Test Engineer – Fire Lab

Home Innovation Research Labs is a leading, ISO accredited third-party test lab, inspection agency, and certification body serving the home building industry for over 60 years. We specialize in product testing, market research, and certification services, offering expertise in large-scale fire testing with our newly launched fire testing lab, equipped with seven furnaces and accredited for 31 different fire tests. We are committed to advancing quality, durability, sustainability, and safety in building products. Located just outside Washington, D.C., we provide a dynamic workplace in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment focused on innovation.

We are looking for a motivated Test Engineer to join our Fire Lab team. This entry-level role will involve hands-on testing, setup, and support for building products. You will work closely with senior engineers to conduct fire tests, maintain lab equipment, and ensure compliance with technical and quality standards. This role offers significant growth potential and a unique opportunity to gain experience in fire testing and product certification.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in fire testing activities, including setup, operation, and teardown, in accordance with ASTM, NFPA, UL, and other relevant standards.
• Construct and instrument test specimens (e.g., walls, roofs, floors) for accurate testing data collection.
• Support the maintenance and calibration of lab equipment to ensure test accuracy and safety.
• Participate in laboratory accreditation processes, including adherence to ISO 17025, 17020 and 17065 quality standards.
• Interpret and document test results, contributing to detailed technical reports.
• Work collaboratively with laboratory staff and support continuous improvement initiatives within the Fire Lab.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Fire, Mechanical, Civil, Structural, or Architectural Engineering.
• 0-2 years of experience in a laboratory or testing environment.
• Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification or ability to obtain
• Knowledge of building codes (I-codes) and familiarity with ASTM testing standards preferred.
• Experience with quality systems specific to ISO 17025, 17020 or 17065 is an asset.
• Familiarity with LabVIEW or similar data acquisition software is beneficial.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to present technical data to non-technical audiences.

Characteristics of Ideal Candidate

• Hands-on and enjoys practical, problem-solving tasks.
• Comfortable working independently with the confidence to ask questions as needed.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and interested in continuous learning.
• Enjoys understanding how mechanical systems work and applying engineering principles to real-world challenges.

Home Innovation Research Labs is a full-service consulting, product testing, and accredited third-party test lab, inspection agency and certification body dedicated solely to issues related to the home building industry. Through an interdisciplinary research approach, we help to find a home for innovation in the residential construction industry.

Located just outside Washington D.C. and Annapolis, MD, Home Innovation Research Labs offers competitive salaries, a generous 401(k) plan, health, dental, life and disability insurance, two weeks paid vacation to start, personal leave, in-house fitness gym, flexible work hours and much more.

Please send cover letter and resume to and reference job code #24-11 DS.

Home Innovation Research Labs is an equal opportunity employer and will employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or disability.

Home Innovation Research Labs participates in E-Verify.