We are seeking a Lab Lead Engineer to establish and lead the Heat Exchanger Performance & Durability Test Laboratory at our Morton, IL facility. This role is fully integrated into Yinlun’s Global Validation Team, requiring close coordination with our test laboratories in China, Mexico, and Europe to ensure consistent standards, shared knowledge, and unified best practices.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on engineer with strong technical experience in heat exchanger and thermal system testing, plus effective communication skills for cross-site collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

Lab Leadership & Global Coordination

• Lead daily test lab operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality testing.
• Act as a core member of the Yinlun Global Validation Team, ensuring alignment of testing methodology, DVP&R interpretation, and global test processes.
• Collaborate regularly with validation teams in China, Mexico, and Europe to exchange results, harmonize test specifications, and coordinate global program timing.
• Support global initiatives including standardization of test methods, equipment calibration guidelines, and data-reporting formats.

Performance & Durability Testing

• Conduct cooling performance tests on radiators, oil coolers, charge air coolers, EGR coolers, and liquid–liquid BPHE for data-center CDU applications.
• Execute durability testing including pressure cycling, thermal cycling, corrosion durability, burst tests, and environmental aging.

DVP&R & Customer Interaction

• Interpret customer DVP&R requirements and develop corresponding test plans.
• Communicate test readiness and results with internal engineering teams and global validation partners.
• Generate clear and professional test reports to support customer program milestones.

Instrumentation, Sensors & Data Acquisition

• Apply and calibrate temperature, pressure, flow, and differential pressure sensors.
• Ensure accuracy and traceability of measurements across global validation laboratories.
• Operate and maintain DAQ systems; support upgrades or automation improvements.

Test Equipment Development

• Design or modify test rigs for new heat exchanger products.
• Maintain pumps, valves, blowers, chillers, and control systems, leveraging support from global labs when necessary.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
• Mechanical Engineering
• Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering
• Thermal/Heat Transfer Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering (related to testing/thermal systems)
• Or equivalent technical discipline

Experience

• 3+ years of testing, validation, or lab engineering experience in thermal systems or heat exchangers.
•  Experience with DVP&R interpretation and building test setups to meet customer requirements.
•  Hands-on experience with test rigs, durability tests, or cooling performance testing.
•  Experience leading technicians or managing lab operations preferred.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermal management systems.
• Proficiency with sensors (temperature, pressure, flow) and calibration methods.
• Ability to read engineering drawings, understand schematics, and follow test specifications.
• Experience with DAQ systems and test automation tools.

Preferred / Optional Skills

• LabVIEW experience is a plus.
• Mandarin speaking ability is a plus, as this role interacts frequently with Yinlun’s China-based test labs and engineering teams.
• Experience collaborating with multinational engineering teams is highly valued.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication skills—written, verbal, and cross-cultural.
• Ability to lead and mentor lab technicians.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and proactive in problem solving.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, globally distributed engineering environment.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and performance incentives
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401(k) with company support
• Career development opportunities across Yinlun’s global engineering network
• Opportunity to build and lead a state-of-the-art North American validation lab