The Director – HVAC Testing & Quality Assurance is responsible for leading all aspects of HVAC system testing, validation, certification, and quality assurance across the product lifecycle. This role ensures product performance, safety, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction through rigorous testing protocols, quality systems, and continuous improvement. The Director manages cross-functional quality and lab teams, interfaces with engineering, manufacturing, and regulatory bodies, and drives world-class reliability, certification, and defect reduction strategies.
Lead all testing operations for HVAC systems and components, including performance, safety, environmental, and endurance testing.
Develop and maintain advanced test laboratories and infrastructure for thermal, acoustic, and system-level validation.
Establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and test protocols aligned with AHRI, ASHRAE, UL, DOE, and international standards.
Collaborate with engineering teams on design verification, prototype testing, and NPI readiness.
Oversee quality assurance systems, product audits, and final inspection processes across manufacturing sites.
Implement ISO 9001/14001-compliant quality management systems and lead internal/external audit readiness.
Define quality KPIs (e.g., FPY, COPQ, RMA rate) and drive root cause analysis (RCA), CAPA, and 8D problem-solving.
Ensure supplier quality through incoming inspection standards, audits, and supplier development programs.
Lead HVAC product certification processes with third-party bodies (e.g., UL, CSA, AHRI, ETL, CE, etc.).
Ensure products meet regional and international codes, safety standards, and energy efficiency regulations (DOE, EPA, REACH/RoHS).
Maintain documentation and traceability for regulatory, legal, and environmental requirements.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives in testing accuracy, defect prevention, and field failure reduction.
Lead cross-functional initiatives to improve warranty performance, customer complaints, and product robustness.
Utilize FMEA, DVP&R, SPC, and other quality tools to anticipate and mitigate product and process risks.
Lead and develop high-performing teams of test engineers, QA professionals, and lab technicians.
Partner with product engineering, operations, and service teams to align on quality goals and performance metrics.
Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and continuous learning across quality and testing functions.
HVAC test lab operations and system-level validation
Product quality assurance and customer satisfaction
Regulatory compliance and third-party certification
Supplier quality, warranty, and field issue resolution
Cross-functional collaboration with R&D, operations, and service teams
Data analytics, reporting, and quality performance management
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Quality Engineering, or related field (required)
Master’s degree in Engineering Management, Quality Systems, or Business (preferred)
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), ASQ certifications, or Six Sigma Black Belt (preferred)
Familiarity with ISO, AHRI, UL, ASHRAE, and regulatory testing protocols required
10+ years of experience in HVAC or mechanical systems testing and quality management
5+ years in a leadership role overseeing test labs, QA/QC functions, or product certification processes
Demonstrated success improving product reliability and compliance in a complex manufacturing environment
Expertise in HVAC system behavior, testing methods, and lab infrastructure
Proficiency in quality systems (ISO 9001/14001), statistical process control, and test data analysis
Strong organizational, technical writing, and stakeholder communication skills
Experience with PLM, ERP, MES, or quality management systems (e.g., SAP, Arena, ETQ)