Supervisor- Test Tower

About the role

The Tower Supervisor leads the daily operations of the Elevator Test Tower and Engineering Laboratory, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality testing, fabrication, assembly, repair, and qualification of elevator systems and components. This role supervises a team of technicians supporting research and development, product validation, prototype builds, troubleshooting, and certification testing for both mechanical and electrical elevator systems. The Tower Supervisor collaborates with Engineering, Product Development, Quality, Manufacturing, and Field Operations to oversee test equipment development, elevator system installations, laboratory maintenance, and testing protocol execution while ensuring compliance with company safety standards and industry codes.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Supervision
  • Supervise, coach, and develop a team of engineering and mechanical technicians responsible for testing, fabrication, assembly, repair, and installation activities.
  • Plan, prioritize, and assign daily work to ensure project schedules, engineering milestones, and testing objectives are achieved.
  • Provide technical guidance while fostering a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Conduct performance evaluations, training, and development planning for technical staff.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies, safety procedures, and laboratory operating standards.
• Engineering Test Operations
  • Lead technicians in developing, fabricating, assembling, and maintaining specialized test equipment for elevator components, assemblies, and complete elevator systems.
  • Coordinate installation of elevator subsystems, mockups, prototypes, and complete elevator systems within the test tower.
  • Partner with engineers and senior technical staff to develop testing methodologies for new products and technologies.
  • Oversee mechanical and electrical testing activities to validate product performance, durability, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
  • Ensure testing is conducted in accordance with engineering specifications, quality standards, and applicable industry codes.
  • Review test plans, monitor execution, and verify accurate documentation of results.
• Mechanical Systems Oversight
  • Supervise testing and qualification of mechanical elevator components including:
    • Door systems
    • Hoistway equipment
    • Suspension systems
    • Guide rail systems
    • Machines and brakes
    • Safety devices
    • Mechanical assemblies
  • Support design modifications through fabrication, assembly, troubleshooting, and validation testing.
  • Oversee construction and modification of mechanical test fixtures.
• Electrical Systems Oversight
  • Supervise testing and qualification of electrical elevator systems including:
    • Controllers
    • Drives
    • Motors
    • Electrical assemblies
    • Wiring harnesses
    • Sensors
    • Communication systems
    • Safety circuits
  • Support engineers in developing electrical test fixtures and validation procedures.
  • Ensure electrical installations meet engineering specifications and applicable electrical codes.
• Fabrication & Installation
  • Oversee fabrication of prototype components and assembly of engineering test fixtures.
  • Supervise installation, modification, repair, and removal of elevator systems and experimental equipment.
  • Coordinate mechanical, electrical, and structural modifications required for testing.
  • Ensure tools, equipment, and materials are available to support engineering projects.
• Laboratory & Facility Operations
  • Manage overall operation and maintenance of the Elevator Test Tower and Engineering Laboratory.
  • Ensure laboratory equipment is maintained, calibrated, and operating safely.
  • Coordinate preventive maintenance for testing equipment and facility infrastructure.
  • Maintain an organized, clean, and safe testing environment.
  • Monitor inventory of tools, materials, and testing supplies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Engineering, Product Development, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, and Field Operations on prototype development and product improvements.
  • Participate in engineering design reviews and provide technical input regarding manufacturability, installation, testing, and serviceability.
  • Support root cause investigations and corrective actions for product performance issues.
  • Assist with implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Safety & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company Environmental Health & Safety requirements.
  • Maintain compliance with applicable elevator industry standards including ASME A17.1, CSA, UL, and other regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct regular safety inspections and promote safe work practices.
  • Ensure technicians receive required technical and safety training.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, or related technical discipline preferred. Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• 7+ years of progressive technical experience involving elevator systems, mechanical or electrical testing, engineering laboratory operations, or product development.
• 3+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience building, installing, repairing, and testing complex mechanical and electrical systems.
• Experience supporting engineering development and prototype testing preferred.
• Experience with elevator product development and R&D testing.
• Experience supervising engineering laboratory or test facility operations.
• Knowledge of ASME A17.1/CSA B44 elevator code requirements.
• Experience with PLCs, motor drives, embedded controls, and automation systems.
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification is a plus.
• Project management experience supporting engineering development initiatives.

This is a safety-sensitive position.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (eligibility requirements apply)
• Flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Health savings account (HSA)
• Supplemental medical plans
• Company-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Company-paid basic life insurance and AD&D
• Optional life and AD&D coverage
• Optional spouse and dependent life insurance
• Identity theft monitoring
• Pet insurance
• Company-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with company match: Employees can contribute a portion of their pay on a pre-tax or Roth basis. The company provides a dollar-for-dollar match on the first 5% contributed.
• 15 days of vacation per year
• 11 paid holidays each calendar year (10 fixed, 1 floating)
• Paid sick leave, per company policy
• Up to six weeks of paid parental leave (available after successful completion of 90 days of full-time employment)