Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead R&D lab operations, develop new refrigeration technologies, and drive sustainability innovations.
- Company: Hubbard Products Ltd, a leader in energy-efficient cooling solutions.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable technology and mentor future engineers.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; experience in refrigeration R&D.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on cutting-edge refrigeration solutions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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
R&D Lab Manager in Ipswich employer: Hubbard Products Ltd
Contact Detail:
Hubbard Products Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Lab Manager in Ipswich
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Hubbard Products. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to meet potential employers or hiring managers, make sure to highlight your hands-on experience with HVAC/R systems and low-GWP refrigerants. Bring along examples of your work or projects you've led to really showcase what you can bring to the table.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Understand Hubbard Products’ mission and recent innovations in energy efficiency. Be ready to discuss how your background in mechanical engineering and R&D aligns with their goals. Confidence is key, so practice common interview questions and your responses.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Hubbard Products team. Let’s get you that R&D Lab Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Lab Manager in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the R&D Lab Manager role. Highlight your experience in refrigeration R&D, lab management, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our focus on innovation and sustainability!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about energy-efficient technologies and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team. Don’t forget to mention specific achievements that demonstrate your leadership and analytical skills.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: In your application, be sure to showcase your technical skills related to thermodynamics, heat transfer, and refrigeration systems. We love candidates who can demonstrate hands-on experience with testing tools and low-GWP refrigerants, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to submit all your documents in one go. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hubbard Products Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and refrigeration systems. Be ready to discuss specific technologies and innovations in energy efficiency and low-GWP refrigerants. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but also passionate about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a lab team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Talk about your mentoring experiences and how you've helped team members grow. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire others.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to testing procedures, lab safety, and compliance with industry regulations. Brush up on standard operating procedures (SOPs) and be ready to explain how you would enforce them in the lab. This shows that you take safety and compliance seriously.
✨Bring Your Problem-Solving A-Game
Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in R&D or testing and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will highlight your analytical and troubleshooting skills, which are crucial for this role.
