The Senior Thermal Lab Technician – Climate Chambers is a technical expert responsible for leading and executing complex thermal and environmental tests on automotive HVAC, battery, and powertrain components within climate-controlled chambers. This role ensures test accuracy, data integrity, and equipment reliability while mentoring junior technicians and collaborating closely with engineering teams. The senior technician drives continuous improvement in test procedures, equipment maintenance, and lab safety, supporting product validation and development goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the setup, execution, and troubleshooting of advanced thermal tests, including thermal cycling, humidity profiling, cold soak, and rapid temperature changes within climate chambers.
Install, calibrate, and verify a wide range of sensors and instrumentation (thermocouples, RTDs, pressure and humidity sensors) ensuring precise data capture and system performance.
Develop, review, and optimize test procedures and chamber programming scripts to improve test efficiency and repeatability.
Manage and resolve complex technical issues with climate chamber hardware, DAQ systems, and sensor networks during tests.
Mentor and train junior and mid-level lab technicians on instrumentation, test setup, safety protocols, and troubleshooting methods.
Coordinate with validation engineers and cross-functional teams to plan test campaigns, interpret results, and support root cause analysis for thermal performance issues.
Oversee preventive maintenance, calibration schedules, and upgrades for climate chambers and associated lab equipment.
Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of test plans, deviations, equipment status, and results in compliance with lab standards.
Key Focus Areas:
Leadership in thermal and environmental testing for automotive applications
Advanced sensor instrumentation and data validation
Test procedure development and continuous process improvement
Mentorship and knowledge transfer within the lab team
Equipment reliability, calibration, and preventive maintenance
Cross-functional collaboration to support product development and validation
Qualifications & Skills:
Education:
Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, HVAC, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field
Additional certifications in thermal testing, instrumentation, or environmental systems preferred
Experience:
5+ years of experience in thermal/environmental test labs with responsibility for climate chamber operations
Proven expertise in managing complex thermal tests and sensor calibration in automotive or similar industries
Experience in mentoring technicians and improving lab processes
Technical Skills:
Expert knowledge of climate chamber controls (Weiss, Thermotron, ESPEC) and environmental test standards
Proficient in advanced instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and thermal test software
Strong understanding of heat transfer, condensation, humidity effects, and thermal cycling principles
Soft Skills:
Strong leadership, communication, and training capabilities
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead lab initiatives
Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement