What are the responsibilities and job description for the Quality Lab Manager position at CARLEX?
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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)