Testing & Certification Engineering Project Manager-HVAC Engineering Irvine, CA Full-time WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: We are seeking a hands-on and technically experienced Testing & Certification Engineering Project Manager-HVAC to lead the safety certification and laboratory testing operations for our HVAC product portfolio. The ideal candidate has deep expertise in NRTL safety certification, lab coordination, and test execution — with a strong focus on AC, heat pump, mini-split, and side-discharge product lines. This role is the operational lead for all certification testing activities, from test planning and lab scheduling through report review and certificate management, while supporting the broader engineering and regulatory compliance team. This position is located in California. Responsibilities: - Lead and manage all safety certification activities for HVAC products through NRTLs, including ETL, UL, and CSA, ensuring timely approvals and ongoing compliance
- Maintain and manage certification records, agency correspondence, and certificate documentation for the full product portfolio
- Coordinate with the Engineering & Certification Manager on efficiency certification (DOE/AHRI) and AEDM-related activities as needed
- Support regulatory tracking and product compliance reviews for state/local code and AHRI standard changes
- Own and manage all certification testing activities — developing test plans, coordinating lab schedules, arranging sample logistics, and defining test conditions in alignment with applicable standards
- Plan and execute development testing programs to evaluate new and updated product performance prior to certification submission
- Manage day-to-day operations and scheduling of the Irvine in-house test lab
- Coordinate directly with NRTLs and third-party laboratories for test scheduling, sample shipment, and on-site test witnessing
- Review and evaluate all test data and reports, following up on issues and driving resolution with internal engineering teams and external labs
- Support product quality teams with technical findings from lab testing and assist with corrective action investigations
- Own and maintain all certification reports and test documentation, ensuring records are complete, accurate, and audit-ready
- Manage technical document revision control for test-related documentation
- Support the review and update of installation manuals, specification sheets, and technical bulletins as a contributing reviewer
- Assist in maintaining OEM/ODM certification documentation packages as needed
- Provide technical support to Sales, Distributors, Installers, and Contractors on product and installation technical inquiries
- Collaborate with the Engineering & Certification Manager and broader team on project management, issue tracking, and product launch readiness
- Represent the engineering team at industry events and customer-facing activities as a subject matter expert in testing and safety certification
Requirements: - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- 5–8 years of experience in HVAC product engineering, with significant focus on certification and regulatory compliance
- Demonstrated hands-on experience managing NRTL safety certification programs (ETL, UL, CSA) for HVAC products
- Strong working knowledge of HVAC laboratory testing procedures and standards, including AHRI 210/240
- Experience coordinating with third-party test laboratories and managing test schedules and sample logistics
- Proven ability to review, evaluate, and disposition test reports and certification data
- Hands-on experience operating or managing an in-house product test lab
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with document management and revision control systems
- Ability to travel domestically as needed for lab visits and certification testing activities
Preferred Qualifications: - Master's degree in Engineering or related field
- Experience with AHRI 210/240 AEDM simulations
- Experience managing or mentoring junior engineers or technicians
- Experience working with international engineering teams on product compliance
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. Pay Scale: $95,000.00 - $110,000.00 Base Salary DOE plus Annual Bonus Opportunity! Benefits: - PPO Medical, Dental, Ortho, Vision, Rx, LTD and Life Insurance
- Employee-only premium covered at 100%
- Voluntary Benefits: STD, Hospital, Critical Illness, Accident, Discounted Pet Insurance
- Pre-Tax Flex Spending Accounts: Health and/or Dependent Care
- 11.5 Paid Holidays per calendar year
- Paid Community Involvement Volunteer Day
- 401K Plan, 100% match on employee’s contribution, up to 5%
- Employee discounts on Navien products
- Discount Tickets – hotels, amusement parks, sports events…
- On-site EV Chargers
- Life Style Spending Account: You choose-- gas, pet care, financial advisor, gym membership, plus many more!
- Monday Lunches
About Navien, Inc. Since 2006, Navien, Inc. has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-growing companies in the home comfort sector across North America. A leader in condensing technology, Navien has revolutionized the industry with its line of high-efficiency condensing tankless water heaters, combi-boilers, and wall-hung boilers. In 2024, Navien was recognized as the number one selling manufacturer of gas tankless water heaters and wall-hung boilers in North America. Expanding its offerings, Navien now boasts a full line of HVAC products, including the innovative NPF Hydro-furnace. Additionally, Navien has ventured into the heat pump water heater market, further solidifying its commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient solutions for home comfort. The company is also making strides in the water treatment space with cutting-edge scale prevention systems and whole-house filtration solutions. Navien’s international reputation is built on sophisticated engineering, robust design, and a steadfast commitment to quality. Backed by over 40 years of advanced technology expertise from its parent company, KD Navien, the company continues to push boundaries in product development. Navien products are available across the United States and Canada through a select network of trusted wholesale distributors. Navien Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer No Agencies Please!
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