Engineering Lab Manager

Engineering Lab Manager

Our client is growing, and they need an Engineering Lab Manager who will oversee the lab and staff. The lab is responsible for building and testing prototype components, systems, and products. You are expected to communicate the “big picture” to your team on what they are working to achieve. You will report to the V.P. of Engineering. This position is in the beautiful La Crosse, WI area. Relocation is available.

Company:

• A 70-year-old manufacturer of electro-mechanical equipment with operations in Wisconsin and Georgia
• 160 team members with sales of $70 Million annually
• Production orders booked out for a year
• Outstanding culture focused on safety and the growth of the individual
• Located in welcoming mid-size community, that is safe with good schools, great outdoor activities, and friendly people.

Benefits and Features – They truly VALUE and APPRECIATE their employees!

• EXCELLENT Benefits and Compensation Plan –3% Employer contribution to 401K
• Health, Vision, Dental, Life and disability insurance
• Assistance with relocation if needed
• Free basic health care at the local clinic in addition to the insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Christmas and Thanksgiving gifts
• Company outings and parties
• Work/Life Balance – when you take a vacation, you get to take a REAL vacation and not a working vacation where you are tethered to your laptop and email. Your team has your back!
• Culture of continuous improvement where team members have a voice and good ideas are appreciated from all levels of the organization.
• It is a business casual workplace.

What you will be doing:

• Manage 4 Lab Technicians, including hiring, training, and constructively evaluating
• Manage the daily activities of the lab, including prioritizing work, budgeting, equipment purchases
• Create uniform testing and documentation practices and procedures
• Evaluate, oversee, and review test programs for product development, redesign, or product improvement.
• Set priorities and shift them as demand requires.
• Review all test data to ensure accuracy and consistency and interpret such data to make appropriate recommendations.
• Review Engineering drawings for component parts, sub-assemblies, shop manual instructions to provide sign off for accuracy and completeness relative to the component or product.
• Assist in the process of new product release such as Lab builds and pre- production builds.

What they are looking for:

• BS Engineering and 3 to 5 years of supervision experience, preferably in a lab
• Experience in a high-volume electro-mechanical manufacturing company such as appliances, lawn tractors, ag equipment, generators, or office equipment
• Prior testing experience and strong troubleshooting skills
• Experience with data acquisition and analysis
• Experience with gas-fired products is a definite plus
• Self-motivated and directed individual, with the ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• The right person will have strong leadership and management skills, be creative and able to see the “big picture” of a project and move forward with attention to detail
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.