The Metallic Test Lab & SPTC Focal will play a strategic role in strengthening supplier quality and ensuring the reliability of metallic materials testing laboratories supporting the aerospace manufacturing and supply chain industry. You will oversee laboratory certification, recertification, and reinstatement processes while driving continuous improvements in quality standards and operational performance. Working closely with supplier quality engineers, materials specialists, and laboratory teams, you will ensure compliance with industry regulations and technical specifications. The position combines specialized technical expertise with supplier relationship management, auditing, and quality improvement initiatives. You will also influence supplier strategies, support critical business decisions, and help prevent quality disruptions across the materials supply chain. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to aerospace safety, product excellence, and the development of high-performing supplier networks.
Lead the certification, recertification, and reinstatement of Certified Materials Test Laboratories (CMTLs) in accordance with the S-SPEC-35 (aeDMS S400) requirements.
Develop and implement supplier quality strategies for metallic materials testing laboratories, ensuring alignment with business objectives and aerospace quality standards.
Act as a senior Supplier Quality Engineering (SQE) specialist and primary point of contact for suppliers and internal stakeholders on S-SPEC-35 certification and laboratory quality matters.
Collaborate with the S-SPEC-35 Focal to assess laboratory capabilities, support supplier strategy development, and provide recommendations for leadership decisions involving safety, quality, and operational performance.
Conduct regular laboratory audits and system assessments in collaboration with process experts to verify compliance with S-SPEC-35, ISO/IEC 17025, internal testing specifications, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Oversee laboratory quality performance, including certification scope and GT193 requirements, ensuring testing capabilities meet approved technical standards.
Lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives to address audit findings, failed proficiency tests, and laboratory performance issues.
Select and qualify laboratories through the S-SPEC-35 certification process, ensuring their technical capabilities and quality systems meet established requirements.
Monitor proficiency testing results and work with relevant stakeholders to identify improvement opportunities and strengthen laboratory performance.
Manage assigned laboratory audits, maintain audit documentation and AI audit checksheets, and develop improvement plans where necessary.
Coordinate with Lab Control Program (LCP) administrators, materials engineering specialists, and Principal Quality Engineers (PQEs) to ensure laboratory results comply with approved testing requirements and specifications.
Provide technical guidance and mentorship to members of the Forgings and Materials Supplier Quality team, sharing expertise and promoting best practices.
Advise forging and materials sourcing and operations teams on quality-related disruptions, delivery risks, and cost implications associated with laboratory testing and supplier selection.
Evaluate complex technical and operational challenges, assess information from multiple internal and external sources, and recommend effective solutions.
Contribute to the development of laboratory quality policies, strategies, and improvement programs while influencing decisions within the assigned area of responsibility.
Stay informed about industry developments, testing technologies, regulatory requirements, and emerging best practices to continuously improve laboratory quality processes.