Test Lab Manager

Johnson Controls, Inc.; Largo (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid vacation/holidays/sick time

401K, medical, dental, and vision care

On-the-job/cross-training

Collaborative team environment

Zero Harm safety policy

Job summary

Johnson Controls, Inc. in Largo, FL is seeking a Test Lab Manager to lead the HVAC test laboratory operations and ensure safe, accurate testing aligned with industry standards.

You will supervise staff, drive continuous improvement, manage projects and budget, and collaborate with engineering to support prototype validation and regulatory testing.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience and leadership responsibilities.
• Experience as a test engineer, including developing test plans and reporting results.
• Expertise with data acquisition, instrumentation, and laboratory automation.
• Strong project management, organizational, and technical documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day HVAC test laboratory operations, ensuring safety and compliance.
• Perform airflow, acoustical, and electrical heat testing per industry standards.
• Develop and improve testing procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Evaluate test data and recommend corrective actions.
• Troubleshoot equipment and facility issues to minimize downtime.
• Maintain calibration schedules, tools, and supplies.
• Support prototype development and product validation through testing.
• Coordinate lab activities with engineering and cross-functional teams.
• Develop budgets and manage laboratory operating expenditures.

Skills

Engineering

Leadership

Test engineering

Data acquisition

Project management

Documentation

Microsoft Office

Communication

Analytical thinking

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data acquisition systems

Lab instrumentation

Laboratory automation

Job description

Build your best future with the Johnson Controls team!

Who we are:

Johnson Controls is global leader in smart, healthy, and sustainable buildings. Our mission is to reimagine the performance of buildings to serve people, places, and the planet. Join a winning team that enables you to build your best future! Our teams are uniquely positioned to support a multitude of industries across the globe. You will have the opportunity to develop yourself through meaningful work projects and learning opportunities. We strive to provide our employees with an experience focused on supporting their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. Become a member of the Johnson Controls family and thrive in an empowering company culture where your voice and ideas will be heard – your next great opportunity is just a few clicks away!

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary
• Paid vacation/holidays/sick time
• Comprehensive benefits package including 401K, medical, dental, and vision care.
• On-the-job/cross-training opportunities
• Encouraging and collaborative team environment
• Dedication to safety through our Zero Harm policy

Position Summary

The Test Lab Manager is responsible for leading the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of the Industrial HVAC test laboratory. This role oversees laboratory personnel, equipment, testing processes, and compliance with industry standards while supporting product development, prototype validation, and engineering initiatives. The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with proven leadership skills to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient testing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Testing

• Manage day-to-day operation of the HVAC test laboratory, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant testing activities.
• Perform and oversee airflow, acoustical, and electric heat testing in accordance with applicable AMCA, AHRI, and ISO standards.
• Develop, maintain, and improve laboratory testing procedures, standards, and best practices.
• Evaluate test data for accuracy, consistency, and validity, and recommend corrective actions as needed.
• Troubleshoot laboratory equipment, systems, and facility-related issues to minimize operational disruptions.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, calibration schedules, tools, and supply inventories.

Engineering & Product Development Support

• Support engineering teams with prototype development, product validation, and performance testing.
• Direct laboratory activities related to the construction, setup, and testing of new prototype designs.
• Ensure all testing complies with applicable industry, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist with the implementation and upgrade of laboratory instrumentation, controls, and data acquisition systems.

Project & Resource Management

• Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting schedule, budget, and quality objectives.
• Coordinate shipment, receipt, installation, and setup of HVAC equipment entering and leaving the laboratory.
• Identify resource requirements and effectively allocate personnel, equipment, and budget to support project needs.
• Establish, monitor, and communicate project deliverables, timelines, risks, and costs.
• Develop and manage laboratory operating budgets and capital expenditure plans.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop laboratory personnel to build a high-performing team.
• Identify training requirements and ensure employees are qualified to safely perform laboratory activities.
• Partner with engineering and cross-functional teams to establish priorities, coordinate activities, and track progress.
• Develop annual goals and objectives for direct reports and provide regular performance feedback.
• Conduct quarterly and annual performance evaluations and support employee growth and development.

Qualifications

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in Engineering
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, preferably with direct responsibility for supervising, coaching, and developing employees.
• Experience as a test engineer, including developing test plans, executing tests, analyzing data, and preparing technical test reports.
• Expertise in data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and laboratory automation.
• Strong project management, organizational, and technical documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing laboratory operations, testing facilities, or engineering test environments.
• Experience with HVAC product testing and laboratory operations.
• Knowledge of AHRI, AMCA, and ISO testing standards.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and product development environments.
• Experience with AHRI 440 and AHRI 880 testing requirements and certification programs.
• Experience supporting product development through prototype testing and validation.

SALARY RANGE: $90,000 - $120,000 (Salary to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.) This role offers a competitive Bonus plan that will take into account individual, group, and corporate performance. This position includes a competitive benefits package. The posted salary range reflects the target compensation for this role. However, we recognize that exceptional candidates may bring unique skills and experiences that exceed the typical profile. To support an efficient and fair hiring process, we may use technology assisted tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), to help identify and evaluate candidates. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by human reviewers. For details, please visit the About Us tab on the Johnson Controls Careers site at https://jobs.johnsoncontrols.com/about-us