Engineering Lab Operations Lead

Sterling Heights, MI
Pay Rate: $49-$54/hourly
Onsite | Mechanical Engineering Labs | Defense Vehicle Development

About the Role

We are seeking a driven, self-managed, and technically proficient Engineering Lab Operations Lead to oversee the operation, maintenance, readiness, and future planning of multiple mechanical engineering laboratories supporting advanced military vehicle development programs.

Responsibilities

Lab Operations & Maintenance

• Lead daily operations and maintenance of multiple engineering laboratories including:
  • Airflow Labs
  • Hydraulic Labs
  • Dynamometer (Dyno) Labs
  • Thermal Validation Labs
  • Suspension Labs
  • Secure/Classified Work Areas
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for laboratory operations and equipment readiness
• Ensure laboratories remain organized, inventoried, and fully operational to support engineering activities
• Maintain calibrated equipment and perform troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs as needed
• Develop and maintain laboratory schedules, inventories, and storage solutions

Engineering Support

• Assist engineering teams with:
  • Prototype development
  • Development testing
  • Failure analysis activities
• Support fixture design, fabrication, and installation efforts
• Interface closely with design engineers, test engineers, materials engineers, and dyno personnel throughout product development programs
• Support knowledge management initiatives and laboratory-related training activities

Asset & Project Management

• Manage procurement, tracking, and disposition of engineering hardware, materials, and consumables
• Write material requests and scopes of work for laboratory projects
• Coordinate with supply chain teams and external vendors for equipment servicing and capital upgrades
• Lead capital asset planning activities, including:
  • Budget forecasting
  • Equipment replacement planning
  • Future laboratory capability expansion
  • Annual funding proposals and presentations to leadership

Security & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with:
  • Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) requirements
  • Department of Defense security regulations
  • Classified area access and operational procedures
• Serve as Security Custodian for designated secure laboratory spaces
• Coordinate and facilitate classified work activities within secure areas

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering required
  • Mechanical Engineering preferred
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechatronics Engineering
  • Robotics Engineering
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Facilities Engineering backgrounds also considered
• 5+ years of relevant engineering, laboratory, test, facilities, or operations experience
• Strong experience troubleshooting and supporting:
  • Mechanical systems
  • Electrical systems
  • Hydraulic systems
• Experience supporting laboratory or test environments
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Experience

• Creo
• NX
• Teamcenter
• Experience working in classified environments
• Military vehicle systems experience
• Test facility or engineering lab management experience
• Capital equipment planning and budgeting experience
• EHS compliance experience

Additional Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Security Clearance
• Approximately 10% travel
• Strong collaboration skills across engineering, operations, suppliers, and leadership teams
• Onsite presence required
• Ability to support multiple priorities in a fast-paced engineering environment

Why Join CPI

• Play a critical leadership role supporting advanced military vehicle development programs
• Direct influence on the readiness and future growth of engineering test facilities
• Work across multiple engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, hydraulics, thermal systems, and vehicle integration
• Opportunity to lead capital improvement and laboratory modernization initiatives
• Collaborative environment working alongside engineers, technicians, and senior leadership
• Stable long-term defense programs supporting cutting-edge vehicle technologies
• Excellent opportunity for engineers looking to blend technical expertise, operations leadership, and strategic planning into a single role