Lab Supervisor

Role details

Working at Freudenberg: "We will wow your world!" This is our promise. As a global technology group, we not only make the world cleaner, healthier and more comfortable, but also offer our 52,000 employees a networked and diverse environment where everyone can thrive individually. Be surprised and experience your own wow moments.

We at Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies run the business operations of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) in the Americas. Being part of the global Freudenberg Group, our company is a leading producer of advanced sealing technologies for automotive and general industries. Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies is a joint venture between Freudenberg and NOK Corp. in Japan, is headquartered in Plymouth, MI, operates more than 20 facilities and employs about 4,700 people across the Americas.

Some of your Benefits

401K Match

401K Match: Save for retirement with the company's help.

Health Insurance

Health Insurance: Rely on comprehensive services whenever you need it.

Vacation

Vacation: We offer time off to refresh and recharge.

Workwear

Workwear: For your safety and well-being we provide the proper clothing and equipment.

Education Reimbursement

Education Reimbursement: Receive financial aid to help propel your career to the next level.

LaGrange, GA

On-Site

Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership

Lab Supervisor

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Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily laboratory activities related to raw materials, rubber compounds, and product testing.
• Analyze testing data and material performance trends to identify opportunities for process optimization and continuous improvement.
• Establish, validate, and maintain laboratory test methods, specifications, and control limits.
• Review, investigate, and complete Non-Conformance Material Reports (NCMRs) related to raw materials, rubber compounds, and production batches.
• Ensure laboratory equipment, software, and testing systems are properly maintained, calibrated, and operating effectively.
• Provide technical support and guidance to production, engineering, quality, and materials teams, with a strong focus on troubleshooting material and process-related issues.
• Partner with manufacturing and quality teams to investigate defects, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
• Support new material qualifications, material changes, and formulation development activities.
• Oversee laboratory mixing and testing activities to ensure compliance with established procedures and quality requirements.
• Maintain laboratory documentation, records, and reports in accordance with company and customer requirements.
• Supervise, coach, and develop laboratory technicians to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of laboratory activities.
• Prioritize laboratory resources and workloads to meet project timelines and production needs.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and problem-solving methodologies.
• Serve as a backup to the Materials Development Manager as needed and perform additional duties to support business objectives.
• Directly supervise laboratory technicians and other assigned personnel.
• Provide training, coaching, performance feedback, and development support.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and operational standards.
• Coordinate work assignments, schedules, and resource allocation to meet departmental objectives.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Prior laboratory experience required, preferably within a manufacturing, rubber, polymer, or materials development environment.
• Previous leadership, supervisory, or project leadership experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of laboratory testing methods, data analysis, and quality management systems.
• Knowledge of rubber compounding, raw material testing, and materials characterization preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across all levels of the organization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and laboratory software systems.
• Ability to maintain confidential information with professionalism and integrity.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for training, supplier visits, or project support.
• Communication & Collaboration: Communicates clearly and concisely, while engaging proactively with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Value for Customers: Anticipates, understands and meets internal/external customers’ needs and expectations. Develops solutions based on a customer centric approach.
• Innovation: Drives and supports innovative ideas, while taking informed risks to seek and develop new or improved solutions.
• Drive & Execution: Proactively identifies what needs to be done and takes action. Explores new ways and pursues new opportunities.

The Freudenberg Group is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion. Employment opportunities are available to all applicants and associates without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, genetic information, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, protected military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.