Quality Lab Manager

Carlex Glass America, LLC•Nashville, TN

45d

About The Position

The Quality Lab Manager will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the quality laboratory, including regulatory and testing oversight, laboratory assignments, calibration and equipment maintenance, dimensional inspection and GD&T, data analysis and reporting, quality systems and audits, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role involves leading a team of lab technicians and ensuring compliance with international standards and quality management systems.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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)

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Utilize Six Sigma and Lean principles 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.
Collaborate with process owner(s) to develop effective procedures and documentation.