Lab Technician

Goal of the Working Position: Performs laboratory testing, inspections, and analysis of materials, components, and finished products to ensure compliance with company, customer, and automotive quality requirements. The role maintains accurate test results and laboratory equipment while supporting Quality, Engineering Production and product validation activities.

Most important task and responsibilities:

Laboratory Testing & Analysis

• Perform laboratory testing and evaluation of materials, components, and finished products according to established procedures and specifications.
• Conduct physical, mechanical, dimensional, and other applicable product or material testing.
• Prepare samples and specimens for testing in accordance with established methods.
• Accurately record, analyze, and report test results.
• Identify test results that fall outside specifications and promptly communicate concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Support testing required for product validation, new launches, engineering changes, and customer requirements.

Incoming Inspection

• Perform incoming inspection of raw materials, components, and purchased parts in accordance with established inspection plans, specification, drawings, and customer requirements.
• Verify incoming materials meet dimensional, visual, functional, and other applicable quality requirements prior to release for production.
• Review supplier documentation, certifications, and inspection records as required.
• Accurately document inspection results and maintain traceability of inspected materials.
• Identify, segregate, and document nonconforming incoming material and notify Quality and other appropriate personnel.
• Support disposition, containment, and investigation of supplier-related nonconforming material.
• Coordinate with Supplier Quality, Purchasing, Production, and MP&L to resolve incoming material concerns.
• Maintain incoming inspection records and support supplier corrective action activities as required.

Quality & Product Validation

• Verify products and materials meet applicable drawings, specifications, quality standards, and customer requirements.
• Support Production and Quality with product investigations, nonconforming material, and root-cause analysis.
• Assist with validate activities related to PPAP, APQP, and new product launches.
• Maintain traceability and accurate documentation of samples, testing, and results.
• Support customer or internal testing requests as required.

Laboratory Equipment & Calibration

• Operate laboratory equipment and measurement devices in accordance with established procedures.
• Perform routine equipment checks and ensure laboratory equipment is maintained in proper working condition.
• Coordinate calibration, verification, and preventative maintenance of laboratory and measurement equipment.
• Identify and report equipment malfunctions or calibration concerns.
• Maintain laboratory equipment records and calibration documentation.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate laboratory records, test reports, data, and supporting documentation.
• Follow applicable quality procedures, work instructions, testing standards, and customer-specific requirements.
• Support compliance with IATF 16949 and applicable automotive quality requirements.
• Assist with internal, customer, and third-party audits related to laboratory activities.
• Ensure proper handling, identification, storage, and retention of samples and test records.

Continuous Improvement & Cross-Functional Support

• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Production, Program Management, and other departments to support testing and problem-solving activities.
• Assist with investigations of product or process concerns using laboratory data and testing.
• Identify opportunities to improve testing methods, laboratory processes, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized laboratory environment in accordance with 5S and safety requirements. Participate in continuous improvement activities and other quality initiatives as assigned.

Requirements

Technical Skills:

• Laboratory Testing & Measurements – Knowledge of laboratory testing methods, measurement techniques, and inspection equipment.
• Automotive Quality System – Basic knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, and applicable customer-specific requirements.
• Technical Documentation – Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, test procedures, and quality standards.
• Data Analysis & Reporting – Ability to accurately document, analyze, and communicate laboratory and test results.
• Calibration & Equipment Control – Knowledge of calibration, equipment verification, preventative maintenance, and measurement system requirements.

Requirements

Personal / Professional / Physical:

Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Quality, Laboratory Science, or a related technical field preferred; equivalent education and experience may be considered.

• Minimum 1-3 years of laboratory, quality, testing, or inspection experience within a manufacturing environment preferred.
• Automotive manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively with Quality, Engineering, Production, and other cross-functional teams while managing multiple testing priorities.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, safely operate laboratory equipment, lift and handle test samples as required, and work within laboratory and manufacturing environments.