Lab Manager

Hanon Systems; Novi (MI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading automotive technology firm in Michigan seeks a Test Operations Manager to oversee the Test Operations department. This role requires supervising multiple teams, managing budgets, and ensuring high-quality test data for product development. Candidates should have over 5 years of test laboratory experience, particularly in climate control products. A Bachelor's degree in Engineering is required, along with strong mechanical proficiency and communication skills. Opportunities for career development and a focus on safety make this an attractive position.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of test laboratory experience, particularly with climate control products.
• Strong mechanical proficiency and understanding of automotive thermal management systems.
• Experience with automotive product test methodologies and equipment.
• Ability to work with multicultural teams and manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Manage operational and fiscal activities of the Test Operations department.
• Promote a safe working environment and establish employee goals.
• Supervise teams and manage schedules, training, and performance reviews.
• Conduct interviews, hire staff, and manage lab workforce to meet testing objectives.
• Manage regional CAPEX and OPEX budgets, and address performance issues.
• Lead test operations projects to improve efficiency and throughput.
• Monitor budgets for CAPEX and OPEX tests and report usage.
• Interface with global test operations leadership and other regions.

Skills

Strong mechanical proficiency

General understanding of automotive thermal management systems

Understanding of automotive product test methodologies and equipment

Experience working with multicultural team

Ability to utilize problem solving skills

Good written and verbal communication skills

Experienced in project planning and management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

HLIMS

Job description

Manage operational and fiscal activities of the Test Operations department, including planning and developing systems and procedures to improve the operating quality and efficiency of the department. Locations include Novi, Michigan and Juarez, Mexico for direct supervision and interface with multiple global locations in Canada, Europe and Asia.

Primary Responsibilities

• Promote and foster a safe working environment for all employees
• Establish employee goals and conduct performance reviews
• Supervise multiple produce focused sub teams (engineers and technicians) in accordance with company policies and procedures
• Conduct interviews, hire new staff, and provide employee orientation
• Responsible for staff scheduling to include work assignments/rotations, employee training, employee vacations, employee breaks, overtime assignment, back up for absent employees, and shift rotations
• Coach and provide career development advice to staff
• Identify potential gaps in expertise and establish targeted training plans to address any deficiencies
• Manage lab workforce to provide high quality test data in time required to support engineering objectives for new product and program developments.
• Address employee performance issues as required. Develop training plans where needed
• Conduct regular test scheduling meetings with R&D and plants to improve communication
• Manage regional CAPEX and OPEX test operation budgets.
• Manage operating expenses and provide monthly test budget usage and status to local & global testing operations management.
• Follow corporate established process for approval of spending
• Manage existing and new equipment installs, repairs/upgrades, maintenance to appropriate lab and quality standards.
• Manage regional laboratories in the execution of development, DV, PV and IP testing
• Support Americas Manufacturing plants and other region’s requests when possible
• Interface with global test operations leadership as the America’s representative
• Share best practices to other global locations to achieve global continuous improvement
• Develop and track common efficiency metrics
• Reduce unnecessary test outsourcing and lab overtime to lower testing expense.
• Work with facility managers and equipment suppliers to limit testing downtime for all equipment. Identify and implement programs to achieve maximum throughput (FTT, Utilization, etc...)
• Standardize test processes/procedures/reports to improve throughput
• Utilize 5S principles to promote a professional lab appearance at all NA Hanon lab locations
• Lead customer lab tours and presentations on lab capability as required
• HLIMS (Hanon Lab Information Management System) management and enhancement.
• Utilize HLIMS to conduct test capacity studies, identify improvement opportunities
• Coordinate and implement solutions from process analysis and general department projects to improve efficiency
• Lead both internal and external audit activities for Quality, Health and Safety, Insurance, and other corporate directives. Maintain any/all records required to demonstrate compliance for all audits

Years of Experience

• 5+ Years Test Laboratory Experience including climate control products

Degree Preferred

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Required

Desired Competencies, Experience, & Qualifications

• Strong mechanical proficiency
• General understanding of automotive thermal management systems
• Understanding of automotive product test methodologies and equipment
• Experience working with multicultural team
• Ability to utilize problem solving skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Experienced in project planning and management