R&D Engineering Lab Manager II

About the role

Join an organization that ensures a more secure world through connecting and protecting our customers with inventive electrical solutions. We are seeking an R&D Engineering Lab Manager II to lead and strengthen the technical backbone of our Anoka R&D Test Lab, supporting critical product development and validation across the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of engineering technicians and engineers in a hands-on R&D lab environment, balancing technical involvement, coaching, accountability, and prioritization.
• Partner with engineering and project leadership to understand testing needs, align priorities, and support predictable, timely project delivery.
• Own lab operations, ensuring work is completed safely, accurately, and on schedule through clear expectations, active follow-up, and consistent communication, while driving improvements in equipment uptime, reducing downtime, and optimizing overall lab utilization.
• Serve as the primary connection between the lab and the business, working with Engineering, Project Management, and functional leaders to plan work, manage demand, and set realistic timelines.
• Maintain a strong daily presence in the lab, providing technical guidance, diagnosing and resolving complex test setups, and supporting technicians with real-time decisions.
• Ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards, including UL, ASHRAE, Department of Energy (DOE), and ISO requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in productivity, tools, and processes, with a forward-looking perspective on how data acquisition, controls, automation, and software can shorten testing cycle times.
• Contribute to the growth and evolution of the lab organization, shaping team structure, capabilities, and workflows as demand increases at the Anoka campus.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related technical field (Mechanical or Electrical preferred).
• Ideal 5+ years’ experience working in an R&D lab or test environment, supporting product development through hands-on testing, validation, and lab operations, preferably with HVAC or electro-mechanical equipment.
• Previous people management experience leading engineering and/or technical teams; R&D lab leadership preferred.
• Strong business judgment demonstrated through managing shifting demands, timelines, and influencing engineering teams at multiple levels.
• Experience working within regulated testing frameworks, such as UL, ASHRAE, ISO, and DOE standards.
• Background in data acquisition systems, controls, and test software, with the ability to guide decisions on lab tools, methods, and capabilities preferred.
• Strong communication skills reflected in clear expectation-setting, early risk identification, and effective partnership with leaders.
• Able to lift, push, and/or pull up to 50 lbs. without assistance and stand or sit for extended periods to support testing activities as needed.

Qualifications

• Technical depth in relevant fields.
• Leadership and people management experience.
• Compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
• Experience with data acquisition systems, controls, and test software.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull up to 50 lbs. without assistance and stand or sit for extended periods.

Skills

• Technical depth in relevant fields.
• People management and leadership skills.
• Compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
• Experience with data acquisition systems, controls, and test software.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull up to 50 lbs. without assistance and stand or sit for extended periods.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Critical illness, accident insurance, and life insurance.
• A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan.
• Tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program, and/or legal & identity theft protection.

Pay

$105,000.00 - $195,000.00 Depending on the position offered, employee may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as annual incentives.

Schedule

Work on-site 5 days/week in Anoka, MN. Relocation assistance may be available for this position.