The Requirements
To be a good fit for this opportunity you will have:- A bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
- Four to six years of experience with automotive quality systems (APQP, PPAP).
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Experience and familiarity with ISO9001/TS16949 internal auditing. Quick question for you - click here
- Four to six years of supervisory experience.
- Experience in setting up and running a product testing lab and troubleshooting lab test equipment.
- Experience with the statistical software package Mini-Tab.
- ASQ certification, such as CQE, CQA, or CQM/OE.
- Six Sigma certification or familiarity with similar lean manufacturing principles.
- Familiarity with blown film or plastics manufacturing.
The Role
Reporting to the Quality Manager, you will oversee a team of 16 lab technicians and it will be your job to ensure the lab's production operations are running smoothly. This lab is responsible for testing the physical properties of our products and then releasing them to the next step in the production process, so this role is vital to the overall success and efficient operations of production.You will be responsible for monitoring product characteristic trends and identifying trends with products that are out of specs or not up to control standards, and relaying this information to the Quality Engineering, Process Engineering and Production groups. You'll work closely with these departments on specification and control issues, so communication and keen decision making skills will be vital to your success in this role.
Continuous improvement is another significant aspect to this role, as you will constantly work to upgrade and develop the lab technicians' skills and identify new and emerging technologies for better test equipment.
In summary, your key duties will be to:
- Supervise QC lab technicians performing routine testing.
- Monitor product characteristic trends and communicate with Quality and Process Engineers for any inconsistent or abnormal specification condition.
- Initiate MRB for internal product specification related issues.
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Develop and implement QC programs in the lab (GR&R, Lean, 5S, Six Sigma). Quick question for you - click here

- Coordinate special tests and write technical reports for both internal and external use.
- Ensure product test equipment is maintained and calibrated appropriately.
- Initiate improvement programs to improve test equipment and lab processes.
- Lead in handling procedural or technical lab problems.
- Support specification review and actively participate in trend review.
- Issue Certificate of Analysis (COA) to ensure products conform with specifications.
- Take the lead in the research of the latest product testing technology available in the market and initiate the upgrade of existing equipment.
Why Celgard
High visibility impact -- reporting to the Quality Manager and working with a variety of internal departments, you'll have broad exposure throughout our organization. You'll have the opportunity to make a direct (and noticeable) impact on our operations and management takes pride in recognizing employee accomplishments.Career development and growth -- we take a proactive approach to helping our people develop professionally and advance their careers. Your success in this position could prime you for a management role within the QC department.
Great environment -- you'll find a solid commitment to quality at Celgard; at the same time, we'll look to you to show the value of your efforts to others, developing partnering relationships and helping people perform and understand analyses so that continuous improvement is firmly embedded in our culture.
Excellent compensation -- in addition to a competitive salary and bonus incentive program, we offer a comprehensive benefits package.
Keys to Success
To excel in this role you will be a strong leader with excellent organizational and analytical skills. With 16 direct reports, you'll need the drive and the will to lead others. We are looking for someone who is self-motivated and can work well with the team. In addition, in order to be a successful QC Lab Section Leader, you will possess a balance in leadership, drive and people skills.Who We Are
Proprietary Celgard (R) membranes are a leading industry standard in rechargeable lithium battery applications. They are typically used in electronic applications such as notebook computers, cellular telephones, digital cameras, and other high performance devices. Celgard is also involved in the Electric Drive Vehicle Market and is expanding production capacity to support it.In addition, Celgard is the global leader in supplying battery separators for disposable lithium batteries used in photographic equipment, medical devices, and various military applications. Other energy storage technologies that use Celgard battery separators include vented nickel-cadmium aircraft batteries, zinc-air hearing aid batteries, and supercapacitors.
Celgard is part of Polypore International, Inc, a global high technology filtration company specializing in microporous membranes. Polypore's flat sheet and hollow fiber membranes are used in specialized applications that require the removal or separation of various materials from liquids, primarily in the ultrafiltration and microfiltration markets. Based in Charlotte, NC, Polypore International, Inc has manufacturing facilities or sales offices in nine countries serving six continents.
