Engineering Manager, R&D Lab Operations

About Us:

By combining a rich legacy in the power and gas compression space with pioneering technology, INNIO brings our customers affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions for today—and tomorrow. We are helping to meet today’s energy needs with 64 GW of installed capacity and 48,000 of our powerful Jenbacher and Waukesha engines, which can be found in more than 100 countries. And, by harnessing our history of energy industry firsts along with the power of digital innovation, we will continue to deliver for the future.

Our fuel-flexible Waukesha gas engines are designed for reliable performance in isolated, mission-critical and demanding applications, delivering dependable energy even under high-stress conditions. It’s time to take engines to a place no one else can. Welcome to INNIO!

Position Summary:

The Engineering Manager – R&D Lab Operations will act as the front-line manager for an experienced and highly skilled team of engine technicians, instrumentation/emissions technicians, and logistics personnel. This is a highly technical role, acting as a liaison between the lab technician group and other teams to ensure lab asset utilization is maximized, while maintaining a very high level of test quality. The R&D Lab operates full-scale Waukesha engine assets (400 to 5000+ HP), advanced data collection and emissions measurement technology, and a suite of infrastructure/tools to test the full operating envelope of our products and simulate actual customer conditions.

Responsibilities:

- Lead team of approximately 15 highly skilled technicians, including performance management activities within INNIO’s annual performance development cycle.

- Provide coaching, mentoring, and guidance to help ensure team member and project success.

- Maximize efficient operation of lab test cells through collaboration with technicians, lab management, validation engineering, engine platform leaders, and project management.

- Coordinate with cross-functional team to plan and execute changes in test cell configuration to meet requirements for upcoming tests.

- Stay closely connected with technicians to ensure test intent / input requirements are clear, and coordinate with test requestors as required when additional information is needed to successfully execute testing.

- Support technician team as challenges or roadblocks arise, help identify solutions, and promptly escalate issues when appropriate.

- Work with test cell technicians, validation engineers, and test requestors to ensure all required data is collected with sufficient accuracy to support formal test closure.

- Provide direct technical support and input in troubleshooting lab facility, test equipment, or engine issues.

- Anticipate issues and communicate testing delays, risks and/or challenges to appropriate parties.

- Maintain continuous focus on test cell efficiency, test throughput, utilization, and data quality.

- Identify opportunities to flex team members to other test cells, project work, or facility maintenance needs when there are resources available.

- Maintain a strong safety focus and ensure compliance to all company policies and standards.

- Apply engineering knowledge / experience to improve our, products, processes, and services.

- Maintain an overall upbeat attitude, make a positive impact on team morale, and lead through example.

Minimum Requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/electrical/chemical engineering, engineering technology, or closely related field.

- 5+ years of engineering experience with increasing responsibilities. - 3+ years of experience in managing technical programs or leading people.

- Strong influencing skills and ability to gain buy-in for initiatives.

- Demonstrated problem solving skills.

- Organizational skills required to effectively handle and prioritize multiple tasks and perform detail-oriented work.

Preferred Skills:

- Master’s degree in engineering or closely related field.

- Strong technical background in a lab/testing/validation environment.

- Hands-on experience with reciprocating engines, components, and technology.

- Oracle or similar ERP system experience.

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