Potato Chip Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Description:

Instron is a global organization that designs, manufactures, sells and services mechanical testing systems. 

Have you ever wondered how a potato chip always has the right crispiness level? Or, how your game controller will survive several drops whether you are excited for your win or upset by a loss? How about eyewear being able to withstand impact forces? Visit Instron’s YouTube Channel  to see our customer’s applications or watch our Culture video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IC97HOKN-Y. Check out Facebook Watch at https://fb.watch/a8ILPde4GP/ for additional videos.

Our systems are trusted by 95% of the world’s largest manufacturing companies to gather critical data, informing the design of components and materials. You will find that our established strength, commitment to our core values and team focus provides an engaging work environment and offers exceptional opportunities for personal and career development.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the NVLAP-accredited laboratory facilities located in Norwood, MA. This role plans, directs, supervises, and evaluates laboratory operations to ensure efficiency, quality, and productivity while meeting organizational and customer requirements.
The Laboratory Operations Manager actively oversees the lifecycle of laboratory measurement standards, testing fixtures, and instrumentation in support of global field service operations. This position leads and supports the Norwood-based laboratory team to ensure equipment is received, maintained, calibrated, and delivered efficiently to field service engineers worldwide.
The role promotes a safe, organized, and effective laboratory environment, ensures compliance with applicable standards, and supports continuous improvement initiatives to meet operational targets and quality objectives.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Develops and provides management reports and performance metrics related to laboratory equipment, capacity, and workforce needs.

• Oversees the day-to-day application of organizational policies and procedures and monitors staff performance.

• Maintains accountability for laboratory performance, including inventory tracking, equipment availability, and work assignment.

• Reviews calibration results to identify trends and recommend improvements.

• Measures and manages departmental efficiency and quality, driving continuous improvement initiatives.

• Ensures compliance with safety regulations and promotes a culture of safe practices.

• Maintains high standards of housekeeping and equipment maintenance.

• Ensures compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and applicable quality standards.

• Defines staffing and resource needs and participates in hiring and performance reviews.

• Leads technical problem solving and supports calibration needs with internal and field teams.

Performance Metrics

• Improved efficiency and accuracy of laboratory activity reporting.

• Reduction in calibration backlog and reduction in calibration turnaround time.

• Improved turnaround time for calibration activities.

• Effective support of specialized calibration requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Technical competence gained through education and experience in engineering or metrology.

• Experience supporting or managing technical service operations.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and support teams in a collaborative manner.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to meet goals in a fast-paced technical environment.

• Working knowledge of calibration of precision force transducers.

• Experience with testing fixtures, ASTM practices, and NIST procedures.

• Ability to organize work independently with minimal supervision.

Working Conditions

This role operates in a production laboratory environment with exposure to operational equipment and hazards associated with force measurement instrumentation. Adherence to safety practices is required.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to the Director of Engineering and Calibration

Compensation Information:

This position has a starting salary range of $110,000 to $120,000 per year. Pay is determined by several factors, including a candidate’s experience, relevant skills, and qualifications.

ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. 

As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.