R&D Engineering Lab Manager

nVent • Anoka, MN

19h • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking an R&D Engineering Lab Manager to lead and strengthen the technical backbone of our Anoka R&D Test Lab, supporting critical product development and validation across the business. This role ensures lab priorities are well‑aligned to engineering needs, testing is delivered predictably, and teams have the structure and guidance required to succeed. You’ll combine technical depth, people leadership, and sound business judgment to help the lab evolve as demand and complexity continue to grow.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related technical field (Mechanical or Electrical preferred).
• Ideally 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.
• Strong communication skills reflected in clear expectation‑setting, early risk identification, and effective partnership with leaders.

Nice To Haves

• Background in data acquisition systems, controls, and test software, with the ability to guide decisions on lab tools, methods, and capabilities preferred.

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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plans along with 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 — both include a company match.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level