Validation Lab Manager

Innovation is the heart of Brunswick. See how your contributions will help transform vision into reality:

Position Overview:

We are looking for a dynamic and collaborative leader to oversee the day-to-day operations of the sites validation laboratory facilities and personnel, ensuring seamless integration with engineering teams and the successful execution of test plans. The ideal candidate will drive process improvements, promote best practices, and ensure that our labs are equipped to meet the needs of our evolving product development.

At Brunswick, we have passion for our work and a distinct ability to deliver.

Essential Functions:

• Assume shared responsibility with Program Leads to ensure execution of test plans to committed schedules, maintaining clear visibility to risks, late inputs, scope changes, or delays in delivery to the lab. Proactively identify and communicate impacts to timing, drive mitigation actions, and hold cross‑functional teams accountable to deliver test readiness and results by target or promised deadlines.
• Lead collaboration between direct and indirect teams to ensure alignment and seamless execution of testing and validation activities.
• Partner with program leads to empower cross-functional teams to quickly investigate and evaluate test incidents, field issues, and design gaps, and collaborate with cross-functional teams ensuring timely resolutions.
• Oversee local lab operations to maintain compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards as well as ensure seamless integration and strong partnership with the other global validation lab locations.
• Manage the lab operations budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation aligned with organizational goals.
• Support and maintain the strategic roadmap of laboratory capabilities across a range of validation categories aligned with product development goals. Integrate new technologies into lab environments to enhance efficiency and capability.
• Lead and develop teams of laboratory test engineers, and technicians, cultivating world-class performance and professional growth. Emphasis on structured approach to problem solving and high-quality technical report writing.

Diversity of thought and experiences is fundamental when imagining the unimaginable. Certain skillsets/experiences are necessary; however, others can be developed along the way.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree or higher in Mechanical, Electrical, or Systems Engineering
• In-depth knowledge of multi-disciplinary validation equipment and processes (mechanical, software, hardware (including EMC), systems, data acquisition)
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience in international multi-site collaboration and conflict resolution
• Proficiency in Lab Information management Systems (LIMS) and laboratory standards, calibration and maintenance, expertise in validation laboratory documentation and test reports
• Ability to manage multiple people, projects, and deadlines simultaneously
• Passionate and proficient applying 5S+1, LSS tools, and structured problem solving approaches within a laboratory and product development environments

Preferred Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in Test Engineering / Product Development in a management capacity
• Green Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma is highly desirable to support and advance our evolving culture
• Experience with recreational boat usage across various product categories enhances our ability to refine learning and improve test methodologies

Working Conditions:

• Onsite requirement for position but so offer flexibility.
• Frequently transitions between office and laboratory environments, with the ability to remain stationary for approximately 50% of the time
• Engages with a diverse range of laboratory equipment including shock and vibration systems, environmental chambers (corrosion, thermal, IPx, etc.), life cycle durability, battery cell cycling setups, EMC equipment, robotics, data acquisition equipment
• Regularly operates office equipment such as computers, calculators, copy machines, and printers
• Requires the ability to observe details closely, within a few feet of the observer
• Working hours may vary to support a global organization
• Occasional domestic and international travel (10-15%) by automobile or airplane, including day and overnight trips

Why Brunswick:

Whatever tomorrow brings, well be at the leading edge. As the clear leader in the marine industry, we're committed to our values and supporting our exceptional people. We offer valuable benefits including a competitive 401(k) plan with company match, health benefits, paid time off, a robust Wellness Program, and much more. In addition, were proud of being recognized for making a splash with numerous awards!

About Navico Group:

Navico Group is a stand-alone division of Brunswick, the worlds largest recreational marine business

Navico Group is the global leader in technology, systems and solutions for a variety of industries, from Marine & RV to Specialty Vehicles and beyond. Our broad portfolio consists of the industry's leading brands in Power Systems, Digital Systems, Fishing Systems, and Performance Components including Ancor, Attwood, B&G, BEP, Blue Sea Systems, C-MAP, CZone, Garelick, Lenco, Lowrance, Marinco, MotorGuide, Mastervolt, ProMariner, RELiON, Simrad and Whale.

Our team is committed and driven, every day, to be the most trusted supply partner to the marine and mobile industries...and beyond.