Lab Manager - HVAC

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Lab Manager to lead and manage an HVAC testing laboratories with capabilities covering Refrigerators, room air conditioners, commercial Air conditioners, VRF/VRV systems, liquid chillers, and heat pumps. The role requires strong hands-on experience in testing as per Indian Standards: IS, IEC, EN, ISO, AHRI, and other relevant international standards, along with responsibility for laboratory operations, quality compliance, and technical leadership.

Role & responsibilities:

• Responsible for HVAC testing labs- Refrigerator performance, WHO testing and Air Conditioner testing.
• Strong knowledge of performance, safety, and reliability testing.
• Evaluate test results, gather data, and prepare and review test reports.
• Hands-on experience with air conditioner testing and familiarity with HVAC test standards.
• Capable of independently applying test standards and generating reports.
• Interface with customers to ensure satisfaction with testing and reporting.
• Committed to resolving problems and making independent decisions based on priorities in lab processes.
• Ensure quality service is maintained throughout testing and reporting.
• Assist in periodic audits.
• Provide technical assistance to clients, manage, and resolve customer issues to ensure services delivered result in a high level of customer satisfaction
• Ongoing coordination with support functions
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and spoken, for effective customer interaction.
• Skilled in interpreting and implementing test standards.
• Hands-on experience with NABL, BIS, and SASO, AHRI testing and certification processes.
• Availability to monitor and manage the team for running labs 24/7 in three shifts.
• Manage overall operations of the HVAC testing laboratory, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant test execution
• Plan, execute, and oversee testing of RAC, VRF/VRV systems, air-cooled and water-cooled chillers, and heat pumps, all commercial air conditioner type in accordance with applicable standards, including but not limited to.

Behaviours & Aptitude

• Team player, self-motivated.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong presentation skills and confidence to deliver message to wide audience.
• Strong problem solving and organizational skills.
• Open to travel Domestic and International whenever required.
• Integrity
• Positive outlook
• Customer Focused
• Must possess market Intelligence
• Decisive
• Foster Teamwork
• Ability to work in ambiguous situations.
• Ability to work with other Business Lines and groups within Intertek.

Applicable Standards - All relevant test standards used for Air conditioner, refrigerator and WHO PQS testing. (as mentioned below)

Indian Standards (IS):

• IS 1391 (Part 1 & 2) Room Air Conditioners (Performance and Safety)
• IS 8148 Split-System Air Conditioners
• IS 302 (Part 1) Safety of Household and Similar Electrical Appliances
• IS 16590 – Vapour Compression Type Water Chilling Packages and Heat Pumps
• IS 15999 – Energy Efficiency of Chillers(as applicable)
• IS 17094 – Variable Speed / Inverter Air Conditioners (as applicable)

IEC Standards:

IEC 62552 part 1,2 & 3- refrigerator

IEC 60335 -2-24 & -40 – Safety test of Refrigerator and AC

EN Standards:

• EN 14511 – Performance Testing of Air Conditioners, Liquid Chilling Packages, and Heat Pumps
• EN 14825 – Seasonal Energy Efficiency(SEER, SCOP, s)
• EN 1886- AHU

ISO / International Standards:

• ISO 5151 – Non-Ducted Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps
• ISO 13253 – Ducted Air Conditioners and Air-to-Air Heat Pumps
• ISO 15042 (Part 1 & 2) – Multi-Split Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps (VRF/VRV Systems)
• ISO 16358 – Seasonal Efficiency Calculation for Air Conditioners
• ISO 16590 – Liquid Chilling Packages

ASHRAE Standards:

• ASHRAE 550 / 590 – Performance Rating of Water-Chilling Packages
• ASHRAE 90.1 – Energy Efficiency Reference for HVAC Systems

Operational & Technical Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with laboratory quality systems and accreditation requirements (ISO/IEC 17025 preferred)
• Review, approve, and authorize test plans, test procedures, and final test reports
• Oversee calibration, maintenance, and validation of test equipment and measurement instruments
• Manage psychrometric chambers, calorimeter rooms, environmental chambers, and water-side test rigs
• Ensure accurate evaluation of capacity, power input, EER, COP, SEER, SCOP, IPLV, and part-load performance
• Monitor test schedules, manpower, and lab capacity to meet customer and project timelines
• Lead, train, and mentor lab engineers and technicians
• Coordinate with certification bodies, auditors, clients, and regulatory authorities during audits and assessments
• Handle non-conformities, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions
• Drive continuous improvement and expansion of test capabilities as per evolving standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s, degree in mechanical engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline
• Minimum 10-12 years of experience in HVAC - R testing laboratories covering RAC, VRF, chillers, or heat pumps
• Strong practical exposure to performance, safety, energy efficiency, and reliability testing to meet the standards and country-wise regulations requirements.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of IS, IEC, EN, ISO, and ASHRAE HVAC standards
• Hands-on experience with full-load and part-load testing methodologies
• Strong understanding of measurement uncertainty, data acquisition, and compliance documentation
• Familiarity with BIS, BEE star labelling,CE marking, and international certification processes

Soft Skills

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Effective communication with internal teams, clients, and auditors
• High attention to detail and strong commitment to quality and safety
• Test lab operations and maintenance
• Handling the external customers.