ENGINEERING LAB MGR at Middleby Refrigeration – Greenville, Michigan

Location: Greenville, Michigan

Reports to: Director of Engineering

Middleby Refrigeration is seeking an experienced and technically skilled Lab Manager to oversee our refrigeration testing and design laboratory in Greenville, MI. This leadership role is responsible for managing laboratory operations, testing activities, and personnel while supporting the development, validation, and compliance of refrigeration systems and components.

The ideal candidate combines hands-on engineering expertise with strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills. This role is critical to ensuring product performance, safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across our U-Line, Marvel, and Viking Refrigeration brands.

Perks you can expect from us:

• A competitive benefits package including 401(k) matching.
• Company provided life insurance, short and long-term disability insurance.
• Paid time off at start
• Paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee referral program.

Expected Hours of Work:

This position is full-time. The general scheduled workdays are Monday through Friday.

Position Overview:

Under the direction of the Director of Engineering, the Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing all laboratory operations that support product development, testing, and validation initiatives. This role leads laboratory personnel, manages testing activities, and ensures all experiments, data collection, and validation efforts are performed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with company standards and applicable regulatory requirements.

The Lab Manager plays a critical role in ensuring product quality, performance, and compliance through structured testing, thorough documentation, and continuous improvement of laboratory processes. Key responsibilities include planning and executing testing programs for refrigeration systems and components, maintaining laboratory equipment and instrumentation, enforcing safety and quality protocols, and collaborating closely with engineering and cross-functional teams to support research, development, and new product initiatives.

Responsibilities:

· Manage daily laboratory operations, including test equipment, instrumentation, schedules, and personnel.

· Lead design validation, performance testing, and certification testing of refrigeration systems, subassemblies, and components.

· Develop, implement, and maintain standardized test protocols to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and compliance with internal and external requirements.

· Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory and industry standards, including UL, DOE, EPA, ENERGY STAR, ASHRAE, and other relevant certifications.

· Collaborate with product development, controls, and compliance teams to provide engineering data supporting design improvements and new product development.

· Oversee test setup design, instrumentation configuration, data acquisition systems, and calibration of laboratory equipment.

· Ensure laboratory safety, environmental compliance, and quality control standards are consistently met.

· Supervise, mentor, and develop lab technicians and engineers.

· Support and lead compliance audits, certification testing, and documentation efforts.

· Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to lab processes, test accuracy, efficiency, and equipment capability.

· Maintain accurate testing records, reports, and compliance documentation.

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Refrigeration Engineering, or a related field required; Master’s degree preferred

· Minimum of 7 years of experience in refrigeration or ice machine system design, testing, or laboratory management

· Strong understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and refrigeration cycle principles

· Hands-on experience with test setup design, instrumentation, and engineering data analysis

· Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory requirements, including UL 60335, DOE efficiency standards, and EPA refrigerant regulations

· Experience with automated controls, data acquisition systems, and compliance documentation

· Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills

· Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced manufacturing environment

· Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check

Preferred Experience:

· Experience in commercial refrigeration or ice machine manufacturing

· Knowledge of energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives in refrigeration design

· Experience with ammonia or CO2 refrigeration systems

· Experience leading compliance audits or certification testing

· Background in appliance or commercial refrigeration product development

· Knowledge of PLCs, control systems, or embedded system testing

· Lean or Six Sigma certification

· Experience with CAD and simulation tools (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD)

Working Conditions:

· Office and laboratory environment

· Full-time position

· Occasional overtime or off-hours testing as required