R&D Test Lead - HVAC Systems

Location: Cork
Full-Time | Permanent

We are delighted to partner with our client, a global leader in advanced climate and cooling solutions, as they continue to grow their highly respected R&D operations. The company is now seeking an experienced and hands‑on R&D Test Lead to take ownership of testing activities within their state‑of‑the‑art HVAC research laboratory.

This is a senior technical role ideal for someone who thrives in a practical, test‑bay environment and enjoys solving complex engineering challenges. You'll play a vital part in ensuring that critical test programmes are set up correctly, run safely, and deliver accurate, repeatable data to support cutting‑edge engineering developments.

As the R&D Test Lead, you will oversee the setup, execution, and daily management of HVAC system testing. Your responsibilities will include:

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• Building, configuring, and commissioning HVAC test rigs according to engineering plans.
  
• Delivering testing across:
  
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  • DX systems (CRACs, AHUs)
    
  • Chilled water systems (CRAHs, CDUs, Chillers)
    
  • Thermosyphon refrigerant‑based systems
    
  
  
• Ensuring safe, consistent, and procedure‑driven test execution.
  
• Diagnosing mechanical, refrigeration, and system‑level issues during test runs.
  

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• Installing, maintaining, and verifying instrumentation including temperature, flow, pressure, and power sensors.
  
• Managing equipment calibration and ensuring measurement accuracy and repeatability.
  

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• Overseeing daily operation and readiness of lab assets such as generators, chillers, boilers, pumps, hydraulic skids, and control systems.
  
• Coordinating inspections, maintenance, servicing, and troubleshooting.
  
• Supporting commissioning of new equipment and future lab upgrades.
  

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• Ensuring all test data is complete, well‑structured, and clearly documented.
  
• Managing data logging, storage, and handover to engineering teams.
  
• Highlighting deviations or irregularities in real time.
  

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• Supervising lab technicians, contractors, and temporary staff.
  
• Scheduling tests, allocating resources, and maintaining strong lab housekeeping and safety practices.
  

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• Supporting risk assessments and safe systems of work.
  
• Identifying opportunities to improve workflow efficiency and test repeatability.
  

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• Strong hands‑on background with HVAC and refrigeration systems.
  
• Practical experience with test instrumentation and engineering measurements (airflow, pressure, temperature, flow, power, etc.).
  
• Comfortable working in laboratory or test‑bay environments. xcfaprz
  
• Experience mentoring, guiding, or supervising technicians or contractors.
  

Our client offers an excellent working environment with opportunities for continuous growth and development, alongside a generous benefits package including:

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• 25 Days Annual Leave
  
• Income Protection
  
• Death in Service
  
• Pension - matched up to 3%
  
• Free Car Parking
  
• On‑site Canteen Facilities
  
• Annual Pay Review
  
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
  
• Bike‑to‑Work Scheme
  

If you're a proactive technical expert who enjoys building rigs, solving real mechanical challenges, and leading testing in a high‑performance R&D environment, apply now.

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• DX systems
  
• Thermosyphon refrigerant‑based systems
  
• Chilled water systems
  
• HVAC
  

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• Pension
  
• Parking
  
• Canteen