Mechanical Engineering Technician

How will you make an impact?

As an R&D – Mechanical Engineering Prototype Technician, Technology Center, you will provide hands-on technical support for rapid prototyping, refrigeration system assembly, engineering builds, and test-model preparation supporting the development and evaluation of cold storage and laboratory equipment. In this role, you will work closely with R&D engineers and Technology Center technicians to fabricate, assemble, modify, instrument, and troubleshoot prototype refrigeration and mechanical systems throughout the New Product Development (NPD) process.

What will you do?

Safety, Laboratory & Equipment Management

• Maintain a safe work environment and demonstrate a high level of safety awareness when working with refrigeration systems, refrigerants, pressurized components, electrical equipment, and prototype products.
• Follow established safety procedures for brazing, refrigerant handling, pressure testing, evacuation, charging, and operation of refrigeration systems.
• Maintain an organized laboratory environment through 5S, Gemba walks, standard work, and good laboratory practices.
• Properly maintain tools, fabrication equipment, instrumentation, and refrigeration service equipment.
• Assist the Mechanical Prototype Lab Supervisor with inventory management, consumables, materials, and laboratory equipment readiness.

Mechanical Prototyping & Refrigeration System Assembly

• Fabricate, assemble, modify, and troubleshoot prototype mechanical and refrigeration systems supporting cold storage and laboratory equipment development.
• Perform refrigeration circuit assembly, including tubing preparation, bending, fitting, brazing, leak testing, evacuation, and refrigerant charging in accordance with engineering specifications and established procedures.
• Install and integrate refrigeration components including compressors, condensers, evaporators, heat exchangers, expansion devices, filters, tubing, fans, and related system components.
• Support prototype development of conventional and cascade refrigeration systems used in temperature-controlled and ultra-low temperature (ULT) products.
• Perform mechanical fabrication, sheet metal modifications, component mounting, and assembly activities using engineering drawings, CAD models, and work instructions.
• Support prototype electrical wiring, sensor installation, and integration of motors, relays, switches, and related electromechanical components.
• Work closely with engineers to implement design changes and rapidly prepare updated prototype configurations for testing.

Prototype Instrumentation & Test-Model Preparation

• Prepare and instrument prototype products, refrigeration systems, and test fixtures for engineering performance, verification, and reliability testing.
• Install thermocouples, temperature sensors, pressure transducers, and other measurement devices used to evaluate refrigeration and thermal system performance.
• Verify prototype assembly, refrigeration system operation, instrumentation readiness, and test configuration before transferring units for engineering evaluation.
• Assist with fabrication and installation of test fixtures, reliability test fixtures, and specialized laboratory equipment.
• Document prototype configurations, component changes, instrumentation locations, and build information using established laboratory information systems.

Engineering Test & Troubleshooting Support

• Conduct assigned product evaluation and troubleshooting activities at the system, subsystem, and component level.
• Apply practical knowledge of refrigeration system operation to identify potential issues involving refrigerant charge, airflow, temperature performance, compressor operation, and mechanical system function.
• Assist with testing performed according to Engineering Test Procedures (ETPs) and engineering instructions.
• Communicate prototype build observations, test abnormalities, and troubleshooting findings to engineering teams.
• Support engineering builds from early prototypes through alpha, beta, pre-pilot, and pilot configurations as product development programs mature.

People and Culture

Engage in a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement. Travel: infrequent travel may be required.

How will you get here?

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, HVAC/R Technology, Refrigeration Technology, Industrial Maintenance, or related technical discipline preferred.
• Relevant technical apprenticeship, vocational training, or equivalent combination of education and practical experience will be considered.
• EPA Section 608 certification preferred; required where applicable to assigned refrigerant-handling activities.

Experience

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical assembly, refrigeration/HVAC systems, prototype development, manufacturing, or related technical environments.
• Experience building, assembling, and troubleshooting refrigeration systems.
• Hands-on experience with refrigeration tubing fabrication, brazing, leak testing, evacuation, and refrigerant charging strongly preferred.
• Experience working with refrigeration components including compressors, heat exchangers, expansion devices, fans, tubing, and related components.
• Experience interpreting mechanical drawings, CAD models, schematics, and technical work instructions.
• Experience installing thermocouples, pressure transducers, sensors, and other engineering instrumentation.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, engineering testing, or manufacturing equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience working in an engineering laboratory, prototype shop, refrigeration manufacturing facility, or HVAC/R service environment preferred.
• Experience with ultra-low temperature or cascade refrigeration systems preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude with practical knowledge of refrigeration and HVAC/R systems.
• Ability to perform refrigeration system assembly, tubing fabrication, brazing, leak testing, evacuation, and charging activities safely and accurately.
• Working knowledge of vapor-compression refrigeration principles, system components, and common refrigeration troubleshooting methods.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, mechanical layouts, CAD models, wiring diagrams, and work instructions.
• Familiarity with refrigeration service equipment, including manifold gauges, vacuum pumps, refrigerant charging equipment, leak detectors, and temperature measurement devices.
• Ability to use common fabrication tools, hand tools, power tools, and precision measurement equipment.
• Familiarity with instrumentation and data acquisition systems used for refrigeration and thermal performance testing.
• Basic electrical and electromechanical knowledge sufficient to support prototype wiring, component installation, and system troubleshooting.
• Strong hands-on troubleshooting and practical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to accurately document prototype configurations, build activities, technical issues, and test preparation.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to support multiple concurrent prototype and engineering test activities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional partners.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and common electronic documentation systems.
• Ability to frequently lift up to 30 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation, and perform hands-on work in laboratory and prototype environments.
• Commitment to safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.