Test Lab Manager

AFL•Duncan, SC

About The Position

The Test Laboratory Manager provides technical and operational leadership for AFL’s cable, connectivity, and hardware testing laboratory. The laboratory supports fiber optic cables, connectivity products, hardware, raw materials, and related components. The manager leads a multidisciplinary team of supervisors, engineers, technicians, and support personnel and ensures safe, efficient, and reliable laboratory operations. The role oversees product development testing, qualification, requalification, and manufacturing support. It drives operational performance, technical capability, resource utilization, and continuous improvement, while aligning laboratory capabilities and resources with current and future business needs through collaboration with Product Development, Operations, Quality, and business unit leadership. Work takes place in a combination of office and laboratory environments, with periodic standing and walking and work around laboratory testing equipment. Safety requirements and appropriate personal protective equipment must be followed. Occasional travel may be required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline; candidates with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline may be considered with significant relevant technical laboratory experience.
At least 5 years of experience in a testing laboratory, engineering, manufacturing, or related technical environment.
Demonstrated supervisory or people-management experience leading technical personnel.
Working knowledge of laboratory testing methods, equipment, and applicable industry standards.
Experience managing technical projects, resources, schedules, and operational priorities.
Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate across technical and business functions.
Ability to follow established safety requirements and use appropriate personal protective equipment when required.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing multidisciplinary laboratory teams.
Experience with fiber optic cables, connectivity products, telecommunications hardware, or related product testing.
Familiarity with IEC, ASTM, IEEE, and Telcordia GR testing requirements.
Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 management systems.
Experience with laboratory equipment, calibration programs, and capital planning.
Experience with laboratory information management systems, performance metrics, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Strong ability to coach, develop, and motivate technical personnel.
Results-oriented approach focused on accountability, quality, and operational excellence.
Self-motivation, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Proactive problem-solving and sound technical judgment.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective cross-functional relationships.
Commitment to safety, integrity, impartiality, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop laboratory supervisors, engineers, technicians, and support personnel, including performance management, training, and workforce development.
Oversee laboratory operations and coordinate testing priorities, personnel, equipment, and resources.
Monitor testing throughput, backlog, turnaround time, equipment utilization, and operational efficiency.
Standardize laboratory processes, best practices, and resource utilization across testing disciplines.
Foster a collaborative environment focused on safety, technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Oversee optical, mechanical, electrical, environmental, and materials testing of fiber optic cables, connectivity products, hardware, and related components.
Provide technical guidance on test specifications, test-result evaluation, and resolution of testing challenges.
Ensure test methods, procedures, and equipment meet applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and internal specifications.
Coordinate with engineering teams on testing priorities, failure investigations, and product qualification schedules.
Evaluate laboratory capabilities and identify equipment, technology, and resource needs.
Lead implementation of test equipment, methods, fixtures, and processes to meet business needs and improve efficiency.
Drive improvement initiatives focused on testing efficiency, data integrity, and operational performance.
Maintain laboratory capability assessments and support development and standardization of testing procedures and personnel training.
Oversee laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, and capability documentation.
Develop and manage laboratory operating budgets, capital expenditure plans, and equipment investment priorities.
Identify future testing requirements and recommend investments to support product development, business growth, and operational needs.
Manage laboratory improvement and capital projects to established schedules, budgets, and objectives.
Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities to improve cost effectiveness and resource utilization.
Serve as the primary laboratory contact for stakeholders and partner with Product Development, Operations, Quality, and business unit leadership to align priorities with business objectives.
Represent the laboratory during customer visits, technical discussions, audits, and testing witness activities.
Stay informed about emerging test technologies, industry standards, and evolving product testing requirements.
Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with AFL environmental, health, and safety requirements.
Ensure laboratory operations comply with applicable ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001, and other relevant management system requirements.
Ensure testing maintains technical integrity, impartiality, accurate records, and traceability.
Support internal and external audits, corrective actions, and laboratory 6S initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.