Test Lab Manager

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $4B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

Test Laboratory Manager Job Summary The Test Laboratory Manager provides technical and operational leadership for AFL's cable, connectivity and hardware testing laboratory, supporting fiber optic cables, connectivity products, hardware, raw materials, and related components. This position is responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of supervisors, engineers, technicians, and support personnel while ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable laboratory operations. The Lab Manager oversees product development testing, qualification, requalification, and manufacturing support while driving operational performance, technical capability, resource utilization, and continuous improvement. This role collaborates with Product Development, Operations, Quality, and business unit leadership to ensure laboratory capabilities and resources align with current and future business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Leadership & Operations

• Lead and develop laboratory supervisors, engineers, technicians, and support personnel, including performance management, training, and workforce development.
• Oversee laboratory operations, ensuring effective coordination of testing priorities, personnel, equipment, and resources.
• Monitor laboratory performance metrics, including testing throughput, backlog, turnaround time, equipment utilization, and operational efficiency.
• Drive standardization of laboratory processes, best practices, and resource utilization across testing disciplines.
• Foster a collaborative, results-oriented environment focused on safety, technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Testing & Technical Oversight

• Oversee optical, mechanical, electrical, environmental, and materials testing of fiber optic cables, connectivity products, hardware, and related components.
• Provide technical guidance on test specifications, evaluation of test results, and resolution of testing challenges.
• Ensure laboratory test methods, procedures, and equipment meet applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and internal specifications.
• Coordinate with engineering teams to support testing priorities, investigate failures, and maintain product qualification schedules.

Laboratory Capability & Continuous Improvement

• Evaluate laboratory capabilities and identify equipment, technology, and resource needs to support evolving business requirements.
• Lead implementation of new test equipment, methods, fixtures, and processes to support business needs and improve efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on testing efficiency, data integrity, and operational performance.
• Maintain laboratory capability assessments and support the development and standardization of testing procedures and personnel training.
• Oversee laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, and capability documentation.

Planning & Financial Management

• Develop and manage laboratory operating budgets, capital expenditure plans, and equipment investment priorities.
• Identify future testing requirements and recommend investments to support product development, business growth, and operational needs.
• Manage laboratory improvement and capital projects to established schedules, budgets, and objectives.
• Monitor laboratory expenditures and identify opportunities to improve cost effectiveness and resource utilization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary laboratory contact for stakeholders.
• Partner with Product Development, Operations, Quality, and business unit leadership to align laboratory priorities with business objectives.
• Represent the laboratory during customer visits, technical discussions, audits, and testing witness activities.
• Stay informed of emerging test technologies, industry standards, and evolving product testing requirements.

Safety & Quality Compliance

• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with AFL environmental, health, and safety requirements.
• Ensure laboratory operations comply with applicable ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001, and other relevant management system requirements.
• Ensure testing activities maintain technical integrity, impartiality, accurate records, and traceability.
• Support internal and external audits, corrective actions, and laboratory 6S initiatives.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science, or a related technical discipline. Candidates with a bachelor's degree in another discipline may be considered with significant relevant technical laboratory experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a testing laboratory, engineering, manufacturing, or related technical environment.
• Demonstrated supervisory or people-management experience leading technical personnel.
• Working knowledge of laboratory testing methods, equipment, and applicable industry standards.
• Experience managing technical projects, resources, schedules, and operational priorities.
• Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and business functions.

Preferred

• Experience managing multidisciplinary laboratory teams.
• Experience with fiber optic cables, connectivity products, telecommunications hardware, or related product testing.
• Familiarity with industry testing standards, including IEC, ASTM, IEEE, and Telcordia GR requirements.
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 9001 management systems.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, calibration programs, and capital planning.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems, performance metrics, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Personal Qualities

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to coach, develop, and motivate technical personnel.
• Results-oriented with a focus on accountability, quality, and operational excellence.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proactive problem solver with sound technical judgment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective cross-functional relationships.
• Committed to safety, integrity, impartiality, and continuous improvement.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in a combination of office and laboratory environments.
• Requires periodic standing, walking, and working around laboratory testing equipment.
• Must follow established safety requirements and use appropriate personal protective equipment when required.
• Occasional travel may be required to support business or laboratory activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.