Manager, Calibration Laboratory Operations - Instron

Instron is a global organization that designs, manufactures, sells and services mechanical testing systems. 

Have you ever wondered how a potato chip always has the right crispiness level? Or, how your game controller can survive several drops whether you are excited for your win or upset by a loss? How about eyewear being able to withstand impact forces? Visit Instron’s YouTube Channel  to see our customer’s applications. And, check out Facebook Watch at https://fb.watch/a8ILPde4GP/ for additional videos.

Our systems are trusted by 95% of the world’s largest manufacturing companies to gather critical data, informing the design of components and materials. You will find that our established strength, commitment to our core values and team focus provides an engaging work environment and offers exceptional opportunities for personal and career development.

Summary:

The laboratory operations manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the NVLAP accredited laboratory facilities based in Norwood, MA. They are expected to plan, direct, supervise, and evaluates laboratory efficiency and productivity by making changes as necessary to achieve goals. Actively manage the lifecycle of laboratory measurement standards, associated test fixtures, and instrumentation in support of global field service operations. Manage the work activities of the Norwood based personnel to ensure equipment is received, properly maintained, calibrated, and provided to field service engineers in support of global operations and customer commitments. Ensure good housekeeping practices are followed, advocate for safety, and maintain smooth workflow through the department to achieve the volume expected and to meet operational requirements.  

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides management reports and metrics for evaluation related to the resources needed within the laboratory of both equipment and workforce to efficiently support customers.
• Responsible for the day-to-day application of organizational policies and procedures as well as monitoring the performance of staff members according to established standards.
• Directly accountable for the performance and operation of the Norwood calibration laboratory facility, including tracking inventory, equipment, and assigning work.
• Monitors the results of calibrations performed in the laboratory identifying trends and making recommendations for changes in the methodologies to improve quality.
• Measures and controls efficiency and quality level of output for the department and strives for improvement by new processes, equipment, training, and engineering change requests, etc.   
• Enforces safety regulations and in general, promotes safe conduct that ensures the safety of personnel and equipment.
• Responsible for neat and orderly housekeeping and ensuring proper maintenance of equipment for function and safety.
• Maintains a detailed understanding of relevant national and international quality and calibration standards, and ensures our internal calibration products, processes, and operations comply. Ensures the Lab’s operations comply with all requirements of ISO/IEC 17025 and applicable Instron Quality Manuals.
• Defines resource and staffing requirements necessary to maintain the required quality and production levels and responsible for hiring decisions as well as the conduct of employee performance appraisals.
• Leads problem solving and technical support with field service engineers and other in-house calibration technicians.  Recommends use of special fixturing on both Instron and competitive testing equipment to perform accurate calibration.

Performance Metrics

• Improvements in efficiency and accuracy of activity reporting by laboratory personnel. 
• Reduction in the backlog of equipment waiting for calibration in the laboratory.
• Improvement in the calibration turnaround time for field calibration equipment.
• Efficiency in meeting the special calibration equipment needs of field service engineers.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required

• Level of technical competence and expertise typically achieved through attainment of an associate degree in an engineering discipline and 2 - 4 years of experience with transducers and metrology.
• Ability to manage a technical service operation that adheres to exacting standards of quality and integrity, including a staff of calibration technicians and support personnel of approximately 4 to 6 individuals. Typically, 5 years of experience in Service, Manufacturing, Engineering, or a related field.
• Good people skills, cheerful outlook, and high energy level to motivate and lead direct labor personnel, and to effectively interact with all departments within Instron.
• Ability to properly and adequately communicate both verbal and written instruction and ideas to others.
• Ability to interact with customers and provide a world class level of service in a manner that promotes the premier image of Instron.
• Must demonstrate ability and desire to meet stringent department and company goals under stressful and demanding situations.
• Working knowledge in the calibration of Precision Force Transducers, utilizing both primary and secondary standard systems.
• Experience in the design specification and application of testing fixtures for both internal and field system calibration.
• Familiarization with American Society of Testing Materials testing practices using Load Cell Standard systems, and National Institute of Standards and Technology calibration procedures.
• Must be capable of applying specialized calibration techniques for a variety of complex testing configurations.
• Must be able to function effectively from verbal instruction and establish work schedules with minimal direction.

Working Conditions

Normal plant environment with some exposure to dirt, dust, noise and grease, operational equipment, and the hazards associated with the application of Force Measuring Instrumentation.

Take this opportunity to join a successful team where you can make an immediate impact.  Enjoy excellent on and off the job training, a competitive salary, and a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, life and LTD insurance, 401k (with match), and a 100% tuition reimbursement program.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.