Lab Team Leader

An educational platform on tribology — the science of friction, wear and lubrication

Who is it for

Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals

The Novelis Global Research and Technology Center team is seeking a n Engineer or Technologist as a Lab Team Lead. The person in this role will report to the Senior Lab Manager . The ideal candidate will be responsible for leading and managing a team of 5-8 technologists, technicians, and engineers who are responsible for delivering high quality and timely laboratory results and analysis .

The Lab team lead will perform analysis in various laboratories such as:
Heat Treatment, Metallography, Microscopy and Tribology. The Lab Team Leader owns all aspects driving ongoing improvement by having accountability of training, instruments/equipment, ISO Compliance, and the users of the lab to ensure the safety and efficiency of the lab.

• Oversee all aspects of team management, including but not limited to hiring, performance management, talent review and succession planning
• Monitor deployment of the team’s resources, identifying constraints, working with teams and other leaders to implement effective cross-training plans to mitigate constraints.
• Propose new equipment additions and justifications for annual capital investment planning. Oversee purchase and commission of equipment within proposed budget and on-time
• The Lab team Lead will drive enhancements of the laboratory’s capabilities by improving existing equipment and/or methods or making recommendations on introduction of new ones.
• Identify growth opportunities for direct reports to ensure continuous development
• Serves as an advisor to staff members responsible for laboratory operations to meet schedules and/or resolve technical problems
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures and Quality System protocols are current, maintained , and applied with an emphasis on good laboratory practices, including housekeeping , ISO 17025 compliance, and Laboratory Information Management System ( LIMS ) compliance
• Ensur e all personnel /visitors /contractors/vendors are compliant with all Safety Absolutes and other EHS initiatives.
• Participate in the safety walk-throughs and ensure any highlighted issues and improvement opportunities are addressed
• Ensure all laboratory staff are properly trained in Standard Operating Procedures, Quality System protocols, and equipment specific requirements.
• Assist in formulating and implementing the short and long-range goals for the operation of the NGRTC laboratories.
• Familiar with aluminum is a plus

• Entry to this level typically requires 5 years of progressive experience and a BS in a relevant field, i.e., Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities across multiple projects or work streams.
• Hands on laboratory experience working on material characterization and testing, R&D, or manufacturing environment
• Ability to learn multiple experimental disciplines with respect to metallography, fabrication, and mechanical concepts
• Demonstrates an understanding of the KPIs for a work area or project and the link to the significance to the business.
• Maintains awareness of latest technologies relevant to lab operations.
• Ability to independently isolate a problem and draw upon knowledge and experience to design appropriate possible solutions
• Considers multiple aspects in problem solving (e.g. , economics, operating , maintenance, technical) in area s of responsibility
• Strong communication and leadership skills
• Experience in managing and leading a cross-functional team is preferred

• Experience with CAD design
• Strong…