills are a plus
• Experience with Industrial Controllers and programming languages are a plus.

 Personal Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to work and communicate effectively with others across all levels and functions of the business
• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills
• Project management skills (Planning, organizing, follow-through), and multi-tasking abilities
• A strong attention to detail
• Good problem solving and decisions making skills with the ability to analyze data through formal processes
• Must have the ability to maintain confidentiality and professional decorum

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
• The preferred candidate will have course work in:
  • Thermodynamics
  • Heat transfer
  • Fluid mechanics
  • Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
  • Electrical power systems
  • Engineering Design

Travel:

• Willing and able to travel as necessary (approximately 5%-10% of the time) for customer and supplier interactions, attending conferences and equipment shows, managing and observing new technology field tests, observing equipment operating in the field, and visiting other Dover Food Retail associated labs