Lab Engineering Manager

Job Summary

If you thrive on solving complex engineering challenges through hands-on experimentation, rigorous test engineering, and technical leadership, this role offers the opportunity to shape the future of liquid-cooling technology for AI-driven datacenters.

The Lab Engineering Manager is responsible for leading the operations, personnel, and strategic development of Vertiv’s Dearborn Liquid Cooling Lab. This role oversees product validation, design verification testing (DVT), factory witness testing (FWT), and lab capability development supporting next-generation liquid cooling technologies for AI-driven data centers.

The Lab Engineering Manager ensures rigorous execution across all phases of the NPDI process while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and operational efficiency. This position plays a critical role in delivering validated products to market and scaling lab capabilities to support growing business demand.

This position will be based onsite at Vertiv's Dearborn Drive - Columbus, OH location.

Key Responsibilities:

Lab Operations & Technical Leadership:

• Lead laboratory engineering operations including DVT, performance testing, reliability validation, and factory witness testing (FWT).
• Manage lab scheduling, resource allocation, and coordination of internal and customer testing activities.
• Ensure compliance with internal engineering standards and applicable industry testing standards (ASHRAE/AHRI).
• Establish standardized test methods, documentation practices, and data reporting processes.

Product Development & NPDI Support:

• Support product development teams by ensuring lab readiness for validation activities across the NPDI lifecycle, from concept through product qualification.
• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, firmware/controls, manufacturing, and quality teams to validate designs and address technical risks.
• Provide verification data and validation status to support design reviews and product development gate decisions.

Lab Infrastructure & Capability Development:

• Lead planning and execution of lab upgrades including test loop expansions, instrumentation improvements, and automation initiatives.
• Manage capital planning and facility improvements to support evolving product roadmaps and increasing testing demand.
• Ensure the lab supports high-density liquid cooling validation and advanced CDU testing capabilities.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead and develop a team of lab engineers, DVT engineers, and technicians.
• Drive capability development through hiring, mentorship, and technical growth opportunities.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and engineering excellence.

Quality & Continuous Improvement:

• Lead root-cause investigations for validation issues and field-return analysis.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives to increase test throughput, repeatability, and lab efficiency.
• Develop and track KPIs related to lab utilization, validation cycle time, and testing effectiveness.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in product development, test engineering, or validation of thermal or electromechanical systems.
• 3+ years of experience leading engineering teams or laboratory operations.
• Strong knowledge of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and heat transfer systems.
• Experience supporting structured NPDI or gated product development processes.
• Strong project management and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications :

• Experience with liquid cooling systems, coolant distribution units (CDUs), or thermal management systems.
• Familiarity with ASHRAE/AHRI testing standards.
• Experience supporting factory witness testing (FWT) or customer validation events.
Experience with lab facility expansion, capital planning, and test infrastructure development.

The successful candidate will embrace Vertiv’s Core Principals & Behaviors to help execute our Strategic Priorities.

OUR CORE PRINCIPALS : Safety. Integrity. Respect. Teamwork. Diversity & Inclusion.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

• Customer Focus

• Operational Excellence

• High-Performance Culture

• Innovation

• Financial Strength

OUR BEHAVIORS

• Own It

• Act With Urgency

• Foster a Customer-First Mindset

• Think Big and Execute

• Lead by Example

• Drive Continuous Improvement

• Learn and Seek Out Development

About Vertiv

Vertiv is a $10.2 billion global critical infrastructure and data center technology company. We ensure customers’ vital applications run continuously by bringing together hardware, software, analytics and ongoing services. Our portfolio includes power, cooling and IT infrastructure solutions and services that extends from the cloud to the edge of the network. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, USA, Vertiv employs around 20,000 people and does business in more than 130 countries. Visit Vertiv.com to learn more.

Work Authorization

No calls or agencies please. Vertiv will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1, H-1, H-2, L, B, J, or TN or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vertiv is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We promote equal opportunities for all with respect to hiring, terms of employment, mobility, training, compensation, and occupational health, without discrimination as to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression (including transgender status or sexual stereotypes), genetic information, citizenship status, national origin, protected veteran status, political affiliation, or disability. If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, you can request help by sending an email to help.join@vertiv.com.

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