Emissions Lab Manager

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) serves as a leading voice for the worldwide car culture, representing over 7,000 member companies that create, buy, sell, and use specialty-automotive parts that make vehicles more unique, attractive, convenient, safer, fun, and even like new again. Business member benefits include product development resources, market research, networking, education, legislative advocacy and more. The Association organizes the annual SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nev., and actively supports the career and business opportunities that the aftermarket generates. The industry contributes nearly $337 billion in economic impact to the U.S. economy, supports 1.3 million jobs nationally, and generates $52 billion in parts sales annually. For more information, visit www.sema.org. 

SEMA GARAGE:

The SEMA Garage provides world-class technical services to the automotive aftermarket, helping performance-parts manufacturers navigate and achieve compliance with state and federal emissions regulations. Our Detroit facility supports SEMA members, aftermarket companies, and OEM partners by providing certified emissions testing, vehicle calibration services, and technical expertise.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Job Title: Emissions Lab Manager

Location: Detroit, MI

Reports To: Senior Emissions Lab Manager

Direct Reports: Laboratory Technicians (2), Lab Mechanic (1)

The Emissions Lab Manager is responsible for daily operations, regulatory compliance, equipment readiness, staff oversight, and testing workflow within SEMA’s certified emissions testing facility in Detroit. This role works closely with the Compliance Department and Test Engineer to ensure accurate, efficient, and compliant execution of all emissions testing programs.

 RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Regulatory Compliance & Testing Operations
• Maintain compliance with CARB and EPA emissions requirements for aftermarket parts.
• Lead the facility through CARB, EPA, and internal audits.
• Oversee full emissions testing workflow including vehicle preparation, test cell setup, cycle execution, data validation, and reporting.
• Ensure proper execution of federal drive cycles including FTP-75, HWFET, US06, LA92, SC03, and applicable EV/hybrid-related cycles.
• Oversee OBD II readiness and diagnostic validation.
• Maintain accurate tracking of costs and expenses and manage execution of monthly lab billing, supporting financial planning, revenue targets, and operational goals.
• Coordinate daily with the Compliance Department and Test Engineer to ensure smooth, aligned operations.
• Facility, Equipment & Staff Management
• Supervise and train lab technicians and the lab mechanic.
• Manage scheduling, workflow, and resource allocation.
• Oversee maintenance, calibration, and readiness of dynamometers, emissions bench systems, facility equipment, and test cell systems.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and audit-ready facility.
• Conduct performance evaluations, ongoing feedback, and formal reviews for Detroit Lab staff.
• Travel as needed to support operational requirements.

Pay Range: $115,000 - $130,000

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Professional experience in an emissions testing lab or vehicle test cell.
• Strong knowledge of CARB/EPA requirements and emissions regulatory frameworks, including CFR 1065 and 1066.
• Proven experience running emissions test cycles and validating data accuracy.
• Experience with OBD II readiness verification.
• Demonstrated leadership and staff-management experience.
• Highly organized, with strong process-driven documentation habits.
• Strong communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license.

PREFERRED EXPIERENCE:

• Automotive aftermarket experience.
• Experience working with aftermarket manufacturers, engineering firms, or OEMs.
• Familiarity with dynamometer operations, emissions bench systems, diagnostics, and calibration workflows — including high-performance dynamometer operation.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: 

• Detail-oriented with zero tolerance for inaccuracies.
• Adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive problem-solver.
• Passionate about supporting the performance aftermarket.
• Driven to take ownership of responsibilities, with a strong desire to improve performance, processes, and overall lab effectiveness.

 This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, relationships or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary.