R&D Lab Manager (Onsite)

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 $3B in revenue and employ approximately 12000 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.

What We Offer:

• A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
• 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

Position Summary:

We are seeking a R&D Lab Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operation staffing and execution discipline of state of the art inside plant fiber termination R&D lab. This role works alongside R&D engineers to coordinate lab priorities manage process and test technicians and ensure prototype builds process trials qualification testing and data collection are completed safely accurately and on schedule.

The Lab Manager supports the development and scaling of multi-fiber connector termination by maintaining lab readiness strengthening technician capability improving test and process methods and reinforcing consistent standards for safety quality equipment use documentation and execution.

Responsibilities:

• Manage daily R&D lab operations including work assignments technician schedules lab priorities equipment readiness and overall workflow.
• Lead coach and develop process and test technicians who support prototype builds process development design verification qualification testing automation trials and product/process improvement work.
• Partner with R&D engineers to plan prepare execute and document experiments test plans build activities validation work and process lab activities are completed in alignment with project priorities stage-gate expectations quality requirements and business needs.
• Maintain safe organized and efficient lab operations by promoting AFL environmental health and safety policies and ensuring proper use of tools equipment materials and lab practices.
• Support development and improvement of lab procedures work instructions test methods data collection practices and technician training materials.
• Coordinate prototype builds sample preparation fixture setup test execution measurement collection and communication of lab status issues and constraints.
• Monitor lab equipment tooling fixtures consumables and maintenance needs to ensure readiness for current and upcoming R&D work.
• Identify opportunities to improve lab efficiency throughput repeatability technician capability and quality of test/process execution.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering Operations Quality Manufacturing Engineering Product Management and external partners as needed.
• Support root cause analysis troubleshooting corrective actions and continuous improvement activities related to lab testing process performance and prototype builds.
• Perform other R&D lab process development and technician leadership duties as requested directed or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology Manufacturing Technology Mechanical/Electrical Technology or related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5 years of technical lab manufacturing test process development automation or product development experience.
• 2 years of experience leading coordinating or supervising technicians or technical work teams preferred.
• Strong understanding of lab safety practices test execution prototype builds process trials measurement systems and technical documentation.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings work instructions test plans and technical requirements.
• Strong organizational planning and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent lab activities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills including the ability to summarize lab status risks issues and results.
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with engineers and cross-functional partners to support new product and process development from concept through testing and industrialization.

Personal Qualities:

• Hands-on leader who is comfortable working in a lab environment and supporting technical execution.
• Safety-focused and quality-minded with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Team-oriented collaborator who builds trust with engineers technicians and cross-functional partners.
• Clear communicator who can translate priorities into daily direction and practical action.
• Flexible and resourceful with the ability to adapt quickly as project needs schedules and priorities change.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency consistency capability building and accountability.

Working Conditions:

• Lab and office environment with regular interaction with engineers technicians manufacturing and testing personnel.
• Hands-on work may involve tools fixtures test equipment prototype materials and process development equipment.
• May require standing walking lifting light materials and supporting lab activities for portions of the workday.
• Schedule flexibility may be required based on project timing test needs equipment availability or business priorities.
• Domestic and International travel to AFL development labs manufacturing sites suppliers or partners may be required on occasion.

Required Experience:

Manager