Test Lab Supervisor in Sterling, Massachusetts at IDEAL Industries, Inc.

Anderson Power Products® is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of electrical power connectors and power distribution solutions. Anderson Power partners with leading-edge companies to create innovative connector designs that leverage advanced contact technology and high-power expertise to provide superior value across the power electronics industry. Applications span material handling equipment, battery systems, charging infrastructure, warehouse automation, electric vehicles, ground support equipment, renewable energy, and industrial electrification markets.

Position Summary

The Test Lab Supervisor leads the daily operations of the Compliance Test Laboratory in support of product development, validation, quality assurance, customer requirements, and manufacturing objectives. This role supervises and develops laboratory personnel; establishes testing priorities and schedules; and ensures work is completed safely, accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with approved procedures, quality-system requirements, and applicable industry standards. The Test Lab Supervisor serves as the laboratory’s primary operational leader and works closely with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Product Management, and external test agencies to deliver reliable test results, resolve technical issues, maintain compliant laboratory systems, and continuously strengthen testing capabilities. This position is ideal for a hands-on technical leader who combines sound laboratory judgment, people leadership, disciplined execution, and a strong commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Workload Management

Direct and oversee the daily activities of the Compliance Test Laboratory and laboratory team.Establish and manage testing schedules supporting product development, validation, quality investigations, customer requests, and production needs.Prioritize work, allocate personnel and equipment, and adjust resources to meet project deadlines and changing business requirements.Ensure test programs are executed in accordance with approved plans, procedures, specifications, and acceptance criteria.Monitor laboratory workload, throughput, on-time completion, and constraints; provide clear operating updates to the Engineering Manager and key stakeholders.Maintain a safe, organized, efficient, and audit-ready laboratory environment.

Team Leadership & Development

Supervise, coach, and develop Lab Technicians and Senior Lab Technicians.Set clear performance expectations, assign work, provide timely feedback, and conduct performance and development discussions.Coordinate onboarding, technical training, cross-training, and qualification of laboratory personnel.Ensure team members maintain the technical competencies, safety training, and certifications required for assigned work.Promote accountability, collaboration, problem solving, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.

Product Validation & Testing Oversight

Oversee electrical, mechanical, environmental, endurance, reliability, and product-validation testing.Review test plans, procedures, data, and reports for technical accuracy, completeness, traceability, and alignment with requirements.Partner with Engineering to develop test methods, fixtures, protocols, and validation strategies for new and existing products.Support qualification testing for customer, regulatory, and industry requirements and coordinate activities with external test agencies, including UL, CSA, and TÜV.Evaluate laboratory capabilities and recommend investments needed to support product roadmaps and future testing requirements.

Technical Support & Problem Resolution

Provide hands-on technical leadership during complex product investigations, test anomalies, and failure analyses.Support root-cause analysis, corrective and preventive action, and verification of corrective-action effectiveness.Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing to resolve technical, product, process, and customer-related issues.Ensure test observations, deviations, and risks are communicated promptly and escalated appropriately.

Equipment, Calibration & Facility Management

Manage laboratory equipment acquisition, installation, maintenance, calibration, repair, and replacement programs.Ensure test equipment remains suitable for use, properly identified, and compliant with calibration and traceability requirements.Coordinate preventive maintenance and service activities to minimize disruption and equipment downtime.Maintain appropriate laboratory supplies, fixtures, spare parts, and inventory controls.Manage vendor relationships for calibration services, testing equipment, repairs, and laboratory supplies.

Quality System & Compliance

Ensure laboratory practices comply with ISO 9001, company procedures, and applicable customer, regulatory, and industry requirements.Support internal, customer, registrar, and third-party audits; lead timely closure of laboratory-related findings.Maintain laboratory procedures, work instructions, forms, training records, and document-control requirements.Ensure proper retention, security, accuracy, and traceability of laboratory data and test records.Reinforce safe work practices and ensure identified hazards, incidents, and corrective actions are addressed promptly.

Continuous Improvement & Performance Management

Identify and implement improvements in laboratory safety, efficiency, throughput, testing accuracy, data integrity, and customer responsiveness.Apply Lean, standard work, visual management, and other continuous-improvement methods within the laboratory.Develop and monitor relevant performance measures, including schedule attainment, cycle time, equipment utilization, calibration status, and rework.Support automation and modernization of testing, data acquisition, analysis, and reporting processes.

Budget & Resource Planning

Support annual operating and capital planning for laboratory equipment, facilities, systems, and staffing.Monitor laboratory spending, supply usage, service costs, and inventory levels.Develop fact-based recommendations for equipment, technology, capacity, and capability investments.Ensure effective utilization of laboratory personnel, equipment, facilities, and external testing resources.

Critical Success Factors

Safe, Compliant Laboratory Operations: Maintains an organized, audit-ready laboratory where work is performed safely and in accordance with approved procedures and applicable standards.Reliable Test Execution: Delivers accurate, complete, traceable, and timely results that support sound product and business decisions.People Leadership: Builds technical capability, accountability, engagement, and bench strength across the laboratory team.Priority & Resource Management: Balances competing demands, allocates resources effectively, and communicates constraints and risks early.Technical Problem Solving: Applies sound judgment and structured analysis to resolve test issues, product failures, and operational challenges.Cross-Functional Partnership: Works effectively with Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, Product Management, suppliers, and external agencies.Continuous Improvement: Improves laboratory capacity, cycle time, equipment reliability, testing methods, and data quality.

Qualifications

Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Mechanical Technology, Quality Technology, or a related technical field required; bachelor’s degree preferred. Equivalent relevant education and experience may be considered.Minimum of 5 years of laboratory, product-validation, engineering-technician, quality, or manufacturing experience.At least 2 years of supervisory, team-lead, or project-lead experience; direct people-management experience preferred.Experience supporting product development, qualification, reliability testing, quality systems, or manufacturing in a technical environment.Experience coordinating work with external test or certification agencies such as UL, CSA, or TÜV.Working knowledge of ISO 9001 or a comparable quality-management system.Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, environmental, endurance, reliability, and validation testing methods.Ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, test standards, customer requirements, and technical data.Knowledge of root-cause analysis, corrective-action methods, measurement systems, calibration, and equipment traceability.Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, train, and develop technical employees.Strong planning, organization, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, priorities, budgets, and resources in a dynamic environment.Clear written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical and operational information to varied audiences.

Systems & Tools

Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.Experience with ERP systems, laboratory-management software, calibration systems, and data-acquisition tools preferred.Ability to analyze laboratory data and communicate meaningful technical and operational metrics.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Quality, or a related discipline.Experience testing electrical connectors, power-distribution products, cable assemblies, electromechanical components, or other high-current products.Experience with regulatory certification, environmental test chambers, automated test systems, and test-fixture design.Formal training or certification in Lean, Six Sigma, root-cause analysis, or project management.

Benefits

Anderson Power Products employees enjoy a competitive benefits package, including:

Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance401(k) with Company MatchCash Balance Pension PlanEducation ReimbursementWellness Programs

In addition, IDEAL Industries values personal well-being, community involvement, and work-life balance through:

VacationPersonal DaysVolunteer TimeHolidaysParental Leave

About IDEAL Industries

IDEAL Industries, Inc. is proud to be recognized as one of Newsweek’s Global Top 100 Most Loved Workplaces. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. We know that when you honor relationships, success for all will follow.