Job at a glance
Job Title: Quality Lab Supervisor Job Description The Quality Lab Supervisor oversees daily inspection and testing activities, leads a team of Quality Inspectors, and ensures that all quality documentation and records meet internal and external standards. This role plays a key part in supporting internal branches, new product introductions, and continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining high levels of accuracy in dimensional, mechanical, and performance testing.
It offers the opportunity to take ownership of impactful quality initiatives and gain exposure to customers, suppliers, and manufacturing programs on a global scale. Responsibilities Lead and prioritize daily inspection activities to support business needs and production schedules. Provide clear guidance, coaching, and direction to Quality Inspectors to ensure consistent inspection practices and high performance.
Perform inspections and testing on products and components using appropriate equipment and methods. Conduct routine equipment maintenance and calibration activities to ensure measurement accuracy and reliability. Provide testing and inspection support to internal branches to address quality concerns and meet customer requirements. Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, including PPAP, First Article Inspection Reports (FAI/FAIR), Initial Sample Inspection Reports (ISIR), and customer sample submissions.
Collaborate with internal teams to resolve quality-related issues and drive continuous improvement efforts across operations. Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership to support overall quality objectives. Record and maintain dimensional, mechanical, and performance testing data in an accurate and organized manner. Prepare and review quality documentation, inspection reports, and test results to ensure clarity and completeness.
Provide technical support to internal customers, including drawing reviews, specification interpretation, and clarification of quality requirements. Ensure quality records and documentation are accurate, complete, and compliant with applicable standards and procedures. Essential Skills Two-year degree in a related field or a minimum of three years of experience in a related quality or inspection role.
Prior supervisory experience, ideally 2 or more years, leading inspection or quality teams. Strong understanding of engineering drawings, First Article Inspection processes, GD&T, and dimensional layouts. Proficiency with metrology methods and gage calibration, including hands-on experience using micrometers, calipers, gauges, and optical comparators. Experience with quality testing methods, including neutral salt spray, sample preparation (cutting, mounting, polishing, etching), and interpretation of test results.
Familiarity with ISO 9001 and ISO-related quality management systems and standards. Proficient computer skills for documentation, data entry, and use of quality-related software. Demonstrated quality assurance and quality testing expertise within a manufacturing or fastener-related environment. Strong supervisory and leadership skills to manage, develop, and support inspection staff. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with gage calibration processes and gage R&R software.
Exposure to Lean and Six Sigma methodologies and tools. Exposure to IATF-related quality standards or automotive quality frameworks. Self-motivation with a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, customers, and suppliers. Ability to support Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) activities and related documentation.
Background in fastener manufacturing or similar precision manufacturing environments is beneficial. Work Environment This role operates in a manufacturing and warehouse environment, working closely with production, quality, and engineering teams. The standard schedule is Monday through Frida