1

Metallurgical Lab Manager Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Metallurgical Lab Manager information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Metallurgical Lab Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Metallurgical Lab Manager, you need a solid background in materials science or metallurgy, typically with a bachelor’s or master’s degree and experience in laboratory management. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as spectrometers, microscopes, and metallographic equipment, as well as quality management systems like ISO 17025, is crucial. Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills help you manage teams and projects effectively while ensuring safety and compliance. These competencies are vital to maintain high testing standards, drive research innovation, and support operational excellence in metallurgical laboratories.

What is the difference between Metallurgical Lab Manager vs Metallurgical Technician?

AspectMetallurgical Lab ManagerMetallurgical Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in materials science, metallurgy, or related field; often requires experience in lab managementAssociate's or bachelor's in metallurgy, materials science, or related field; technical certifications may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees laboratory operations, manages staff, and ensures quality control in metallurgical testing labsPerforms testing, prepares samples, and records data in metallurgical labs under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing, mining, and metal production industriesTypically found in research facilities, quality control labs, and manufacturing plants

The Metallurgical Lab Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, managing staff, and ensuring testing quality, while the Metallurgical Technician performs hands-on testing and data collection. Both roles are essential in metallurgical testing environments but differ in responsibilities and required experience.

What does a Metallurgical Lab Manager do?

A Metallurgical Lab Manager oversees the operations of a laboratory that conducts tests and analyses on metals and alloys to determine their properties, composition, and suitability for specific applications. They are responsible for managing lab staff, ensuring safety and quality standards are met, developing testing protocols, and maintaining equipment. Additionally, they interpret test results, prepare reports, and collaborate with engineers and production teams to solve material-related issues. Their role is crucial in industries such as manufacturing, mining, and materials engineering, where understanding the behavior of metals is essential.

What are some common challenges faced by Metallurgical Lab Managers, and how can they be addressed?

Metallurgical Lab Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality control standards, managing a diverse team of technicians, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. Balancing administrative duties with hands-on technical oversight can also be demanding. To address these challenges, effective communication, continuous staff training, and staying updated on the latest testing methodologies are essential. Implementing robust safety protocols and fostering a collaborative work environment can help ensure both productivity and high-quality results.
What are popular job titles related to Metallurgical Lab Manager jobs in Indiana? For Metallurgical Lab Manager jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Metallurgical Lab Manager jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Metallurgical Lab Manager jobs in Indiana are:
Infographic showing various Metallurgical Lab Manager job openings in Indiana as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Director of Quality & Technical Services

Director of Quality & Technical Services

National Material L.P.

East Chicago, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

The Director of Quality & Technical Services leads enterprise quality strategy and technical support across NMC operations. This role owns the Quality Management System (QMS), customer quality performance, and continuous improvement of manufacturing capability through data-driven problem solving, disciplined corrective action, and strong cross-functional leadership.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Own and continuously improve the Quality Management System (procedures, work instructions, document control, training effectiveness), ensuring compliance and audit readiness.
  • Lead and develop the Quality & Technical Services team (quality inspectors, lab/testing personnel, and engineering support), setting clear expectations, coaching performance, and building bench strength.
  • Maintain and strengthen IATF 16949 certification, including internal audit programs, management review, and closure of findings with effective countermeasures.
  • Drive structured problem solving and corrective action (8D, 5-Why, defect prevention, statistical tools), reducing internal/external defects and eliminating recurring issues.
  • Lead customer quality engagement: manage claims/complaints, communicate containment and corrective action plans, and improve customer scorecards and satisfaction.
  • Partner with Operations, Maintenance, and Engineering to improve process capability, control plans, and inspection/testing strategies across production.
  • Provide metallurgical and technical support for product/process issues, including evaluation of nonconformances, material behavior, and manufacturing performance.
  • Strengthen supplier quality performance by setting expectations, reviewing supplier metrics, driving corrective actions, and improving quality and on-time delivery.
  • Own key quality metrics and reporting (scrap/rework, customer returns, COPQ, audit results), delivering clear insights and recommendations to leadership.
  • Ensure effective product and process quality planning activities as applicable (APQP, FMEA, PPAP, SPC, sampling plans, and control plans), aligned to customer and internal requirements.
  • Translate blueprints/specifications into practical inspection and test methods; validate measurement systems and ensure consistent application on the floor and in the lab.

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, Quality Management, or a related discipline (required).
  • 5+ years of progressive quality leadership experience in a manufacturing environment (multi-site/multi-location experience preferred).
  • Hands-on experience with core automotive quality tools and methods: APQP, PFMEA/FMEA, Control Plans, PPAP, SPC, sampling plans, and layered/process audits.
  • Strong background in root cause analysis and corrective action (8D, 5-Why, Ishikawa or equivalent), with demonstrated results reducing defects and customer complaints.
  • Experience leading and sustaining IATF 16949 systems and external certification audits.
  • Metallurgical or materials engineering experience supporting manufacturing and customers; experience with advanced high-strength steels preferred.
  • Lean/Six Sigma experience strongly preferred; Black Belt certification is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Strong knowledge of automotive customer requirements and supplier/manufacturing quality expectations (OEM and/or Tier 1 experience preferred).
  • Proven ability to lead through influence across Operations, Engineering, Sales, and Supply Chain to deliver measurable quality and delivery improvements.
  • Excellent analytical skills with the ability to turn data into action (trend analysis, capability, COPQ, Pareto, control charts).
  • Strong customer-facing communication skills; able to present technical content clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Working knowledge of inspection and test methods, metrology, and interpretation of drawings/specifications.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and comfort working in ERP/QMS systems; able to build simple dashboards and standard reporting.
  • Collaborative, hands-on leadership style; able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, continuous-improvement culture.

We are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law.