Lab Supervisor

Company / Location Information

Why A. O. Smith? 

Water technology is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world, and, as a leading global water technology company, A. O. Smith Corporation is at the center of the trend. Founded in 1874, we are a $3.5 billion company that employs more than 12,000 men and women. With manufacturing operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, China, India, and Europe, A. O. Smith has the global reach to serve customers worldwide. We have sales and distribution in more than 60 countries around the world. A. O. Smith is committed to continuous improvement, not just in its factories and its processes, but in its people.  We value people who are able to analyze problems and take rapid, decisive action. 

What is great about this opportunity?

• You will be a part of a new, state-of-the-art expansion in A. O. Smith’s Product Development Center (PDC in Lebanon, TN) within our Lochinvar facility.
• You will join a company whose vision brings people together to consistently deliver innovative, high-quality solutions that result in increased customer demand.

• You will be representing a company that makes products that improve the quality of life and are considered top of the line.

Primary Function

Responsible for managing all aspects of the operation of the engineering lab area in accordance with policies and guidelines as directed by management including: supervision of lab activities; lab accreditation; calibration, repair and maintenance of lab equipment; and purchase of lab supplies and tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide direction, guidance and training for engineering lab personnel.
• Create and maintain detailed instructions for the proper setup and operation of lab equipment.
• Testing and evaluation of consumer and commercial products. Hands on experience with electrical power, gas and refrigerants testing. 
• Assign available qualified personnel to new or updated projects as required. Establish and maintain the workflow and priorities through the lab.
• Provide yearly budget input to management for subordinate employee salary adjustments, tool and supply requirements, as well as necessary capital expenditures for upgrades and maintenance.
• Draft and implement procedural changes within the lab to facilitate safety, productivity, consistency and attainment of departmental goals.
• Conduct regular meetings and work closely with staff to assist and provide the necessary resources they need to manage projects and meet objectives.
• Responsible for maintaining the CSA certification of the lab, including the maintenance and calibration of lab test/development equipment and instrumentation.
• Develop and ensure adherence to an electronic copy of test data for documentation purposes. Organize and maintain consistency of filing procedures for ease of retrieval. 
• Develop and maintain laboratory inventory management system.
• Serve as member of Safety Council in representing the lab employees and engineering management.
• Conduct periodic safety committee meetings.  Provide the leadership necessary to develop and maintain adherence to all lab and company safety rules and procedures.
• Ensure the communication link is strong between the lab and other departments.
• Review, maintain, and develop electronic standardized test data sheet documentation procedures and other log books for accuracy prior to distribution.
• Responsible for general housekeeping and maintenance of working areas. This includes cleanup and maintenance as required for facility tours.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Role Specific Responsibilities

Qualifications

• Associate's degree
• 3+ years experience working in an appliance development laboratory environment
• 6+ years of supervisory/leadership experience
• Strong level of mathematical aptitude
• Must be able to read and understand technical documents such as bill of materials, dimensional drawings, etc. 
• Must be able to interpret project direction with limited background and respond positively to rapid changes in project priorities

Additional Qualifications: 

• Previous experience with model making equipment, and skilled in the use of laboratory equipment and computers is preferred.  

We Offer

Competitive compensation package and comprehensive benefits plans which include medical and dental insurance, company-sponsored life insurance, retirement security savings plan, short- and long-term disability programs and tuition assistance.