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Engineer Lab Manager Jobs in Des Plaines, IL (NOW HIRING)

Scotsman Ice

ENGINEERING LAB TECH

Vernon Hills, IL

... to Product Engineer/Lab Manager Supervises n/a Mission Support engineering initiatives by preparing and executing tests utilizing data-acquisition systems to provide engineers with reliable ...

Scotsman Ice Systems

ENGINEERING LAB TECH

Vernon Hills, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

... to Product Engineer/Lab Manager Supervises n/a Mission Support engineering initiatives by preparing and executing tests utilizing data-acquisition systems to provide engineers with reliable ...

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All JobsEngineer Lab JobsEngineer Lab Manager JobsEngineer Lab Manager Jobs in Des Plaines, IL

Engineer Lab Manager information

See Des Plaines, IL salary details

$16

$46

$70

How much do engineer lab manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for engineer lab manager in Des Plaines, IL is $46.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.82 and $58.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an engineer lab manager?

Engineer Lab Managers are professionals who oversee the daily operations of engineering laboratories. They ensure that lab equipment is maintained, supervise staff and researchers, enforce safety protocols, and manage budgets and inventory. Their role often includes coordinating experiments, supporting research and development projects, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential, as they serve as a link between engineers, technicians, and management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineer lab manager?

To thrive as an Engineer Lab Manager, you need a solid background in engineering principles, laboratory management experience, and usually a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with lab management software, safety protocols, and quality standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 is typically required. Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills help you manage teams, delegate tasks, and ensure smooth lab operations. These skills and qualifications are essential to maintain high-quality research, ensure safety compliance, and achieve project goals efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by engineer lab managers in maintaining efficient laboratory operations?

Engineer Lab Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with hands-on technical work, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and coordinating equipment maintenance or calibration. They must also manage a diverse team of engineers and technicians, which requires strong communication and leadership skills. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technologies and project priorities can be demanding, making effective organizational skills essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Engineer Lab Manager vs Engineer Laboratory Technician?

AspectEngineer Lab ManagerEngineer Laboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, ensures safetyPerforms testing, maintains equipment, records data
Industry UsageUsed in research labs, manufacturing, quality controlCommon in testing labs, quality assurance, product development

The Engineer Lab Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, managing personnel, and ensuring safety compliance. In contrast, the Engineer Laboratory Technician handles hands-on testing, data collection, and equipment maintenance. Both roles require engineering knowledge, but the manager has additional responsibilities in leadership and administration.

What job categories do people searching Engineer Lab Manager jobs in Des Plaines, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Engineer Lab Manager jobs in Des Plaines, IL are:

What cities near Des Plaines, IL are hiring for Engineer Lab Manager jobs?

Cities near Des Plaines, IL with the most Engineer Lab Manager job openings:

Engineer Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineer Lab Manager job openings in Des Plaines, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,121 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

ENGINEERING LAB TECH

Scotsman Ice

Vernon Hills, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Title

Laboratory Technician

Function

Engineering

Reports to

Product Engineer/Lab Manager

Supervises

n/a

Mission

Support engineering initiatives by preparing and executing tests utilizing data-acquisition systems to provide engineers with reliable performance data for ice machines, sub-assemblies (refrigeration, water, or control systems) or components.

Principle Activities

1.PREPARES machines for test and evaluation from instructions, sketches, prints, and / or test requests. Includes application of thermocouples and connection of equipment to data acquisition systems.

2.CONDUCTS all lab tests following standard engineering and agency procedures.

3.ANALYZES machine performance,DIAGNOSES andREPAIRS anomalies after consultation with supervisor.

4.PREPARES, VALIDATES, and CALIBRATES instrumentation for test runs per engineering procedures.

5.PERFORMSassigned housekeeping chores and lab maintenance.

6.BUILDS, MAINTAINS, and ACQUIRES data from life test fixtures.

7.MAINTAINSsafe operation of the test room facilities.

8.IDENTIFIES and VERIFIES documentation corrections as required.

9.COMPLETES test reports in standard report format andCLOSESthem out in a timely manner.

10.PERFORMSservice on field test equipment and reports on work in standard format.

11.CONTRIBUTES to various Engineering Project Teams to improve products and processes.

12.REVIEWS schedules andPLANS tasks to meet engineering priorities in a timely manner.

13.IDENTIFIES necessary parts, materials, and supplies for lab facilities andINITIATES replenishment.

14.IMPLEMENT improvements to increase lab productivity.

15.PERFORMS other assignments as directed

16.MAINTAINS a professional and organized work environment.

Financial/Risk Control

  • Fulfill the financial control and risk management responsibilities inherent in the position.
  • Conduct yourself in accordance with the Company code of ethics policy at all times.

Required Education/ Certification

  • Two Year HVAC Tech School Degree, Certificate, Training or equivalent
  • EPA Certification, Refrigerant Handling

Required Experience

  • 0-2 Years working with vapor compression refrigeration systems in a laboratory environment.
  • Demonstrated experience with brazing and soldering of copper tubing.
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of electrical concepts and feel confident in the use of instruments and measuring devices.
  • Demonstrated understanding of commercial ice machine functionality (batch and continuous).
  • Tubing and sheet metal fabrication and assembly, basic skills.
  • Utilizing data acquisition systems to monitor and document equipment performance

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to move 500 lbs. ice machines using supplied lifts and pallet jacks.
  • Ability to climb a ladder and work at heights up to 8 feet.
  • Ability to move 150 lbs. refrigerant cylinders on and off carts.
  • Ability to regularly move and carry 25 lbs.

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