Test Lab Manager

Danfoss; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Paid vacation

Personal insurance

Job summary

Danfoss is seeking a dynamic Test Lab Manager for the Ames, IA facility. You will lead a multidisciplinary team, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability of the engineering test laboratory while aligning with global guidelines and the HY Director of Test Labs.

You will drive operational excellence, implement automation, and manage budgets to keep the lab at the cutting edge of testing capabilities across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
• 4–6 years of relevant engineering experience in hydraulic product development or test engineering.
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of setting priorities and managing performance.
• Experience with operational resource planning and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of about 15 planners, technicians, and students, fostering development and high performance.
• Own day-to-day lab operations, optimize throughput, allocate resources, and apply Lean methods.
• Modernize validation equipment and data acquisition, standardize test methods.
• Oversee local budget and build business cases for multi-year investments.
• Collaborate with local and global engineering teams and contribute to the global test lab group.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Communication

Team management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Lean methodologies

Data acquisition systems

Automation technologies

ISO/IATF compliance

Job description

Segment: Danfoss Power Solutions Segment

Job Category: R&D, Technology and Engineering

Work Location Type: On-site

Job Experience Level: Mid-Senior level

Test Lab Manager

Req ID: 52103 Job Location: Ames, IA, US Employment Type: Full Time Segment: Danfoss Power Solutions Segment Job Category: R&D, Technology and Engineering Work Location Type: On-site Job Experience Level: Mid-Senior level Job Description

The Impact You'll Make

Danfoss is seeking a dynamic and experienced Test Lab Manager at our Ames Iowa facility. This is a key leadership role where you will guide a talented team and shape the future of our engineering testing capabilities. You will be at the forefront of ensuring the safety, efficiency, and reliability of our laboratory, directly impacting our business growth and technological advancement.

What You’ll Be Doing

As the Test Lab Manager, you will be the operational and organizational heart of our Ames Engineering Test Laboratory. Your mission will be to foster a culture of excellence, drive continuous improvement, and lead your team to new heights.

• Lead & Inspire: Directly manage and mentor a dedicated team of ~15 planners, technicians, and students. You will be responsible for talent development, building a high-performance culture, and empowering your team through training and professional growth.
• Drive Operational Excellence: Take ownership of the day-to-day lab operations. You will optimize test throughput, manage resource allocation, and implement Lean methodologies to ensure maximum efficiency and reliability. Maintaining key performance metrics and ensuring ISO/IATF compliance will be crucial to your success.
• Innovate & Modernize: Champion the adoption of advanced testing technologies and automation. You will play a vital role in modernizing our validation equipment and data acquisition systems, implementing standardized test methods that align with our global engineering guidelines.
• Manage & Strategize: Oversee the local operational budget and identify critical investments for equipment and technology. You will build compelling business cases to support our multi-year capital investment strategy, ensuring the lab remains on the cutting edge.
• Collaborate for Global Success: Work closely with local and global engineering teams, contributing to resource and capability planning. As a member of our global test lab group, your insights and leadership will contribute to the success of the entire global team, reporting to the HY Director of Test Labs.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a leader who combines hands-on engineering expertise with a proven ability to lead and inspire a technical team. You are a strategic thinker with a passion for problem-solving and a drive for operational excellence.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field.
• 4-6 years of relevant engineering experience, ideally in hydraulic product development, test engineering, or a similar field.
• Proven experience in a leadership role, with a track record of setting priorities and managing team performance.
• Experience with operational resource planning and budget management.
• A hands‑on, problem‑solving mindset and strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively on a global scale.

What You’ll Get from Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
• You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work‑life balance. Your well‑being matters to us.
• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
• You’ll receive benefits like an annual bonus, paid vacation, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Salary ranges listed reflect only primary location and currency. For local salary ranges and specific benefits in your preferred hiring location, please ask your Talent Acquisition representative for more information.

The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Any benefits listed do not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Want to know more? Please visit our F AQ Pag e .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.

Danfoss engineers solutions that increase machine productivity, reduce emissions, lower energy consumption, and enable electrification.

Our solutions are used in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, power conversion, motor control, industrial machinery, marine, and on- and off‑highway equipment. We also provide solutions for data centers, renewable energy, energy storage, heat recovery, as well as contribute to district energy solutions for cities.

Our innovative engineering dates back to 1933. Danfoss is family‑owned and employs over 39,000 people. We create long‑term value for our customers in more than 100 countries with a global footprint of around 100 factories.