What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager Technical Engineering - Engine Lab position at Generac?
The Manager Technical Engineering - Engine Lab is responsible for building, leading, and continuously improving an advanced Engine Development Laboratory capability in support of Generac’s engine strategy. This role provides technical and people leadership for all engine development, durability, certification, emissions, and performance testing activities supporting new product development, technology roadmap execution, validation, and lifecycle improvement. The position requires internal combustion engine (ICE) and/or alternative fuel engine development expertise combined with strong organizational leadership skills. This leader partners closely with Engine Design, Controls, Compliance, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Field Quality, and external suppliers to ensure safe, robust, and data-driven engine development execution.
This position will be located onsite at our headquarters in Waukesha, WI.
Major Responsibilities
- Establish and lead an Engine Development Laboratory organization aligned to Generac’s engine roadmap
- Establish engineering best practices, standard work, and continuous improvement culture to ensure data quality and testing consistency
- Develop lab strategy, capability roadmap, capital plans, and staffing plans
- Oversee engine performance, durability, emissions, certification, and abuse testing activities
- Ensure safe operation of all engine test cells, fuel systems, and emissions equipment
- Partner with Engine Design and Controls teams to define development and validation plans
- Manage budgets, capital investments, and external test partners
- Drive laboratory throughput, data quality, and on-time delivery of engine development milestones Enforce 5S and workplace hygiene to always ensure safe operations
- Recruit, develop, coach, and retain high-performing engineering, technician, and supervisory talent
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship for engine development and test engineers
- Establish engineering best practices, standard work, and continuous improvement culture
- Interface with executive leadership on program status, risks, and technical tradeoffs
- Lead cross-functional reviews including design validation, failure reviews, and readiness assessment
- Work with Engineering department to ensure test lab capabilities are in-line with present and future test strategies
Minimum Job Requirements
- Associate’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering or equivalent
- 10 years of progressive engine or powertrain engineering experience
- 4 years of people leadership and laboratory or organization development management
- Deep technical understanding of internal combustion engine systems and development processes
- Strong leadership presence with ability to influence across functions
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Ability to manage multiple complex development programs simultaneously
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
Preferred Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related discipline
- 15 years of engineering experience
- Experience in engine development, validation, durability, and performance testing
- Experience leading technical teams in regulated environments (EPA, CARB, EU or equivalent)Experience with gasoline, natural gas, propane, or alternative fuel engines
- Experience with engine dynamometers, emissions benches, data acquisition and controls systems
- Proven root cause analysis and failure investigation leadership
- Familiarity with engine calibration, emissions development, and certification processes
Physical Requirements And Working Conditions
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear; and use hands to manipulate objects or controls. The employee is regularly required to stand and walk. On occasion, the incumbent may be required to stoop, bend, or reach above the shoulders. The employee must occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Specific conditions of this job are typical of frequent and continuous computer-based work requiring periods of sitting, close vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Occasional travel.