Supervisor I - Met Lab

About the role

The Supervisor I - Metallurgical Laboratory is responsible for directing, coordinating, and supervising laboratory operations to ensure the accurate, timely, and cost-effective execution of testing and inspection activities. This position provides leadership for laboratory personnel involved in Receiving, Data Analysis, Macro Etch Inspection, Metallographic Inspection, Mechanical Testing, and Magnetic Testing activities while ensuring compliance with applicable industry specifications, quality requirements, and safety standards. The successful candidate will lead laboratory personnel, support continuous improvement initiatives, maintain testing capabilities, and serve as a key liaison between Operations, Quality, Metallurgy, customers, and regulatory organizations.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily laboratory operations and testing activities to support internal and external customer requirements.
• Manage and coordinate laboratory schedules, staffing, workloads, and priorities.
• Lead and develop Group Leaders and laboratory employees through coaching, training, performance management, and employee development.
• Ensure all laboratory testing is conducted in accordance with industry specifications, customer requirements, and internal procedures.
• Coordinate laboratory activities related to Receiving, Data Analysis, Macro Etch Inspection, Metallographic Inspection, Mechanical Testing, and Magnetic Testing.
• Maintain calibration programs and testing equipment required to support laboratory operations.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is properly maintained and available for use.
• Develop, revise, and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions.
• Coordinate procurement of laboratory supplies, equipment, and outside testing services as required.
• Interface with customers, auditors, technical personnel, and regulatory agencies during audits, investigations, and quality reviews.
• Support root cause investigations, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture within the laboratory environment.
• Assist with budgeting, resource planning, and operational performance objectives.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, GED, or demonstrated equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a metallurgical laboratory, quality laboratory, materials testing environment, or related technical field.
• Experience supervising laboratory operations, technical personnel, or production support teams.
• Knowledge of laboratory testing processes, quality systems, and manufacturing operations.
• Experience developing and maintaining procedures and process controls.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and laboratory data management systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience in a metallurgical or quality laboratory environment.
• Experience supporting audits, customer inspections, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Knowledge of ISO, aerospace, automotive, or specialty metals quality standards.
• Experience with calibration systems, laboratory accreditation requirements, and quality management systems.
• Background in steel manufacturing, specialty alloys, heat treating, or materials testing operations.

Skills

• Strong understanding of metallurgical testing methods and laboratory practices.
• Ability to lead teams, establish priorities, and drive results.
• Ability to mentor, develop, and motivate employees.
• Working knowledge of quality systems, testing standards, and laboratory compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to make sound technical and business decisions.
• Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively across Operations, Quality, Metallurgy, Engineering, and Customer Service functions.

Benefits

Carpenter Technology Company offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including life, medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, disability coverage, 401k with company contributions as well as many other options to employees.