R&D Engineering Lab Manager I

We’re looking for people who put their innovation to work to advance our success – and their own. Join an organization that ensures a more secure world through connecting and protecting our customers with inventive electrical solutions.

We are seeking an R&D Engineering Lab Manager I to lead and strengthen the technical backbone of our Anoka R&D Test Lab, supporting critical product development and validation across the business. This role ensures lab priorities are well‑aligned to engineering needs, testing is delivered predictably, and teams have the structure and guidance required to succeed. You’ll combine technical depth, people leadership, and sound business judgment to help the lab evolve as demand and complexity continue to grow.

** This is a salaried, direct-hire position. You will work on-site 5 days/week in Anoka, MN. Core hours are from 9:30 am - 3:30 pm. **

WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE IN THIS POSITION:

• Lead and develop a team of engineering technicians and engineers in a hands‑on R&D lab environment, balancing technical involvement, coaching, accountability, and prioritization.
• Partner with engineering and project leadership to understand testing needs, align priorities, and support predictable, timely project delivery.
• Own lab operations, ensuring work is completed safely, accurately, and on schedule through clear expectations, active follow‑up, and consistent communication, while driving improvements in equipment uptime, reducing downtime, and optimizing overall lab utilization.
• Serve as the primary connection between the lab and the business, working with Engineering, Project Management, and functional leaders to plan work, manage demand, and set realistic timelines.
• Maintain a strong daily presence in the lab, providing technical guidance, diagnosing and resolving complex test setups, and supporting technicians with real‑time decisions.
• Ensure compliance with industry and regulatory standards, including UL, ASHRAE, Department of Energy (DOE), and ISO requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement in productivity, tools, and processes, with a forward‑looking perspective on how data acquisition, controls, automation, and software can shorten testing cycle times.
• Contribute to the growth and evolution of the lab organization, shaping team structure, capabilities, and workflows as demand increases at the Anoka campus.

YOU HAVE:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related technical field (Mechanical or Electrical preferred). 
• Ideally 5+ years’ experience working in an R&D lab or test environment, supporting product development through hands‑on testing, validation, and lab operations, preferably with HVAC or electro-mechanical equipment.
• Previous people management experience leading engineering and/or technical teams; R&D lab leadership preferred.
• Strong business judgment demonstrated through managing shifting demands, timelines, and influencing engineering teams at multiple levels.
• Experience working within regulated testing frameworks, such as UL, ASHRAE, ISO, and DOE standards.
• Background in data acquisition systems, controls, and test software, with the ability to guide decisions on lab tools, methods, and capabilities preferred.
• Strong communication skills reflected in clear expectation‑setting, early risk identification, and effective partnership with leaders.
• Ability to lift, push, and/or pull up to 50 lbs. without assistance and stand or sit for extended periods to support testing activities as needed.

WE HAVE:

• A dynamic global reach with diverse operations around the world that will stretch your abilities, provide plentiful career opportunities, and allow you to make an impact every day

  • nVent is a leading global provider of electrical connection and protection solutions. We believe our inventive electrical solutions enable safer systems and ensure a more secure world. We design, manufacture, market, install and service high performance products and solutions that connect and protect some of the world's most sensitive equipment, buildings and critical processes. We offer a comprehensive range of systems protection and electrical connections solutions across industry-leading brands that are recognized globally for quality, reliability and innovation.

  • Our principal office is in London and our management office in the United States is in Minneapolis. Our robust portfolio of leading electrical product brands dates back more than 100 years and includes nVent CADDY, ERICO, HOFFMAN, ILSCO, SCHROFF and TRACHTE. Learn more at www.nvent.com.

• Commitment to strengthen communities where our employees live and work

  • We encourage and support the philanthropic activities of our employees worldwide

  • Through our nVent in Action matching program, we provide funds to nonprofit and educational organizations where our employees volunteer or donate money

• Core values that shape our culture and drive us to deliver the best for our employees and our customers. We’re known for being:

  • Innovative & adaptable

  • Dedicated to absolute integrity

  • Focused on the customer first

  • Respectful and team oriented

  • Optimistic and energizing

  • Accountable for performance

• Benefits to support the lives of our employees

Pay Transparency
 
nVent’s pay scale is based on the expected range of base pay for this job and the employee’s work location. Employee pay within this range will be based on a combination of factors including knowledge, skills, abilities, experience, education, and performance. Where federal, state, or local minimum wage requirements exist, employee pay will comply.
 
Compensation Range:

Depending on the position offered, employee may be eligible for other forms of compensation, such as annual incentives.

Benefit Overview

At nVent, we value our people and their health and well-being.  We provide a broad benefits package with meaningful programs for eligible full-time employees that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans along with flexible spending accounts, short-term and long-term disability benefits, critical illness, accident insurance and life insurance.

• A 401(k) retirement plan and an employee stock purchase plan — both include a company match.

• Other supplemental benefits may include tuition reimbursement, caregiver, personal and parental leave, back-up care services, paid time off including volunteer time, a well-being program, and/or legal & identity theft protection.

At nVent, we connect and protect our customers with inventive electrical solutions. People are our most valuable asset. Inclusion and diversity means that we celebrate and encourage each other’s authenticity because we understand that uniqueness sparks growth.