Engineering Test Lab Manager 01

Adams Thermal Systems; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Adams Thermal Systems seeks a qualified leader to operate the Engineering Test Lab, oversee test execution, calibration of equipment, and development of new capital testing capabilities. The role requires hands-on testing, technical support for product development, and strong adherence to industry standards.

The position emphasizes managing lab metrics, coordinating with external labs, and guiding technicians, with responsibility for lab discipline and policy enforcement. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Agricultural Engineering.
• Minimum three years of applicable experience including supervisory experience.
• Experience in an OEM manufacturing setting.

Responsibilities

• Directs and coordinates engineering activities related to development, procurement, installation, and calibration of instruments and test equipment.
• Develops and maintains annual budgets for capital and expenses.
• Enforces ATS policies, procedures, and guidelines on the shop floor.
• Supervises 2-5 technicians in the Engineering Test Department.
• Ensure timely and accurate test reports and data management per procedures.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required.

Skills

Leadership

Test lab operations

Calibration

Data acquisition

Problem solving

Documentation

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical / Aerospace / Ag Engineering

Tools

Database software

Design software

Development software

Payroll systems

Project management software

Spreadsheet software

Word processing software

Job description

Primary Objectives Of Position

Responsible for the operation of the Engineering Test Lab, including; completion of engineering tests, maintenance and calibration of test lab equipment, design and product management of new capital test equipment, ensuring adherence to ATS, customer, and industry test standards, and ownership and reporting of Engineering Test Lab metrics. This position carries out management responsibilities in accordance with ATS’s policies. This position will require hands on testing and technical support of testing, product development, prototype builds, and applications engineering.

Primary Objectives Of Position

Responsible for the operation of the Engineering Test Lab, including; completion of engineering tests, maintenance and calibration of test lab equipment, design and product management of new capital test equipment, ensuring adherence to ATS, customer, and industry test standards, and ownership and reporting of Engineering Test Lab metrics. This position carries out management responsibilities in accordance with ATS’s policies. This position will require hands on testing and technical support of testing, product development, prototype builds, and applications engineering.

Primary Objectives Of Position

Responsible for the operation of the Engineering Test Lab, including; completion of engineering tests, maintenance and calibration of test lab equipment, design and product management of new capital test equipment, ensuring adherence to ATS, customer, and industry test standards, and ownership and reporting of Engineering Test Lab metrics. This position carries out management responsibilities in accordance with ATS’s policies. This position will require hands on testing and technical support of testing, product development, prototype builds, and applications engineering.

Key Areas Of Accountability

• Responsible for establishing and attaining a test schedule that ensures timely completion of all tests.
• Test setup; design and instruction. Will have a lead role in bringing in new test capabilities, as driven by market.
• Programming of data acquisition system, where required. Problem solving and troubleshooting to support testing.
• Coordination of tests with outside labs.
• Monitoring of tests to assure accuracy and completion.
• Documentation of tests and issuing test reports, per the test report procedure. Maintaining the lab systems and documentation at a level that meets customer and TS-16949 standards.
• Assistance or leadership of capital or improvement projects, as required.
• Designs and directs engineering and technical personnel in fabrication of testing and test control apparatus and equipment.
• Directs and coordinates engineering activities concerned with development, procurement, installation, and calibration of instruments, equipment, and control devices required to test, telemeter, record, and reduce test data.
• Determines conditions under which tests are to be conducted and sequences and phases of test operations.
• Directs and exercises control over operational, functional, and performance phases of tests. Analyzes and interprets test data and prepares technical reports for use by engineering and management personnel.
• Develops or uses computer software and hardware to conduct tests on mechanical products and systems.
• Develop, submit, and manage annual budgets for capital and expenses.
• Develop and maintain training plans for all technicians.
• Enforce ATS policies, procedures, and guidelines on the shop floor.
• Responsible for evaluation, administration, and discipline of test lab technicians by applying the ATS employee guidelines.
• Identify and correct unsafe acts or conditions specifically with respect to primary duties and throughout the facility.
• Assist in setting up equipment and assure quality operations.
• Develop Preventative Maintenance plan for existing and new equipment.
• Assure compliance with TR-16949 procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises 2-5 employees in the Engineering Test Department. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Education And Experience Requirements

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Ag Engineering.
• A minimum of three years of applicable experience including supervisory experience. Experience in a heat transfer business and/or automotive supplier would be a plus.
• Experience in an OEM manufacturing setting.

Special Requirements

• Demonstrated drive for timely and detailed results is a must.
• Above average communication skills, organizational and interface skills.
• Flexibility to travel, both domestically and internationally.
• Writing of policies, procedures, cost justifications, project status reports, etc.
• Interact with outside suppliers, customers, and co-workers in a positive and constructive manner.
• Self starting with the ability to operate well independently.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.
• To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Database software; Design software; Development software; Internet software; Manufacturing software; Payroll systems; Project Management software; Spreadsheet software and Word Processing software. Data acquisition program experience required.