Quality Lab Manager

Carlex

• $80K — $95K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or related field, or 10+ years of experience in materials analysis or metrology lab.
  • Metrology certification(s) such as CMM operator required.
  • Proficient in Minitab, Excel, PC-DMIS, PolyWorks, and Gage Trak for data analysis and equipment management.
  • Experienced in dimensional inspections and applying GD&T within an automotive or manufacturing context.
  • Familiar with PPAP documentation and core quality tools such as SPC, FMEA, and APQP.
  • Working knowledge of automotive glass standards including FMVSS 205, ANSI Z26.1, ECE R43, and others.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and oversee homologation testing for various regulatory standards.
  • Maintain compliance knowledge for international automotive glass requirements.
  • Schedule and manage lab operations, ensuring adherence to safety and SOPs.
  • Lead and develop a small team of lab technicians, providing training and feedback.
  • Manage calibration systems and maintain records to meet ISO/IATF standards.
  • Oversee dimensional inspection activities using advanced measurement tools and software.
  • Conduct data analysis for measurement systems and quality documentation preparation.

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and additional certifications.
  • Supportive work environment for continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Collaboration with diverse, cross-functional teams.
  • Possibility to work on innovative automotive projects.
Full Job Description
Key Responsibilities

  1. Regulatory & Testing Oversight
    • Plan and oversee Homologation testing for FMVSS 205, ANSI Z26.1, ECE R43, CCC (GB9656), CMVSS 205, and any customer-specific or country-specific standards.
    • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of international automotive glass requirements to ensure compliance for shipped products.

  2. Laboratory Assignments

    • Plan and assign lab schedule, including equipment usage, test schedules, and resource allocation; based on operations and QC needs.
    • Lead a team of lab technicians (approximately four direct reports) by providing training, oversight, and performance feedback.
    • Ensure standard operating procedures (SOPs), safety policies, and 5S/housekeeping are strictly adhered to in the lab.

  3. Calibration & Equipment Maintenance

    • Manage the calibration system for all product gauges and instruments using Gage Trak to ensure traceability and compliance with ISO/IATF requirements.
    • Ensure the gauges are maintained in good condition. Coordinate any gauge repair or maintenance; maintain calibration records and documentation.
    • Coordinate and execute 3rd party calibrations and gauge purchases by writing requisitions for equipment and services.
    • Validate and record gauge specifications in collaboration with the process owner(s).

  1. Dimensional Inspection & GD&T
    • Plan and oversee dimensional inspection activities using CMMs/Scanners (with PC-DMIS or PolyWorks) and other measurement tools to ensure parts and gauges conform to design prints (GD&T). Support measurement needs to fulfill annual layout requirements, 8D investigations, and PPAP requirements.
    • Review and interpret test/inspection data; troubleshoot measurement issues to maintain consistent, reliable results.
    • Design and order or 3d print gauges as needed to support manufacturing.

  2. Data Analysis & Reporting

    • Perform and analyze Measurement System Analyses (MSA) and capability studies using Minitab and Excel.
    • Prepare, distribute, and archive critical documentation (e.g., PPAPs, capability reports, special test reports) for internal stakeholders and customer submissions, through coordination with the quality engineer/manager.

  3. Quality Systems & Audits

    • Potential to serve as an internal auditor for ISO 9001 and IATF 16949; conduct internal audits to confirm compliance with quality system requirements.
    • Support all system, regulatory and customer specific audits. Maintain systems to ensure no or minimal audit findings.

  4. Continuous Improvement

    • Utilize Six Sigma and Lean principles (e.g., black belt knowledge is a plus) to improve test methods, reduce variation, and optimize workflows - for homologation, calibration, and the process.
    • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Quality, Engineering, Production) to resolve issues, recommend process improvements, and enhance overall product quality.

  5. Assist in process test method development and document revisions

    • Collaborate with process owner(s) to develop effective procedures and documentation.


Required Qualifications

  • Education
    • Bachelor's degree (BS) (Physics, Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical fields preferred) or 10yrs experience in materials analysis or metrology lab.


  • Experience & Credentials
    • Metrology certification(s) such as CMM operator
    • Proficiency in Minitab, Excel, PC-DMIS, PolyWorks, and Gage Trak
    • Demonstrated ability to perform or oversee dimensional inspections and apply GD&T in an automotive or manufacturing context.
    • Familiarity with PPAP documentation, capability studies, and related quality core tools (e.g., SPC, FMEA, APQP).
    • Practical knowledge of FMVSS 205, ANSI Z26.1, ECE R43, CCC (GB9656), CMVSS 205, and other automotive glass standards.


  • Soft Skills
    • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to manage a small team effectively and collaborate with cross-functional groups.
    • Organizational, analytical, and time-management skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
    • Proven track record in problem-solving and continuous improvement initiatives.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Six Sigma Black Belt or other quality-related certification (e.g., ASQ CQE, CQM) for driving data-based improvements.
  • Prior experience in Tier 1 automotive lab management or a similar quality leadership role.
  • Advanced knowledge of 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) to assist with part design evaluations and gauge design and or validation.
  • Auditor Credentials for ISO 9001 and IATF 16949 (internal auditor training/certifications)


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