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. The Role As the R&D Test Lead, you will oversee the setup, execution, and daily management of HVAC system testing. Your responsibilities will include: Test Setup & Execution Building, configuring, and commissioning HVAC test rigs according to engineering plans. Delivering testing across: 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. Instrumentation & Measurement Installing, maintaining, and verifying instrumentation including temperature, flow, pressure, and power sensors. Managing equipment calibration and ensuring measurement accuracy and repeatability. Lab Equipment & Infrastructure 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. Data Management & Reporting 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. People & Lab Coordination Supervising lab technicians, contractors, and temporary staff. Scheduling tests, allocating resources, and maintaining strong lab housekeeping and safety practices. Safety & Continuous Improvement Supporting risk assessments and safe systems of work. Identifying opportunities to improve workflow efficiency and test repeatability. Experience Required 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. Experience mentoring, guiding, or supervising technicians or contractors. What's on Offer Our client offers an excellent working environment with opportunities for continuous growth and development, alongside a generous benefits package including: 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 Skills: DX systems Thermosyphon refrigerant-based systems Chilled water systems HVAC Benefits: Pension Parking Canteen