Automotive Testing Lab Operations Lead

Element Materials Technology; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Materials Technology is seeking an Operations Manager in Warren, MI, to lead the day‑to‑day operations of a high‑performance automotive testing laboratory. You will oversee lab personnel, facilities, equipment, and customer programs, ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery.

The role requires extensive experience in automotive testing, leadership, and interaction with OEMs/Tier 1 suppliers. The position sits on site and offers growth in testing capabilities and capital expansion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related technical field.
• 7+ years in automotive testing, validation, or lab operations.
• 3+ years leadership in automotive testing or lab settings.
• Experience with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers in testing programs.
• Ability to lead complex tests and manage multiple programs.
• Strong knowledge of test validation processes and safety.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operations of the automotive testing laboratory, ensuring safe, efficient, and high‑quality execution of customer testing programs.
• Manage laboratory personnel, including department managers, test engineers, and other technical staff.
• Establish staffing requirements, work assignments, shift coverage, and resource allocation.
• Develop processes to maximize throughput, equipment utilization, and customer responsiveness.
• Monitor capacity, scheduling, turnaround times, utilization, and performance.
• Identify bottlenecks and drive continuous improvement for efficiency and quality.
• Support capital planning and expansion of laboratory capabilities and infrastructure.

Skills

Leadership

Automotive testing

Lab operations

Project management

Staff management

Communication

Quality systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Tools

LIMS

ERP systems

Test equipment

Data acquisition

Job description

Element Materials Technology is seeking an Operations Manager in Warren, MI, to lead the day‑to‑day operations of a high‑performance automotive testing laboratory. You will oversee lab personnel, facilities, equipment, and customer programs, ensuring safety, quality, and timely delivery.

The role requires extensive experience in automotive testing, leadership, and interaction with OEMs/Tier 1 suppliers. The position sits on site and offers growth in testing capabilities and capital expansion.