Quality Lab Manager (Nashville)

We are seeking an experienced Laboratory Manager to oversee laboratory testing, metrology, calibration, and quality compliance activities within an automotive manufacturing environment. This position will lead a small team of lab technicians while ensuring accurate testing, reliable measurement systems, and compliance with automotive industry standards.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in metrology, dimensional inspection, GD&T, automotive quality systems, and laboratory operations, along with proven leadership and problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Management & Testing

• Manage daily laboratory operations, testing schedules, equipment utilization, and resource allocation.
• Lead, train, and develop a team of approximately four laboratory technicians.
• Oversee automotive glass homologation testing to ensure compliance with FMVSS 205, ANSI Z26.1, ECE R43, CCC (GB9656), CMVSS 205, and customer-specific requirements.
• Maintain laboratory safety standards, SOPs, and 5S practices.

Metrology & Calibration

• Oversee calibration and maintenance of gauges, measurement instruments, and laboratory equipment using Gage Trak.
• Coordinate third-party calibrations, equipment repairs, and new gauge purchases.
• Manage dimensional inspections using CMMs, scanners, PC-DMIS, PolyWorks, and other measurement systems.
• Interpret engineering drawings and GD&T requirements to verify product and gauge compliance.
• Support gauge design, development, and validation, including 3D printing when applicable.

Quality Systems & Data Analysis

• Conduct Measurement System Analyses (MSA), capability studies, and statistical analysis using Minitab and Excel.
• Support PPAP submissions, annual layouts, 8D investigations, and customer-specific testing requirements.
• Maintain accurate testing records, calibration documentation, and quality reports.
• Support ISO 9001, IATF 16949, regulatory, and customer audits.
• Collaborate with Quality, Engineering, and Production teams to resolve measurement and product quality concerns.

Continuous Improvement

• Apply Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to improve laboratory efficiency, testing accuracy, and process consistency.
• Identify opportunities to reduce measurement variation and improve equipment reliability.
• Assist in developing and updating testing procedures, work instructions, and quality documentation.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical field
• Experience in a manufacturing laboratory, metrology, or quality testing environment.
• Strong knowledge of CMM operations, dimensional inspection, and GD&T.
• Experience with PC-DMIS, PolyWorks, Gage Trak, Minitab, and Microsoft Excel.
• Understanding of automotive quality standards, including ISO 9001 and IATF 16949.
• Familiarity with PPAP, APQP, SPC, FMEA, MSA, and capability studies.
• Knowledge of automotive glass testing and regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and collaborate across departments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous laboratory management or supervisory experience within a Tier 1 automotive manufacturing environment.
• CMM operator or other metrology-related certification.
• Six Sigma Black Belt, ASQ CQE, CQM, or similar quality certification.
• ISO 9001 or IATF 16949 internal auditor certification.
• Experience with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software for gauge design and validation.
• Experience developing laboratory test methods and improving measurement systems.