QE Lab Manager

AFL•Duncan, SC

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $2B in revenue, and employ approximately 11,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity. What We Offer: A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees Flexible time off policy 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar) Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company! Job Summary The Quality Engineering (QE) Lab Manager provides technical and operational leadership to the laboratory team and provides direction on projects, tasks, goals, and engineering functions related to the testing of fiber optic cables, raw materials, connectivity products, and related apparatus. The QE Lab Manager is accountable for ensuring optical, mechanical, and environmental testing is executed accurately, efficiently, and in compliance with internal specifications, industry standards, and customer requirements. This role works with the lab team and other AFL parties to manage the evaluation, recommendation, and implementation of test equipment in order to maintain efficiency and support growth. The QE Lab Manager partners closely with Operations, Product Development, Process Engineering, and Quality, as well as external customers and suppliers, to deliver world-class product validation and qualification support. This position owns laboratory performance, test integrity, calibration oversight, capital planning, and safety, while developing team capability and driving continuous improvement across lab operations.

Requirements

Must be self-reliant and self-driven, with strong attention to detail, organization, and analytical skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality, impartiality, and ethical behavior in testing methods and results – and influence others to do same
Strong interpersonal, influencing, and teamwork skills
Effective time management and organizational skills
Technical mindset
Ability to multitask in a team environment
Ability to problem-solve and lead solutions
Bachelors of Engineering (or other related technical discipline)
Required to have previous experience in a testing laboratory supervision role, or a minimum of 3 years’ experience in the fiber optic industry or related field
Strong, professional oral and written communication skills, including speaking in front of large groups, required
Ability to read, interpret, and implement testing standards (i.e ASTM, IEEE, GR, IEC, etc)
Working knowledge of project management principles
Strong capabilities with Outlook, Excel, Word and related Office products
Basic understanding of Environment Health and Safety (EHS) management systems and ability to recognize and report safety and environmental hazards
This position requires the ability to alternate between sitting, standing

Nice To Haves

1-3 years of previous supervisory experience strongly preferred
Familiarity with fiber optic industry standards preferred (i.e ASTM, IEEE, GR, IEC, etc)
Familiarity with ISO 17025 or similar management system standard preferred
Familiarity with Microsoft PowerBI recommended

Responsibilities

Lead and support 3-4 direct reports by developing performance-based objectives, conducting performance reviews, and ensuring alignment with goals and expectations.
Assist Lab Supervisor in ensuring staff of 15+ technicians are developed, trained, and able to efficiently address laboratory and business testing needs.
Support Calibration Technicians, monitor any past due items, and ensure calibration activities for the manufacturing sites are maintained.
Update monthly metrics for lab and report to team and business leadership.
Perform other duties as requested, directed or assigned.
Manage optical, mechanical, materials, and environmental testing for initial qualification, periodic requalification, manufacturing support, and cost-reduction initiatives.
Provide technical guidance on test method selection, interpretation of complex specifications, and evaluation of test results.
Work with the lab and development engineers to ensure the product requalification schedule is maintained.
Support and drive resolutions of any test failures.
Recommend changes and improvements to laboratory training and certification documents.
Recommend changes and improvements to laboratory procedures and test method documents.
Maintain list of laboratory equipment and test capabilities.
Support lab engineers in completing projects and drive completion to established timelines.
Evaluate, recommend, and implement test equipment, fixtures, procedures, and processes to meet evolving product and industry requirements.
Develop laboratory budget plans and submit capital expenditure requests (RFA) for equipment and personnel.
Develop and maintain methods to track and categorize laboratory spending.
Participate in and lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, throughput, and data quality.
Identify chronic testing issues and lead improvements to test methods, workflows, and practices.
Be the primary contact that represents the lab to internal and external parties.
Host several customer and group tours by scheduling, greeting, and presenting the lab capabilities.
Work with Engineering Directors, Application Engineers, and Development Engineers to understand current and future test needs.
Attend industry seminars related to test specifications in order to gain knowledge and understand future changes.
Adhere to the environmental, health & safety policies of AFL and regulatory agencies.
Promote a culture of safety within the lab.
Ensure lab activities comply with AFL, ISO 17025, and ISO 9001 Quality Management System standards.
Support internal and external audits related to ISO 17025, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001.
Support and assign 6S audits at the lab and ensure findings are addressed.