Supervisor, Failure Analysis
Location: Norcross
Working hours: 40
Job SummaryThe Failure Analysis Supervisor is responsible for leading and continuously improving the organization's failure analysis and product evaluation processes. This role oversees laboratory operations, component inspections, testing activities, root cause investigations, and departmental performance metrics to support warranty, quality, engineering, and customer satisfaction objectives.
The position ensures timely and accurate evaluation of returned parts, provides technical
recommendations based on failure analysis findings, and drives process standardization across North American and global operations. The Failure Analysis Supervisor develops team capabilities, establishes best practices, and works closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and DEUTZ global counterparts to improve product reliability.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise, and support Failure Analysis team members to ensure department objectives are achieved.
- Perform work independently with minimal direction while maintaining a high level of accountability and accuracy.
- Develop and refine component testing methodologies in collaboration with subject matter experts.
- Create, maintain, and update documentation related to laboratory testing, analysis processes, and operational procedures.
- Coordinate closely with Technical Service and Quality leadership to establish and manage laboratory priorities.
- Ensure the Failure Analysis laboratory is properly equipped with the necessary tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
- Track and measure Failure Analysis performance and processing efficiency for returned defective parts.
- Develop, implement, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure department performance and efficiency.
- Provide technical support and establish best practices for component inspection and analysis.
- Inspect and perform functional testing on components to accurately determine failure modes.
- Investigate root causes of failures, assess warranty claim validity, and prepare comprehensive failure analysis reports.
- Utilize the DEUTZ ticketing system to document, track, and manage issues identified during inspections and testing.
- Develop, document, and continuously improve departmental processes and procedures.
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Other Qualifications
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey technical information to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical problem-solving abilities to identify issues and drive effective solutions.
- Proven ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage competing demands, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- High level of accountability, professionalism, and ownership in achieving individual and team objectives.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
Supervisory Responsibility
Travel Requirements
- Anticipated domestic and international travel of less than 10%
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field, or five (5) years of experience in failure analysis, product reliability, quality engineering, manufacturing, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated leadership experience, including team supervision, personnel management, and performance development.
- Proven experience performing root cause investigations and failure analysis within industrial, automotive, heavy equipment, or manufacturing environments.
Preferred Requirements
- Experience with SAP or similar ERP systems preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Manufacturing assembly and warehouse environment. Subject to noise, dust, diesel fuel, oil, and extreme hot/cold temperatures. No A/C.
- If employee is located in the office area, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate
- Occasional exposure to a typical engine manufacturing and testing environment
