Laboratory Supervisor

Title: Thermal Lab Supervisor (2nd shift)

Location: Columbus, OH

Salary: 121k

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or equivalent combination of technical, process, and managerial experience.
• 5+ years of experience supporting new product development and product validation activities.
• Proven experience leading or coordinating technicians in a laboratory or manufacturing environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to build rapport and improve team performance.
• Solid understanding of test planning, execution, tracking, and documentation.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to meet aggressive new product development and introduction timelines.
• Experience addressing employee performance, development, and succession planning in partnership with Human Resources.
• Ability to interface professionally with customers.
• Track record of meeting operational goals and objectives set by business leadership.

The Test Engineering Technician Supervisor leads a specialized team of Test Technicians performing design validation testing for Vertiv’s Thermal product portfolio at the Columbus, Ohio Thermal Lab facility. This role provides comprehensive oversight of laboratory operations, ensuring rigorous adherence to safety requirements, test quality standards, and facility excellence through Vertiv’s 5S methodology. This role will also work closely with New Product Development and Advanced Engineering groups to develop test plans, setups, and conduct Design Validation Testing. Prototyping is also a significant part of the Thermal R&D lab responsibilities. Working with internal and external Vertiv teams around the world will be necessary for supporting operations.

Position Summary :

The Test Engineering Technician Supervisor – Second Shift leads a specialized team of Test Technicians performing design validation testing for Vertiv’s Thermal product portfolio at the Columbus, Ohio Thermal Lab facility. This role provides comprehensive oversight of laboratory operations, ensuring rigorous adherence to safety requirements, test quality standards, and facility excellence through Vertiv’s 5S methodology. This role will also work closely with New Product Development and Advanced Engineering groups to develop test plans, setups, and conduct Design Validation Testing. Prototyping is also a significant part of the Thermal R&D lab responsibilities. Working with internal and external Vertiv teams around the world will be necessary for supporting operations.

As a people leader, the Supervisor is responsible for mentoring and developing Test Technicians while partnering closely with Test Engineers to optimize daily workload planning, resource allocation, and test execution. The role drives operational excellence through effective management of lab facilities, capital and operating budgets, equipment maintenance programs, and annual asset optimization reviews, including full compliance with calibration and quality systems.

The Supervisor serves as a key point of leadership during customer witness testing events, coordinating technical resources, audiovisual needs, and safety compliance to deliver professional, high‑confidence customer experiences that reinforce Vertiv’s reputation for quality and innovation.

This position requires a strategic yet hands‑on leader capable of balancing technical execution, team development, and operational discipline within a fast‑paced engineering laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory & Test Operations

• Lead and coordinate day‑to‑day laboratory operations, including daily workload planning, technician assignments, and test execution oversight to meet product development objectives.
• Conduct daily stand‑up meetings to review workload, priorities, and resource needs.
• Direct and support Test Technicians throughout the shift to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality test execution.
• Perform regular lab walk‑throughs to verify test progress, safety compliance, equipment condition, and adherence to 5S standards.
• Collaborate with Customers, Design Engineers, Prototype Team, and Test Engineers to develop and implement special test fixtures and setups.
• Assist with troubleshooting failing test cases and test equipment issues.
• Review and sign off on test results and product release readiness when required.

Lab Facilities, Equipment & Budget Management

• Manage laboratory facilities, equipment, and resources to ensure readiness, reliability, and compliance. Assist with equipment calibration schedules when necessary.
• Schedule equipment repairs, preventive maintenance, and downtime as needed.
• Plan and schedule technician downtime for safety, training, and 5S activities.
• Purchase laboratory supplies as needed to support ongoing testing activities.
• Coordinate with Facilities on site issues, infrastructure improvements, and lab enhancements to support safe and efficient operations.

People Leadership & Employee Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop Test Technicians through ongoing coaching, feedback, and formal performance reviews.
• Conduct 1‑on‑1 performance discussions per company policy, with additional frequent check‑ins to support engagement and performance
• Support hiring, onboarding, training, and retention of Test Technician and contribute to annual performance reviews for annual merit cycle.
• Administer progressive discipline when required in coordination with Human Resources.
• Schedule, track, and maintain all safety and equipment training records for laboratory personnel.

Process Improvement & Continuous Improvement

• Identify and present opportunities to improve laboratory efficiency, test throughput, and overall test process effectiveness.
• Define and track cycle‑time metrics for standard lab activities.
• Lead or participate in Lessons Learned sessions with Test Engineers and Test Technicians.
• Evaluate alternative tools, methods, and practices to improve test quality and operational performance.

Customer & Cross‑Functional Interface

• Interface with customers and internal stakeholders during customer witness testing.
• Coordinate technical resources, schedules, safety compliance, and audiovisual support to ensure smooth customer events.