Test Lab Manager

STRATTEC Security Corporation is one of the world's largest suppliers providing access and security systems to the automotive market. This drives us to be an innovative company with the latest technology. STRATTEC creates exciting opportunities to people who like to work in an environment that challenges them to be creative, deal with multiple customers and projects, and research the latest technology. You will help STRATTEC to be a pioneer by working closely with the largest automotive customers in the world along with the largest electronic partners.

Let us know who you are! We want to know what motivates you and why you are the ideal candidate for our growing team. The ideal candidate will possess a team oriented attitude; have a multidiscipline background, and a passion for innovation. We are looking for leadership skills to develop a new group internally.

If you are one who like to build a team, has strong skillsets and likes to see your own ideas come to life, apply quickly!

Responsible for all operations of the test lab, including execution of testing programs, maintaining and sourcing test equipment, scheduling test activities and resources, and managing lab personnel.

Identify long term equipment needs of the lab considering factors such as: upcoming testing requirements, condition / life of current equipment, etc.
• For all new equipment purchases, perform a thorough assessment of needs and options considering factors such as: sizing calculations, vendor support, flexibility to support various applications, cost, lead-time, etc.
• Responsible for ensuring lab equipment is properly and proactively maintained in order to support the validation requirements of our internal and external customers
• Scheduling of equipment calibration
• Understand and maintain current customer test standards, distribute as appropriate
• Interpret and apply internal and customer specifications
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures for operating significant equipment and facilitating standard tests
• Develop understanding of company products to support test activities and analysis
• Represent lab and capabilities to customers and project teams
• Provide feedback to the Test Equipment engineering team to support test fixture development and refinement
• Identify and implement advances in lab test equipment and methods
• Support group activities to resolve technical issues
• Maintain and meet budget for lab expenses and ensure proper corporate procurement procedures are followed
• Assist internal customers with cost and timing estimates for test activities
• Provide regular status updates on test programs and equipment availability to supervisor as required
• Maintain capacity planning tools to ensure equipment availability is understood and communicated
• Ensure proper documentation and ensure industry & corporate quality standards are met
• Ensure the Test Lab meets requirements for certification including IATF 16949, ISO 17025, etc.
• Represent the Test Lab with internal and external audits
• Identify and work with outside testing labs to support testing requirements

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Directly supervises 4-6 associates in the Test Lab, including such roles as Validation Engineer, Test Lab Technician, Test Lab Master Scheduler, and students. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the essential duties satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

Required: Bachelor's degree (BS) in an engineering field of study and two to four years of test lab experience and/or training. Previous supervisory experience preferred.

* Experience in interpreting product specifications, and developing / verifying test instructions and procedures
* Understanding of reliability, probability theory and statistics (i.e. Reliability and Confidence levels, Distribution analysis, Weibull distribution, etc)
* Analytical reasoning and problem-solving skills with ability to apply formal or informal root cause analysis as appropriate (i.e. Design of Experiments, 8D, 5 Phase, Is / Is Not, Five whys, Fishbone, etc.)
* Basic knowledge in electronics; analog, digital, low-voltage power, etc.
* Experienced with supporting quality compliance audits
* Effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to understand and explain technical concepts and challenges in a clear and objective manner
* Must be very well organized; able to work well with a diverse cross-functional team and varying personalities / cultures
* Experience working directly with internal and external customers
* Mature interpersonal skills
* Proficient in the use of MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)

Preferred: Master's degree (MS) in an engineering field of study and three to ten years of test lab leadership experience.

* Automotive industry experience
* Ability to setup and run electro-mechanical test equipment that utilizes sophisticated data acquisition systems and highly integrated systems
* Capable of examining / interpreting complex data files (National Instruments TDMS file format) using analysis tools to understand test part performance and equipment operation
* Experience with accessing capital equipment needs for the department, including performing thorough assessment of requirements and options considering factors such as: sizing calculations, vendor support, flexibility to support various applications, cost, lead-time, etc.
* Knowledge of Quality Control principles and methodology

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Ability to speak Spanish is preferred but not required.
* Good oral and written English language skills
* Strong technical writing skills
* Ability to effectively represent information and respond to questions in a meeting

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Must also be able to hear audible alarms and communicate verbally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and extreme heat or cold. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Proper training and safety equipment will be provided by the company.