The Senior Refrigerant Handling Supervisor is a subject matter expert and operational leader overseeing all aspects of refrigerant management for R-1234yf and CO₂ (R-744) systems in automotive HVAC development and testing environments. This role is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance, system integrity, and technical excellence in refrigerant charging, recovery, leak detection, and test support. The senior supervisor manages lab teams, develops standard procedures, ensures lab safety, and drives continuous improvement in refrigerant-related operations across vehicles, benches, and prototype systems.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead refrigerant service operations for automotive HVAC and thermal systems using R-1234yf and CO₂ in test labs, prototype bays, and validation programs.
Develop and enforce best practices for refrigerant charging, recovery, and leak detection, ensuring alignment with SAE J standards, EPA regulations, and OEM-specific protocols.
Oversee high-pressure system operations, particularly CO₂ circuits, and ensure all staff are trained on safety, emergency response, and proper use of PPE.
Manage the calibration, maintenance, and operation of refrigerant tools and diagnostic equipment (e.g., mass flow scales, recovery units, pressure gauges, leak detectors).
Conduct advanced diagnostics of refrigerant system issues (blockages, superheat/subcooling imbalances, thermal cycling instability) and recommend hardware or procedural solutions.
Supervise and mentor junior technicians and mid-level staff, driving skill development, cross-training, and quality assurance.
Maintain and audit refrigerant inventory logs, usage reports, and environmental compliance documentation.
Collaborate with HVAC design, systems engineering, and validation teams to support product development, thermal performance testing, and emissions certification efforts.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives in refrigerant efficiency, sustainability practices, and test throughput optimization.
Key Focus Areas:
Leadership in R-1234yf and CO₂ refrigerant handling and test operations
Regulatory compliance and safety for refrigerant systems under pressure
Diagnostics and optimization of thermal and refrigerant system behavior
Procedure development and lab operations standardization
Staff development and cross-functional collaboration
Technical documentation and environmental reporting
Innovation in sustainable and high-efficiency refrigerant practices
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Automotive Technology, HVAC/R, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field
EPA 609 Certification (MVAC) required; CO₂ system certification or OEM-specific training strongly preferred
Experience:
6–10+ years of experience in refrigerant handling, automotive HVAC systems, or thermal system diagnostics
3+ years in a supervisory or team lead role managing refrigerant operations and test lab personnel
Proven experience working with both synthetic and natural refrigerants (R-1234yf, R-744)
Technical Skills:
Expertise in thermal cycle operation, charge sensitivity, and high-pressure system behavior
Advanced troubleshooting of refrigerant and A/C circuits under varied test conditions
Proficiency in handling equipment setup, sensor integration, and performance validation
Soft Skills:
Strong leadership, decision-making, and mentoring abilities
Excellent technical documentation and communication skills
Proactive, safety-minded approach with a focus on lab excellence and regulatory compliance