Acoustics Lab Manager

Blachford Acoustics Group; West Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Blachford Acoustics Group seeks an experienced Acoustics Lab Manager to lead its state-of-the-art acoustics lab (BAL) and support NVH solutions for OEM customers across heavy transportation, agriculture, construction, rail, and industrial markets.

The role requires strong acoustical engineering expertise, hands-on testing experience, and the ability to translate customer challenges into actionable technical and commercial solutions.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Acoustical Engineering, Noise Control Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in acoustics, NVH, product development, or laboratory leadership.
• Experience managing technical teams and laboratory operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all activities within the Acoustics Laboratory.
• Ensure safe, efficient use of acoustic testing facilities and equipment.
• Develop annual laboratory objectives, budgets, and capability improvement plans.
• Establish and maintain laboratory procedures, testing standards, and best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement to increase laboratory efficiency, throughput, and quality.

Skills

Acoustics engineering

Lab management

NVH testing

Data analysis

Education

MS/PhD in Mechanical or Acoustical Engineering

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Acoustic analysis software

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Job Summary:

Blachford Acoustics Group (BAG) is seeking an experienced and innovative Acoustics Lab Manager to lead its state-of-the-art acoustics laboratory (BAL) and support the development of advanced Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) solutions for OEM customers across heavy transportation, agriculture, construction, rail, and industrial markets.

The Acoustics Lab Manager is responsible for laboratory operations, customer testing programs, technical leadership, team development, strategic equipment investments, and collaboration with Sales, Innovation, Operations, and Quality teams. The successful candidate will bring strong acoustical engineering expertise, hands‑on testing experience, and the ability to translate customer challenges into actionable technical and commercial solutions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Laboratory Leadership & Operations

• Lead and manage all activities within the Acoustics Laboratory.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and effective utilization of acoustic testing facilities and equipment.
• Develop annual laboratory objectives, budgets, and capability improvement plans.
• Establish and maintain laboratory procedures, testing standards, and best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase laboratory efficiency, throughput, and quality.
• Maintain ISO 17025 accreditation and related activities

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the company's subject matter expert in acoustics, noise control, and NVH engineering.
• Lead acoustic testing programs for customer applications, materials, and systems.
• Interpret test data and provide engineering recommendations to customers and internal teams.
• Support material characterization, benchmarking, simulation, and validation activities.
• Stay current with emerging NVH technologies, standards, and industry trends.

Customer & Commercial Support

• Collaborate with customers to understand technical challenges and develop acoustic solutions.
• Provide technical support during customer visits, design reviews, troubleshooting activities, and product evaluations.
• Work closely with Sales and Commercial teams to identify new business opportunities generated through lab activities.
• Assist in converting customer testing projects into long-term commercial opportunities.
• Represent BAG at industry conferences, technical forums, and customer events.

Research & Product Development

• Support innovation and new product development initiatives.
• Evaluate new materials, technologies, and acoustic treatment concepts.
• Collaborate with R&D teams to develop differentiated product solutions.
• Generate technical reports and recommendations supporting commercialization efforts.

Team Development & Management

• Lead, coach, and develop laboratory engineers, technicians, and support staff.
• Establish performance objectives and development plans for team members.
• Foster a collaborative, technically strong, and customer-focused culture.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and retention of technical talent.

Qualifications/Skills/Experience Required:

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Acoustical Engineering, Noise Control Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 8+ years of experience in acoustics, NVH, product development, or laboratory leadership.
• Experience in managing technical teams and laboratory operations.
• Proven experience working directly with OEM engineering organizations.
• Experience developing and executing acoustic testing programs.
• Strong understanding of acoustics, vibration, and noise control principles.
• Experience with sound absorption, transmission loss, sound power, sound intensity, and modal testing.
• Familiarity with acoustic test standards such as ASTM, SAE, and ISO.
• Experience with data acquisition systems and acoustic analysis software.
• Knowledge of acoustic materials and noise control solutions preferred.

Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.