Supervisor, Quality Laboratory (Metallurgy)

Hitchiner Manufacturing Co., Inc. • Milford, NH

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Supervisor, Laboratory is responsible for leading laboratory operations and personnel to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant testing in support of manufacturing operations and customer requirements. The role manages daily laboratory priorities, employee performance and capability, quality and regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement while maintaining safe and effective laboratory operations.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible laboratory, quality, materials testing, manufacturing, or related technical experience.
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory testing practices, procedures, documentation, and quality requirements applicable to assigned laboratory operations.
• Working knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025, Nadcap MTL, AS9100, IATF 16949, and applicable customer-specific requirements.
• Working knowledge of employee supervision, performance management, training, and workforce planning practices.
• Ability to establish priorities and coordinate people, equipment, and workload in response to changing operational requirements.
• Ability to analyze technical and operational problems, determine appropriate actions, and drive issues through resolution.
• Ability to interpret procedures, technical requirements, quality standards, and laboratory data.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across production, quality, engineering, and other functions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and applicable laboratory or business systems.
• Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Hitchiner participates in the E-Verify program to confirm work authorization for all new hires in accordance with federal law.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgy, Materials Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
• Previous experience providing direct supervision or leadership of employees preferred.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or similarly regulated technical environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Directs daily laboratory operations across assigned U.S. laboratory activities to ensure testing, inspection, and sample preparation are completed accurately and within required production and customer timelines. Establishes priorities, allocates laboratory resources, monitors workload and throughput, and adjusts operational priorities to meet changing production and customer requirements.
• Ensures laboratory testing, inspection, documentation, and recordkeeping comply with approved procedures, work instructions, customer requirements, and applicable quality systems and accreditation requirements, including IATF 16949, AS9100, ISO/IEC 17025, and Nadcap MTL. Supports internal, customer, certification, and accreditation audits and ensures identified issues are appropriately addressed.
• Monitors laboratory productivity, quality, turnaround time, and overall operational performance. Identifies and implements improvements that increase laboratory efficiency, reliability, capacity, and customer satisfaction. Investigates laboratory testing or process issues, supports root-cause analysis, and initiates appropriate corrective actions.
• Ensures laboratory equipment, work areas, documentation, and resources are maintained in appropriate operating condition to support reliable testing and uninterrupted laboratory operations. Coordinates maintenance, equipment needs, and operational issues that may affect laboratory capability or performance.
• Ensures laboratory operations are conducted in accordance with company Health, Environmental & Safety requirements and applicable procedures. Maintains safe and organized laboratory work areas and addresses or escalates safety and environmental concerns as appropriate.
• Oversees daily operations to ensure standards and service levels are met
• Directly supervises team members, including scheduling, task assignment, and performance management
• Participates in hiring, onboarding, and training department employees
• Conducts performance evaluations and provides ongoing coaching and feedback
• Ensures compliance with company policies and applicable regulations
• Supports employee engagement and retention strategies
• Leads implementation of small-scale process improvements to enhance team efficiency and service levels
• Monitors and analyzes team performance data to identify trends and inform staffing, workflow, and performance management decisions

Benefits

• annual profit-sharing bonus
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans
• flexible spending accounts
• 401(k) Employee Retirement Contribution Plan
• basic company-paid short-term, long-term, and basic life/AD&D insurance
• education and tuition reimbursement
• wellness rewards
• Employee Assistance Program
• free onsite fitness center

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED