General Description:

Support, coordinate, and lead testing and fluid laboratory development activities as part of the new product development process and maintenance of components and/or systems for the automotive market. This involves the skilled use and coordination of engineering development lab tools, equipment, and personnel. Duties also include coordinating internal hardware fabrication to support development and customer deliveries. The role requires documentation of activities and routine insights into product performance to optimize designs. Additionally, the position involves training new hires, ensuring consistency in lab activities, and maintaining best practices. Leadership responsibilities include fostering team progress, handling challenging assignments, and creating solutions aligned with engineering best practices. The role includes direct supervision of product technicians and managing activity prioritization.

Key Accountabilities:

1. Teamwork

   • Foster and encourage teamwork.
   • Assign tasks to individuals to meet team-level goals.
   • Seek external resources as needed.

2. Lab Coordination

   • Oversee calibration tracking and needs.
   • Address equipment repair requirements.
   • Standardize data acquisition and procedures.
   • Manage safety issues.
   • Maintain general housekeeping and organization.
   • Coordinate with outside labs as necessary.
   • Drive standardization of lab equipment and consumables.

3. Capital Equipment

   • Ensure proper use of high-capital equipment, including calibration, fixturing, test techniques, and safety protocols.
   • Develop and disseminate best practices for all authorized users.

4. Lab Development

   • Assemble prototype products and conduct testing under product development team direction.
   • Provide ideas for design and/or test improvements based on observed results.

5. Design Validation

   • Perform DV testing and document results.
   • Assist in designing, procuring, and fabricating test fixtures, setups, and data collection methods.

6. Process Validation

   • Coordinate PV testing and deliver results to the Quality Department for customer reporting.

7. Documentation

   • Summarize and present data to engineers, providing insights for product improvement.

8. Test Method Improvements

   • Identify and implement test method improvements for accuracy, speed, and repeatability.

9. Calibration and Maintenance

   • Manage calibration and maintenance of lab equipment.

10. Test & Instrumentation Skills

    • Maintain proficiency in evolving technologies through training and education.

11. Support Problem Solving

    • Assist in problem-solving initiatives for manufacturing locations as directed.

12. Special Assignments

    • Support and complete special assignments as required.

Qualifications and Requirements:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (minimum).
• Over 5 years of experience in product development and validation activities.
• Familiarity with statistical methods for data analysis.
• Knowledge of tool room and machining center capabilities.
• ISO procedures and lab documentation experience.
• Experience with wet lab equipment and practices.
• Proficiency with general office tools (word processing, spreadsheets, office communications).

Key Competencies:

• Priority Setting: Sets clear, timely goals, removes obstacles, and maintains focus.
• Motivating Others: Creates a productive climate, addresses resource shortages, and empowers team members.
• Informing: Shares timely and accurate information for decision-making.
• Problem Solving: Applies logical and analytical methods for effective solutions.
• Conflict Management: Resolves issues constructively, actively listens, and seeks team-oriented outcomes.
• Action Oriented: Energetically takes on challenges and seizes opportunities.
• Process Management: Organizes resources and activities effectively, streamlines workflows, and simplifies processes.
• Functional Technical Skills: Demonstrates high-level expertise and accomplishment in required technical areas.