Project Manager I – Lab Operations

Generac; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Generac is seeking an Engineering Project Manager I to plan and execute Lab Operations projects across its R&D lab environments in Wisconsin. You will coordinate internal teams, external contractors, and leadership stakeholders to meet scope, cost, schedule, quality, and safety expectations.

The role requires strong cross-functional leadership, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and a focus on delivering scalable lab improvements that align with Generac's long-term lab

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent work experience.
• 5 years of progressive work experience in engineering, project engineering, brand/product management of equipment, machinery, or other powered products.
• 3 years of project management experience in product development or manufacturing of industrial/commercial equipment, machinery or other powered products.

Responsibilities

• Lead Lab Operations projects by coordinating internal cross‑functional teams, external contractors, consultants, vendors, and site stakeholders to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and in alignment with business priorities.
• Provide project management leadership for Lab Operations projects, including gathering requirements, defining scope, creating schedules, building execution plans, coordinating resources, and integrating the activities of cross‑functional team members.
• Translate business, engineering, facilities, and lab operations requirements into project scope, design direction, execution plans, and deliverables.
• Lead key project execution, in primary collaboration with key stakeholders including engineering, EHS, and facilities for new project developments or similar project initiatives
• Plan and execute projects to meet schedule, project cost, scope and quality commitments.

Skills

Project leadership

Cross-functional coordination

Stakeholder communication

Team leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

JIRA

Smartsheet

Miro

Job description

TheEngineering Project Manager I is responsible for planning and executing Lab Operations projects across Generac R&D lab environments. Projects may include new lab construction, upgrades and maintenance to existing facilities, technology integration, and equipment or infrastructure improvements. This role coordinates requirements, schedules, budgets, consultants, contractors, site teams, engineering teams, and leadership stakeholders to deliver projects that meet scope, cost, schedule, quality, and safety expectations. The position requires a technically strong project leader who can work cross-functionally, manage competing priorities, and support the long‑term strategy of Generac’s R&D labs.

The Engineering Project Manager I partners with business groups and functional leaders across product management, engineering, service, manufacturing operations, supply chain, marketing, quality, IT, and finance. This role provides project leadership for initiatives that support Generac business areas and product lines by developing and executing Lab Operations project plans.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent work experience
• 5 years of progressive work experience in engineering, project engineering, brand/product management of equipment, machinery, or other powered products
• 3 years of project management experience in product development or manufacturing of industrial/commercial equipment, machinery or other powered products

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated project management experience with facilities, operations, construction, maintenance, equipment installation, and/or infrastructure upgrades.
• 2 years of experience in technical roles in a similar industry.
• Experience with Project Management software tools (JIRA, Smartsheet, Miro, etc)

Essential Duties

• Lead Lab Operations projects by coordinating internal cross‑functional teams, external contractors, consultants, vendors, and site stakeholders to deliver projects safely, efficiently, and in alignment with business priorities.

50%

• Provide project management leadership for Lab Operations projects, including gathering requirements, defining scope, creating schedules, building execution plans, coordinating resources, and integrating the activities of cross‑functional team members.
• Translate business, engineering, facilities, and lab operations requirements into project scope, design direction, execution plans, and deliverables.
• Lead key project execution, in primary collaboration with key stakeholders including engineering, EHS, and facilities for new project developments or similar project initiatives
• Plan and execute projects to meet schedule, project cost, scope and quality commitments

30%

• Execute Lab Operations initiatives effectively and identify opportunities to improve project execution, workplace efficiency, communication, and handoff processes.
• Develop and maintain project risk and mitigation plans. Define contingency options when needed, align stakeholders on the recommended approach, and execute mitigation plans to protect scope, schedule, cost, quality, and safety commitments.

20%

• Ensure Lab Operations projects are planned and executed in alignment with applicable safety, environmental, quality, facility, and regulatory requirements. Partner with EHS, facilities, engineering, and site leadership to identify constraints, resolve issues, and maintain safe project execution.
• Identify, evaluate and document “lessons-learned” during the project and communicate best practices and lessons learned to project team members on future projects

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to deliver results while working simultaneously on multiple projects, balancing resources, timing, and quality of outcomes.
• Lead the transformation from project requirements into a project design and realization plan to meet or exceed the project and business goals.
• Demonstrated ability to influence people and teams who are not all direct reports.
• Team building and leadership skills.
• Solid understanding of engineering, technical requirements, manufacturing, service, customer support, and financial considerations as they relate to project design, planning, and execution.
• Advanced written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including the ability to communicate project status, risks, decisions, and tradeoffs to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Self-driven, highly motivated, flexible, and with a high capacity to learn.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer‑based work requiring periods of sitting; close vision and ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.