Manager Engineering Labs

About the Role

The Engineering Lab Manager oversees all aspects of Engineering Lab Operations, including day-to-day activities, ensuring testing and analysis are performed according to protocol. A key priority is maintaining a safe working environment. The role focuses on continuous improvement in data quality, throughput, and operational efficiency. The manager leads lab calibration, purchasing, safety, training, and quality teams, providing guidance and development. They coordinate the development and revision of procedures, processes, and systems to standardize operations with a focus on continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Manage personnel: motivate, mentor, train, drive employee engagement, conduct performance management, and collaborate with human resources on corrective actions as needed.
• Sustain and develop a safety-oriented culture focused on zero incidents.
• Develop and sustain a 6S program in lab operations.
• Establish continuous improvement goals and oversee execution using tools such as DOE (Design of Experiment), 8D (8 Disciplines), 6 Sigma, and similar methodologies.
• Sustain and develop project schedules for significant initiatives, fostering a results-oriented culture to meet milestones and ensure on-time delivery of lab initiatives.
• Ensure operations comply with governing agencies, including UL (Underwriters Laboratories), Intertek, ANSI (American National Standards Institute), ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers), DOE (Department of Energy), and ISO (International Organization for Standardization), maintaining high levels of data integrity.
• Manage departmental budget, resources, and equipment, adjusting priorities as needed.
• Sustain and develop communication with Design Engineering personnel to drive overall department improvement.
• Foster a collaborative working environment across teams to promote teamwork.
• Perform other related duties or special projects to support the company as required.

Scope

• Ensures work aligns with the Director’s expectations, goals, and vision.
• Accountable for implementing policies, processes, and procedures for short-term results.
• Handles moderately complex issues and projects, with guidance from Senior Manager/Director.
• Provides guidance and training to subordinates.
• Authority to hire, recommend pay, establish performance, and recommend termination, per company policy.

Skills

• Proficient knowledge of engineering lab testing processes, equipment, systems, and standards.
• Strong background in data acquisition, controls, and software development for testing.
• Effective at interpreting, analyzing, and validating test data.
• Proficient in problem-solving techniques, including 8D, 6 Sigma, and similar tools.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Strong project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to build professional relationships.
• Proven leadership, coaching, mentoring, and team-oriented mindset.
• Ability to lead a team toward strategic goals.
• Strong decision-making and judgment skills.
• High attention to detail and compliance-oriented.
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and collaborate across departments.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of experience in engineering, preferably within the HVAC industry.
• 5+ years in a leadership role.
• 4+ years of laboratory testing in HVAC or appliance fields.
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Science or Engineering disciplines.

Work Environment

• Frequent sitting, standing, and walking.
• Daily computer use.
• Light physical effort required for handling materials and equipment.
• Must be able to perform essential responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations.