R&D Test Engineer

Every day, we get opportunities to make a positive impact – on our colleagues, partners, customers and society. Together, we’re pioneering the solutions of the future and unlocking the full potential of precious resources. Trusted to act on initiative, we challenge conventional thinking to develop world-leading technologies that inspire progress in vital areas, including energy, food, water and shipping. 

As we push forward, the innovative, open spirit that fuels our 140-year-old start-up culture and rapid growth also drives our personal growth. So, as we shape a more resourceful, less wasteful world, we build our careers too.

About the job:

We are seeking a Test Engineer to join our U.S. Richmond R&D Laboratory, supporting experimental development and validation of Brazed and Fusion Bonded Heat Exchangers, with a focus on two phase applications. You will work hands on with test rigs, instrumentation, data acquisition, and structured laboratory procedures. This role is part of a collaborative team of Senior Test Engineers, Test Engineers, and Thermal Analysts, and interacts closely with Thermal Specialists, Technology Development, and Sales.

This position offers strong exposure to laboratory operations, engineering analysis, and cross functional teamwork within a regulated U.S. safety environment.

You will be part of a dedicated Global R&D laboratory team of eight people, composed of experienced Senior Test Engineers, Test Engineers, and a Thermal Data Analyst, working together with complementary and well-defined expertise.

Currently, this is an onsite opportunity located in Richmond, VA.

As a part of the team, you will:

• Perform calibration, functional checks, and maintenance of sensors, instrumentation, and measurement probes.
• Operate and monitor heat‑exchanger test rigs, thermal loops, and two‑phase systems; record and validate performance data.
• Participate in daily and weekly team meetings to coordinate test activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist in developing and updating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in accordance with U.S. safety and quality requirements.
• Build strong working knowledge of laboratory processes, tools, and data‑collection systems.
• Support continuous improvement, waste reduction, and optimization of test execution sequences.
• Troubleshoot test setups, instrumentation issues, and refrigeration‑based systems.
• Safely install, configure, and remove heat exchangers and associate piping/equipment.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment.

"We care about diversity, inclusion and equity in our recruitment processes. We also believe behavioral traits can provide important insights into a candidate's fit to a role. To help us achieve this we apply Pymetrics assessments, and upon application you will be invited to play the assessment games."

What you know:

You have an Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field and:

• 3+ years of experience in testing, laboratory work, or similar engineering roles.
• Electrical Safety Certification or exposure to OSHA Electrical Safety Training (29 CFR 1910 Subpart S) NFPA 70E ,Lockout/Tagout (LOTO – OSHA 1910.147) and verification of absence of voltage
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital data‑collection tools.
• Understanding of SOPs, structured workflows, and team processes.
• Knowledge of refrigeration systems, thermal loops, or two‑phase technologies.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Experience in industrial laboratory environments. (preferred)
• Familiarity with heat‑transfer equipment or thermal performance testing. (preferred)
• Hands‑on experience with data acquisition systems or instrumentation calibration. (preferred).

Work Environment, Compliance, Physical Factors:

Alfa Laval is committed to maintaining a safe workplace. This role requires adherence to OSHA, NFPA 70E, and internal safety protocols. Final candidates will undergo a standard background check. This is an onsite 40 hrs / week role with occasional international travel.

Regularly required to stand ; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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