What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager Technical Engineering – Home Standby and Portable Generators Lab position at Generac?
The Manager Technical Engineering – Home Standby and Portable Generators Lab is responsible for leading and managing multi‑discipline test laboratory operations supporting the Home Generation division, including Home Standby Generators, Chore products, Portable Generators, Alternators, and Transfer Switch systems. This role provides people and technical leadership for all laboratory activities supporting new product development, verification, validation, compliance, durability, reliability, and lifecycle testing across mechanical, electrical, controls, and integrated system domains. This position requires strong product test and systems engineering knowledge combined with proven people leadership skills. The Lab Manager partners closely with Product Engineering, Compliance, Manufacturing, Quality, Supply Chain, and Service organizations to ensure safe operations, high‑quality data, robust product validation, and alignment to Home Generation business objectives. This role is accountable for lab strategy, capability development, throughput, cost management, and talent development across all Home Generation test laboratories.
Major Responsibilities
Preferred Job Requirements
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.
Major Responsibilities
- Manage test laboratory operations supporting Chore, Portable, Alternator, Transfer Switch, and Home Standby Generator labs
- Lead lab supervisors, engineers, and technicians across multiple test disciplines
- Align resources to prioritized programs for Home Generation product roadmaps
- Ensure safe, compliant operation of all lab facilities, equipment, and test systems
- Drive timely execution of verification, validation, compliance, durability, and lifecycle testing
- Partner with Product Engineering teams to define test strategies, coverage, and priorities
- Manage operating budgets, capital investments, and external test resources
- Ensure equipment readiness, calibration, maintenance, and utilization effectiveness
- Drive lab performance metrics including throughput, schedule adherence, data quality, and cost. Drive laboratory performance metrics including throughput, utilization, and data quality
- Recruit, develop, coach, and retain high‑performing technical and leadership talent
- Provide technical leadership across mechanical, electrical, controls, and integrated system testing
- Support test planning and scheduling aligned to program milestones
- Interface cross‑functionally with Manufacturing, Quality, Compliance, Supply Chain, and Service teams
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives in lab processes, safety, and operational efficiency
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Associates degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or equivalent
- 10 years of progressive engineering experience
- 4 years of people leadership and laboratory or development organization management
- Strong understanding of generator systems, alternators, transfer switches, and integrated power solutions
- Demonstrated ability to lead diverse technical teams across multiple labs and product lines
- Strong organizational, planning, and execution skills in a fast‑paced environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Results‑driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and product quality
Preferred Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering
- 15 years of engineering experience
- Experience with laboratory safety systems
- Experience leading product test laboratories in R&D or sustainment environments
- Experience testing engine-driven, electrical, power generation equipment, or outdoor power equipment
- Experience with Home Standby Generators, Portable Generators, or adjacent power products
- Experience supporting alternators, transfer switch, or power switching systems
- Experience with data acquisition systems, load banks, and fuel systems
- Demonstrated root‑cause analysis, failure investigation, and corrective action leadership
- Knowledge of applicable regulatory and certification standards (UL, CSA, EPA, CARB, NEC, etc.)
- Familiarity with engine, alternator, power electronics, controls, and switching systems testing
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.