Engineering & Test Lab Manager

JTEKT North America Corporation; Greenville (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

JTEKT North America Corporation is seeking a Manager for HUB Testing, Test Engineering and Projects in Greenville, SC. The role leads HUB bearing testing for product development, provides test engineering and tool design support, and drives projects within the Engineering Shared Services group.

Responsibilities include coordinating with stakeholders, leading test execution, ensuring IATF16949 compliant documentation, and seeking continuous improvements in testing processes and equipment.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of relevant technical experience in engineering.
• 5+ years in supervision of exempt and non-exempt staff.
• Experience with automated machines, sensors, and data acquisition systems.
• Familiarity with IATF16949 quality management.

Responsibilities

• Lead HUB testing execution and report results.
• Provide Test Engineering and Tool Design support for ESS.
• Maintain a safe lab environment and coordinate with lab managers.
• Manage projects including new equipment procurement and major improvements.
• Identify future needs and drive continuous process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Project management

Reliability engineering

Education

Engineering degree

Tools

Data acquisition systems

Automation equipment

Machine design

Job description

Manager - HUB Testing, Test Engineering and Projects

Greenville, SC

Level 108

Purpose

The position is responsible for HUB bearing (HUB) testing to support HUB product development. Additionally, the position is responsible for Test Engineering/Tool Design, and Projects for JTEKT North America bearing testing. This position contributes to the mission of JTEKT Product /Application Engineering to develop new products and support current products.

Responsibilities and Deliverables

• Execution and issuing of results for HUB tests
• Test Engineering and Tool Design support for the entirety of Bearing Engineering Shared Services (ESS)
• Maintain a safe working environment (in coordination with other lab managers)
• Project support for the entirety of Engineering Shared Services
  • New equipment procurement
  • Major improvement efforts (machine rebuilds, control upgrades, etc.)
• Testing execution activities
• Identification of future needs (equipment / resources / skill gaps) and continuous improvement of existing processes

Leads planning meetings with requestors, stakeholders, and project teams, plans preparation work for projects and future tests; supports Test Lab staff as needed with test preparation, setup and execution; ensures documentation meets established guidelines and requirements of IATF16949; utilizes reliability engineering skills to verify closure reports are accurate and meet test request requirements; validate machine builds. Track and maintain lab performance to Key Performance Indicators.

Support of Product Validation and New Business Launches

Works closely and proactively with Application and Product Engineering management to identify gaps in capability to support new product/business launches; identifies and leads the development/implementation of countermeasures to support future needs.

Supervision of Test Lab staff

Manages performance, coaches, defines priorities and assigns projects and daily responsibilities; approves weekly time sheets. Succession planning and support staff training and development.

Requirements

• Mechanical or Electrical Engineering degree or equivalent experience with 15+ years of relevant technical skills development

Past experience must have included the following

• 5+ years experience - Supervision of exempt and non-exempt associates
• Experience with automated machines, sensors, and data acquisition systems. Ability to troubleshoot problems with hardware and software.
• Proven track record leading technical teams and projects.
• Experience with quality management systems, specifically IATF16949
• Demonstrated aptitude with mechanical and electrical systems.
• Interest in learning about and applying AI or analytics tools to testing systems and processes.

Other Desirable Experience

• Knowledge of bearing design, applications, manufacturing, and/or damage analysis
• Knowledge and experience with statistical and reliability engineering theory, methods and tools
• Experience with life testing rigs and accelerated testing of components
• Experience with machine design and build preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Microsoft Computer software – Word / Excel / PowerPoint
• Exploration of AI or analytics tools
• Project planning and execution

Team skills

Work Environment

• The duties of this position will require exposure to areas that require the use of personal protective equipment, such as safety glasses and safety shoes.
• Work is performed primarily in an office setting in a lab environment and will require substantial amount of time working on a computer.
• May require lifting of objects up to 40 lbs.
• Travel should be minimal, but may be occasionally required for machine builds, plant visits, or training.