Test Lab Lead Engineer - Validation & Team Coaching

MDS Staffing; Anoka (MN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

MDS Staffing in Minnesota is seeking an Engineering Test Lab Supervisor to lead the daily operations of our Test Lab, guiding technicians, coordinating resources, and ensuring safe, efficient testing.

You will partner with design engineering and R&D teams to support prototype testing, product verification, and data-driven evaluations, while coaching the team and maintaining equipment readiness for high-throughput testing.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics, HVAC, Refrigeration, or Mechanical Technology or related field.
• At least one year of direct people leadership experience.
• Experience in an engineering test lab, product testing, or validation environment.
• Strong mechanical or electrical proficiency for testing methods and data-driven evaluations.
• Excellent communication and collaboration with technicians, engineers, and lab leadership.
• Experience with HVAC, refrigeration or thermal management preferred.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand or sit for extended periods.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a group of test technicians, providing daily direction, coaching, support, and accountability across multiple testing activities.
• Coordinate technician assignments, equipment availability, instrumentation, and lab resources to support testing priorities.
• Maintain a strong presence in the lab, helping technicians identify and resolve test setup, equipment, and product performance issues.
• Partner with Design Engineering and R&D Test Engineers to support prototype, pre-production, product verification, product validation, agency, and performance testing activities.
• Monitor testing progress, address workflow constraints, and support efficient day-to-day laboratory operations and testing execution.
• Support technician onboarding, training, and cross-training efforts to build team capability and readiness for new products and testing methods.
• Work closely with lab leadership and maintenance partners to support equipment readiness and reduce downtime.

Skills

People leadership

Communication

Mechanical proficiency

Electrical proficiency

Lab testing experience

Education

Associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics, HVAC, Refrigeration, Mechanical Technology or related field

Job description

MDS Staffing in Minnesota is seeking an Engineering Test Lab Supervisor to lead the daily operations of our Test Lab, guiding technicians, coordinating resources, and ensuring safe, efficient testing.

You will partner with design engineering and R&D teams to support prototype testing, product verification, and data-driven evaluations, while coaching the team and maintaining equipment readiness for high-throughput testing.