Evaluation Engineer – Refrigeration & HVAC Systems

Lennox (NYSE: LII) combines 130 years of HVAC and refrigeration expertise to deliver industry-leading climate-control solutions for residential and commercial customers. As a global team, we strive for excellence, innovation, and sustainability, fostering a culture where every employee feels valued and empowered to grow. Heatcraft Refrigeration, a division of Lennox, is a leader in commercial refrigeration, manufacturing evaporators, condensers, compressor racks, and other high-quality products under six market-leading brands: Bohn, Larkin, Climate Control, Chandler, Magna Industrial, and InterLink. Our products preserve perishables in supermarkets, restaurants, warehouses, and distribution centers, as well as support applications like data centers, pharmaceuticals, and industrial process cooling.

About the role

The Evaluation Engineer leads laboratory testing, evaluation, troubleshooting, and validation for refrigeration systems, serving as the technical leader in the lab. This role directs laboratory technicians, ensures high-quality test execution, and communicates results, risks, and project status to engineering leadership and senior management. The ideal candidate combines a strong mechanical engineering background with hands-on refrigeration experience, bridging practical lab operations with engineering objectives to drive development, validation, performance, and investigative testing programs. This position also contributes to enhancing laboratory capabilities, test methodologies, and technician competencies.

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership
  • Lead planning, execution, and reporting of refrigeration and HVAC/R laboratory testing.
  • Develop and review test plans, procedures, and protocols for accurate, repeatable results.
  • Evaluate system performance and identify opportunities for product, process, and testing improvements.
  • Troubleshoot complex mechanical, electrical, controls, and refrigeration system issues.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to laboratory technicians and junior engineers.
  • Support product development, validation, certification, reliability, and competitive benchmarking programs.
  • Develop technician skills through coaching, training, and performance feedback.
  • Establish best practices for troubleshooting, test execution, and data collection.
• Laboratory Operations
  • Direct daily laboratory activities and prioritize resources to meet project schedules.
  • Ensure test equipment, instrumentation, and laboratory systems are properly maintained and calibrated.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives for laboratory efficiency, safety, and data quality.
  • Oversee installation, modification, and operation of test systems and laboratory infrastructure.
  • Ensure compliance with laboratory safety requirements, environmental regulations, and company standards.
• Communication & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Prepare clear and concise technical reports and presentations for engineering, management, and leadership teams.
  • Communicate project status, technical findings, risks, and recommendations to senior management.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including engineering, product management, quality, manufacturing, and service organizations.
  • Present test results and technical conclusions to internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, HVAC Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in HVAC/R product development, testing, laboratory operations, field engineering, or related technical roles.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting refrigeration and HVAC/R systems.
• Proven ability to lead technical projects and coordinate the work of others.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of HVACR, refrigeration, or thermal systems experience.
• Experience leading laboratory personnel or technical teams.
• Experience working in an HVAC or refrigeration testing laboratory.
• Prior experience as an HVAC/R service technician, commissioning engineer, facilities engineer, or field applications engineer.
• EPA Section 608 Certification.
• Experience with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and controls.
• Familiarity with AHRI, ASHRAE, UL, CSA, and other applicable industry standards.

Skills

• Strong understanding of refrigeration cycles, thermodynamics, heat transfer, and HVAC/R system operation.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, piping diagrams, electrical schematics, and control logic.
• Experience with laboratory instrumentation, sensors, data acquisition systems, and performance testing.
• Proficiency in root cause analysis and advanced troubleshooting methods.
• Knowledge of refrigeration controls, variable-speed systems, compressors, heat exchangers, and system optimization techniques.
• Working knowledge of statistical analysis and engineering test methodologies.
• Leadership Competencies
  • Technical leadership and decision-making.
  • Project planning and execution.
  • Team development and mentoring.
  • Effective communication with technicians, engineers, and executives.
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to influence outcomes across cross-functional teams.
  • Focus on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Pay

The starting salary range for this role is $97,000–$127,000 annually, depending on geography, market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications. This is a salaried exempt position, and employees are eligible for an annual bonus under the Company’s applicable plan. Overtime is not eligible.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; prescription drug coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Short-term disability insurance.
• 8 weeks paid birthing leave; 2 weeks paid bonding leave.
• Life and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid time off: up to 12 days (varies by hire date).
• 2 paid well-being days, 1 paid volunteer day, 10–11 paid holidays, and 3 floating holidays per year.

Schedule

This is a 100% onsite role located in Stone Mountain, Georgia.

At Heatcraft, our Core Values of Integrity, Respect & Excellence shape our culture and define how we do business. As an equal opportunity employer, we recruit, develop, and retain talent from diverse backgrounds, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute and succeed. Join us and grow with a global community that values your contributions.