Test Lab Manager

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. If you believe your background warrants consideration beyond the stated range, we encourage you to apply. 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
Johnson Controls International plc. is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a qualified individual with a disability or any other characteristic protected by law. To view more information about your equal opportunity and non-discrimination rights as a candidate, visit EEO is the Law. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation during the application process, please visit here.