QA & Lab Manager

About Us

We are seeking an experienced QA & Lab Manager to join our Engineering organization in Belluno, Italy. This role is responsible for leading the Quality Assurance team and the Application Laboratory, ensuring that electronic controllers for HVACR applications are thoroughly verified, validated, and tested before release to production.

The QA & Lab Manager will drive testing strategy, laboratory operations, team development, and continuous improvement initiatives while acting as a key partner for Product Management, Engineering, Technical Support, and global teams.

Estimated compensation: €53,000 - €58,000 Gross Annual Salary (RAL), depending on experience and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities of the Role

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of QA Engineers and Laboratory Technicians, setting clear objectives and supporting professional growth.
• Plan team workload and allocate resources across projects based on business priorities and product release schedules.
• Define and drive testing strategies for new products and software releases from prototype through production release.
• Ensure product requirements are testable and support the definition of test plans, use cases, validation methodologies, and acceptance criteria.
• Promote test automation and continuous improvement of testing processes and methodologies.
• Review and approve test reports and provide recommendations regarding product readiness for release.
• Coordinate root cause investigations and support resolution of product issues identified during development or in the field.
• Manage the Application Laboratory, ensuring efficient planning and execution of functional, performance, and validation testing activities.
• Ensure laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and test benches are properly maintained, calibrated, and available to support project needs.
• Manage laboratory budgets, including equipment investments, consumables, and external testing services.
• Define and maintain laboratory procedures while ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and operational requirements.
• Establish and monitor quality and laboratory KPIs, including test coverage, defect detection efficiency, and field quality trends.
• Support compliance with applicable industry standards, certification requirements, and internal quality processes.
• Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Quality, Technical Support, and global teams to ensure successful product delivery.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, testing effectiveness, and operational excellence.
  
  

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in testing, validation, quality assurance, or laboratory environments for electronic products.
• At least 2-3 years of experience leading technical teams, projects, or laboratory organizations.
• Solid understanding of electronic controllers and firmware/software verification and validation processes.
• Knowledge of HVACR systems, refrigeration cycle fundamentals, and key refrigeration components.
• Experience with measurement instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and laboratory testing environments.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of communication protocols such as Modbus.
• Experience with test automation tools and continuous integration environments.
• Experience in planning, budget management, and project prioritization.
• Professional proficiency in English, both written and spoken.
  
  

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience within the HVACR, refrigeration, or building controls industry.
• Knowledge of industry standards and certification requirements such as EN/IEC 60730, EN 60335, and EMC requirements.
• Experience with quality methodologies including Root Cause Analysis, FMEA, 8D, Lean, or Six Sigma.
• Experience working within international and matrix organizations.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities and attention to detail.
• Continuous improvement mindset with the ability to drive change and operational excellence.
  
  

About the Location

Belluno is home to one of Copeland's key engineering and innovation centers focused on developing advanced controls and solutions for the HVACR industry. The site offers the opportunity to work in a highly collaborative international environment, contributing to technologies that support sustainable and energy-efficient solutions worldwide.

Join our dynamic team and be part of a forward-thinking company leading innovation in the industry.

If this sounds like you, please apply! We can't wait to speak with you!