Boiler R&D Technician

Laars Heating Systems Company is a global leader in the boiler and water heater industry. Our products are designed and manufactured in the United States, and we have earned a competitive advantage through our innovation and customer dedication. We have a talented team of Engineers, Designers, and Technicians, along with a new state-of-the-art R&D laboratory. Our focus is on new condensing boiler and heat pump water heater technology and the continued growth and success of our organization.Primary FunctionWe have an excellent opportunity for an experienced Boiler Technician who is responsible for following established procedures and/or general testing protocols to complete component and product performance and compliance testing to support Engineering initiatives and lab team improvement projects. Under general direction, the technician is responsible for a variety of routine and non-routine operations in a laboratory testing environment.ResponsibilitiesConducts regulatory compliance testing, on-demand and according to scheduleSets up and operates test equipment and apparatus following manufacturer’s instructions with limited supervision, normally under general supervision of an engineer or qualified managerConducts advanced system and complete testing of boilers, water heaters and heat pump, reports results and makes observations/recommendations based on these results, normally under general supervision of an engineer or qualified managerConcisely records and reviews data and results, performs advanced calculations, and prepares advanced technical dataSets up and operates new testing procedures and guidelines to perform routine and non-routine laboratory proceduresPerforms advanced maintenance and safety checks on laboratory equipment to ensure it is in good working orderBuilds advanced electro/mechanical assemblies including the potential of assembling simple prototypes by reviewing assembly requirements from Engineering drawings & BOM, securing required materials from stock, and completing prototype assemblyWork safely as a team member in a Lab environment, identifies and aids in implementation of safety improvements.Set up and tear down advanced electrical, mechanical, and fluid systems in the Lab (install/remove boilers and water heaters).Troubleshoot advanced test issues – electrical, mechanical, fluid, refrigeration.Active engagement in lab cleaning, maintenance, and assistance in other lab technician projectsDetermines requirements and fabricates, installs, tests and validates new laboratory apparatus, as required; coordinates activities to support non-engineering functions (e.g. production support)Acts in lead technical role on simple to medium complexity projects, including test schedule review/sequencing and task duration/resourcing estimationLimited overnight travelEducation RequirementHigh School Diploma or Equivalent required, Technical School certificate or degree, or relevant military training preferred.Experience/Skills RequirementsProblem solving capabilities both independently and collaborativelyStrong verbal and written communication skillsStrong detail-oriented data entry and data review experience requiredAbility to independently read, comprehend, and follow written test procedures and qualify resultsPosition requires moderate physical labor including standing, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.; protype builds, appliance modifications, preparing appliances for testing, and equipment/product movement throughout the facilityMinimal night/weekend work required to support production pilot runsMust be adaptable and enjoy creativity in a constantly evolving research laboratory environmentRequires advanced knowledge in using laboratory instruments to prepare for and perform testsAdaptable, and creative mindset with aptitude in engineering and analytical studiesAdvanced understanding of electrical, mechanical, refrigeration, and fluid systemsExperience with agency regulations preferredExperience in task scheduling/planning preferredHands-on – able to safely and properly operate advanced hand and power tools and electrical instruments. Familiarity with data acquisition (DAQ) preferredAdvanced computer skills (Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook) – able to create/edit/save documents, able to create graphs/charts and apply basic statistical concepts to data.Advanced math skills –algebra (rearranging and solving formulas), graphing.Two to five years of experience in any of the following:Gas heating products or appliancesRefrigeration products (residential and/or commercial)Electrical wiring (low voltage to 600V)Automotive technologyManufacturing environment – complex products