Innovation Engineering Lab Lead

Job-ID: 17268; Location(s): McPherson KS 

The Innovation Engineering Lab Lead is a technical expert responsible for the operational excellence and technical direction of the engineering test laboratory. This individual provides hands-on guidance and mentorship to lab engineers and technicians, ensuring the accurate and timely execution of all testing and validation activities. This role combines deep technical expertise in testing methodologies with strong operational oversight to maintain a safe, efficient, and state-of-the-art laboratory environment. The lead guides through influence and technical authority, not direct people management.

What You'll Do:

• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to lab engineers and technicians.
• Foster professional development and create a collaborative, high-performance work environment through subject matter expertise.
• Guide the Innovation Engineering lab's daily operations by implementing and utilizing a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) for test scheduling, resource planning, and sample management.
•  Provide technical direction to staff to meet performance metrics for quality and on-time delivery.
• Act as the primary technical liaison for the test lab, collaborating with Innovation Engineering, Quality, and Product Management teams to define test requirements and ensure the lab’s activities are aligned with project timelines.
• Lead the team in solving complex technical challenges related to testing and measurement.
• Ensure the appropriate test methodologies, analysis techniques, and data outputs are used and accurately documented.
• Oversee and guide the development of new test methods, including the planning and coordination of test method validations and Gage R&R studies.
• Ensure all engineering test fixtures and methods undergo appropriate qualification.
• Define, write, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all lab equipment and processes.
• Manage laboratory access and oversee safety protocols, ensuring compliance with the company's Quality Management System (QMS), OSHA, Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
• Ensure the lab is equipped with the necessary equipment and tooling to function safely and effectively.
•  Partner with the Quality department to coordinate the calibration and preventive maintenance of laboratory test equipment.
• Identify inefficiencies and take initiative to improve laboratory processes.
• Conduct the implementation of new procedures to streamline test workflows and increase effectiveness.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute lab renovation or expansion projects.
• Contribute to the annual strategic planning and budget forecasting for the test laboratory's needs.
• Actively mentor and develop the technical skills of the laboratory team.
• Partner with managers during the hiring process by providing expert technical evaluation of candidates for lab roles.

What We're Looking For:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong influential leadership and mentorship skills, with a proven ability to guide and develop engineers and technicians without direct managerial authority.
• Deep, hands-on understanding of testing, validation, and measurement principles. Expertise with standard test equipment.
• Direct experience with the implementation and/or utilization of a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is highly preferred.
• Strong experience with Quality Management Systems (QMS), GLP, GDP and SOPs.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and prioritize the lab's technical contributions to multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical test results and requirements to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• A creative and analytical mindset with strong root-cause analysis and problem-solving skills, especially in a testing context. 

Education, Certification/License & Work Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or a related Engineering field.
• Minimum of 6-9 years of experience in a hands-on engineering test or validation environment.
• Proven experience leading the testing and validation workstreams for complex technical projects is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with SAP is preferred.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Wondering if you should apply? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Viega, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but don’t check every box in the qualifications section, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other positions we have in the future.

Total Rewards Package:

Compensation

• Base: $91,000 - $113,000 annually, based on specific compensable factors including, but not limited to education, work experience, and geographic market.
• Bonus: This role will be eligible for participation in a discretionary annual bonus program, pursuant to which an employee may be awarded a percentage of their salary based on the company’s performance and their own individual performance.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Wellness Program
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with a company contribution
• Voluntary Benefits (Life, AD&D, Disability)
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 7.5% company contribution
• Time Off Programs – 22 days Paid Time Off (PTO), 9 Company Holidays, 2 Volunteer Days

Application Window

• Posting date: 04/27/2026
• The application deadline for this job is: 05/27/2026

Your contact person:

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