Engineering Lab Manager

SUMMARY:

FNA Group is a world class and leading manufacturer of consumer and industrial pressure washers and other outdoor power equipment. FNA's highly acclaimed brands include Simpson, Delco and CRX. Exclusive licenses with recognizable brands such as DeWalt, Stanley Black & Decker and Craftsman further strengthens FNA's market presence and awareness. FNA is a dynamic organization with unprecedented growth due largely to its ability to attract and retain highly talented associates. We have a challenging and exciting opportunity for a Lab Manager with engineering and management experience and a strong attention to detail.

Primary Purpose:

The Lab Manager position requires technical engineering knowledge coupled with leadership skills, proficiency in product testing, test strategies, instrumentation continuous quality systems, cost reduction and project and business planning resource management experience. This position also works closely with the engineering teams, quality business groups and other functional leaders in the company (service, operations, supply chain) and is responsible for providing leadership and management for the Engineering Test Lab function.

:

• Responsible for devising and effectively implementing execution of a development methodology product testing that ensures safety and data quality.
• Manage test lab operations across the lab network.
• Lead a team of local technicians.
• Establish the team vision and strategy. Drive results that are specifically targeted to support the product development cycle of product testing for the business group markets.
• Effectively manage the development lab processes (i.e. safety, training, resource management, scheduling, department metrics, time compression techniques, design/application standards for improved repeatability, manage process across multiple locations).
• Work with the team to ensure all test and lab equipment is always calibrated / maintained and is operational.
• Ensure the optimal application of technology and engineering resources to meet industrial / commercial product development requirements per the sales/marketing plan.
• Work with Engineering teams to maintain alignment with test strategies and scheduled testing activities.
• Enforce 5S and workplace hygiene to ensure safe operations at all times.
• Develop and lead the product development life cycle, which includes interaction from the various business segments throughout design, manufacturability, and serviceability to provide our customers the very best in innovation, quality and customer satisfaction.
• Work directly with the Business Group team in developing a global product development roadmap that targets customers' needs.
• Foster collaboration between engineering, sales, operations, and other departments to identify and harvest new engineering concepts, technologies, techniques, standards and procedures.
• Select, manage performance, coach, and develop staff.
• Provide engineering technical leadership and design oversight functions for new product development projects to a team of lab technicians and supervisors.
• Support the creation of and maintain development test schedules.
• Execute product development plans (schedule, product cost, resources to complete project, quality targets, product specification adherence, development and prove-out of product validation test plans, etc.).
• Work with Engineering department to ensure test lab capabilities are in line with present and future test strategies.
• Engage in and lead business test lab planning processes, recruitment, retention, development, and mentoring.
• Create and maintain an organizational culture that encourages innovation, collaboration, excitement / commitment and a sense of urgency toward goals and continuous improvement.
• Challenges team members to question the status quo and ensure that all aspects of the design, development and support process are optimal for the business market.

Qualifications:

Required:

• 10 years of Engineering experience with 4 years of management experience.
• Experience working with common R&D test engineering hardware and software for product testing in laboratory and mass product development or manufacturing environments.
• Experience testing electrical and/or ICE engine-based products. Including emissions equipment.
• Strong ability to deliver results while working on multiple local, regional and/or small-scale global projects simultaneously, balancing resources, timing and quality of outcomes.
• Demonstrated team building and leadership skills.
• Solid understanding of engineering technical issues/needs, financial, sales, and marketing as related to product design and development.
• Strong communication skills.
• Self-driven, highly motivated, flexible and high capacity to learn.
• Able to travel up to 40% of the time.

Preferred:

• Knowledge in use of standard electronics lab tools including NI DAQ, LabView, AC/DC meters, Oscilloscopes, AC/DC power supplies, Load Banks, fuel systems and safety systems.
• Proven ability to apply scientific root cause problem-solving techniques and hands on debugging skills to product testing.
• Familiarity with testing battery-based products.
• Familiarity with testing electrical / electronic systems.

Education/Certification:

• AAS Degree in Mechanical, Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Valid driver's license.