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.

• 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!

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Serve as the primary laboratory contact for stakeholders.
• Partner with Product Development, Operations, Quality, and business unit leadership to align laboratory priorities with business…