Director, Global Labs Operations

Fluence•Houston, TX

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Director, Global Labs Operations you will lead Fluence’s global lab network across locations such as the US, Germany, India, and future sites. You will oversee lab operations, ensuring high standards in safety, performance, and technical excellence across all facilities. You will drive a strong safety-first culture, support lab expansion and new product introductions, and lead the technical setup and integration of lab projects. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will align on strategy, resources, and timelines to ensure labs effectively support product development and testing. In addition, you will build and develop high-performing teams, coach technical talent, and strengthen lab capabilities through continuous improvement and investment in infrastructure and equipment. This is a global leadership role requiring a structured, hands-on approach, strong technical acumen, and the ability to operate in a fast-paced, international environment with up to 30% travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience or Master’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering, or a related field.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to effectively convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Analytical mindset with a focus on identifying risks and optimization.
Strong problem solving skills with an agile mindset – ability to find alternative solutions as new issues arise
Commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, quality, accountability, and professional growth.
Must be willing to travel up to 30%, including international travels
Legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout your employment, without the need for employer sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Experience in energy storage system commissioning and troubleshooting is a plus.
Guide the evolution and development of the organization including headcount planning and recruitment.
Develop a high-performing management team and culture through coaching, mentorship, facilitating peer support, and utilizing external educational resources.
Cultivate a unified, growth-mindset culture through effective leadership and performance management / goal-setting

Responsibilities

Responsible for Global Lab Operations across numerous lab facilities, in locations such as US, Germany, India, and any other future additions
Provide effective oversight of the lab operational teams, to include safety programs, team training, and KPIs for financial and operational performance.
Prioritize a culture where safety is at the forefront of everything we do by leading by example and engage with Lab Managers and Safety Team to ensure safety policies and procedures are implemented and followed
Manage the technical aspects of Lab projects, including identifying the required equipment and lead the integration aspect
Support the development and execution of the global srategy to accommodate new products, partnering with cross-functional teams to align on cost, resource, and timeline estimations.
Lead and participate in workgroups on establishing new labs and expanding current labs throughout the globe, owning the responsibility for determining test equipment needs
Develop in-depth knowledge of the lab's area of research, with a strong understanding of the latest trends, technologies, and advancements
Identify areas to expand existing lab’s component testing capabilities through infrastructure updates and equipment purchases
Coach, mentor, and train new and existing team members in the technical capabilities of the Fluence product and lab equipment
Participate in test planning workgroups as lab technical authority, providing sign-off on test readiness
Drive improvements in systematic approach to lab preparation regarding NPIs