At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D lab operations, develop new refrigeration technologies, and drive sustainability innovations.
- Company: Hubbard Products Ltd, a leader in sustainable refrigeration solutions.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with a focus on cutting-edge technology and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in energy efficiency and sustainability within a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; experience in refrigeration R&D preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About the Company
Hubbard Products Ltd, a member of the Daikin Group, is a leading UK company in the design, manufacture, and supply of commercial and transport refrigeration solutions.
With over fifty years of innovation, we specialise in sustainable, energy‑efficient cooling technologies for food retail, pharmaceutical, hospitality and logistics sectors.
We use low‑GWP and natural refrigerants and have been awarded "Refrigeration Product of the Year" at the National ACR & Heat Pump Awards 2025.
Role Overview
This role manages the R&D Lab within our factory, leading the testing and development of new products, analysing performance, and driving innovation in energy efficiency and sustainability.
It also oversees test standards, documentation, and reporting, while mentoring team members and supporting product development goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations of the R&D laboratory and maintain all lab equipment, tools and testing facilities in optimal condition.
- Develop and enforce lab safety procedures, SOPs and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
- Schedule and coordinate testing activities to meet project timelines.
- Ensure proper calibration and maintenance of testing instruments (temperature chambers, environmental chambers, data loggers, pressure sensors, etc.).
- Lead development and testing of new refrigeration technologies, systems and components; work with the design team in prototyping, experimentation and optimisation.
- Evaluate performance of compressors, condensers, evaporators, refrigerants and control systems; analyse test results and recommend design improvements.
- Drive innovation in energy efficiency, low‑GWP refrigerants, thermal performance and sustainability.
- Develop and maintain test schedules, coordinating with relevant teams to prioritise testing activities.
- Conduct performance, reliability, environmental testing and failure analysis.
- Validate compliance with product specifications and regulatory standards.
- Work with Daikin EDC to implement Daikin test protocols where applicable.
- Manage and mentor lab technicians, assign tasks, monitor performance and provide technical training.
- Develop and maintain documentation for all product lines, including user manuals, technical specifications and service manuals.
- Establish standardised testing procedures and protocols for different product lines and continuously improve them.
- Generate comprehensive test reports for both laboratory and field tests; collaborate with engineering and quality teams to interpret data and provide insights for product improvement.
- Coordinate preparation of documentation and reports for Product Development Meetings (PDM); compile data, analysis and presentations to facilitate discussion and decision‑making.
Qualifications
- Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, Thermal Sciences or a related field.
- Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer and refrigeration systems.
- Experience managing lab teams and technical projects.
- Familiarity with regulatory standards.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
- Proven experience in refrigeration R&D or testing.
- Experience with low‑GWP refrigerants (CO2, A2L, R290).
- Hands‑on experience with HVAC/R systems, refrigerants and testing tools.
- Job Details
Location
Ipswich, England, United Kingdom
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Research, Analyst and Information Technology
Industries
- Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
R&D Lab Manager in Ipswich employer: Hubbard Products Ltd
Hubbard Products Ltd, as part of the Daikin Group, stands out as an exceptional employer in Ipswich, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and sustainability in refrigeration technology. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and mentorship within our R&D Lab, ensuring that our team is equipped with the skills needed to excel in their careers. Our collaborative culture, combined with our focus on energy-efficient solutions, makes us a rewarding place to work for those passionate about making a meaningful impact in the industry.
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We think this is how you could land R&D Lab Manager in Ipswich
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We think you need these skills to ace R&D Lab Manager in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Hubbard Products Ltd. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Hubbard Products Ltd. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hubbard Products Ltd
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In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
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If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
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In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Hubbard Products Ltd to drive research projects forward.
