Engineering & Test Lab Manager

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:

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.

• Identification of future needs (equipment / resources / skill gaps) and continuous improvement of existing processes

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.