The QC Destruct Lab Team Leader is responsible for leading day-to-day quality control operations within the Destruct Lab to ensure product performance, weld integrity, and compliance with customer specifications, internal quality standards, and automotive industry requirements. This role operates under the direction of the QC Supervisor, coordinating team workflows, guiding lab technicians, and managing departmental priorities based on manufacturing demands.

The Team Leader must demonstrate strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and attention to detail while performing and overseeing inspections, testing, calibrations, validations, and reporting in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, the Team Leader plays a key role in driving continuous improvement initiatives, maintaining lab equipment, enforcing safety regulations, and ensuring strict alignment with the Quality Management System, including IATF 16949 requirements and the Toyota Production System (TPS).

Roles & Responsibilities

Leadership & Operational Oversight

• Lead, train, and support QC Destruct Lab Technicians in daily lab operations, testing procedures, and safety compliance.
• Coordinate daily work schedules, assign testing tasks, and prioritize lab workflows based on production schedules and immediate quality needs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for elevating nonconformities, quality spill containment, and abnormal conditions to the QC Supervisor, Quality Engineering, and Production leadership.
• Drive root cause analysis and lead problem-solving activities to resolve quality issues as they arise in the lab or on the floor.
• Support continuous improvement (Kaizen) initiatives within the lab to optimize cycle times, testing accuracy, and workflow efficiency.

Technical & Testing Execution

• Oversee and perform weld destruct testing, cut-and-etch evaluations, and lab inspections at established frequencies according to work orders and customer specifications.
• Supervise the operation, care, and maintenance of all lab equipment, destructive testing machinery, and precision measurement tools.
• Manage and execute lab calibrations, validation activities, and correlation audits, ensuring all supporting documentation is accurate and complete.
• Review, finalize, and sign off on detailed lab reports and work orders for Production, Quality Control (QC), and customer requests.
• Ensure all product testing strictly conforms to customer specifications, engineering standards, and IATF 16949 guidelines.

Compliance, Maintenance & Administration

• Maintain strict 5S standards and promote a safe, organized, and compliant lab environment.
• Enforce adherence to all company policies, safety protocols, PPE requirements, and environmental standards.
• Monitor equipment health and schedule preventive maintenance or repairs to minimize lab downtime.
• Work overtime during weekdays and weekends as required to support production operational demands and Quality Control priorities.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Technical Skills

• Measurement Tools: Proficient in using and verifying basic and precision measurement tools, including Calipers, Steel Rules, Taper Gauges, and specialized lab equipment.
• Software & Systems: Proficient in Windows OS, MS Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access database), and internet applications for data analysis and reporting.
• Industry Knowledge: Solid understanding of automotive quality standards, including IATF 16949 requirements and Toyota Production System (TPS) principles.
• Communication: Ability to communicate technical information effectively to production operators, cross-functional teams, and executive management.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Work Environment

• Work is typically performed in a fast-paced production and laboratory environment.
• Moderate noise levels.
• Ability to operate computer terminals, data input devices, office equipment, and specialized lab testing machinery.

Physical Demands

• Lifting: Regularly lifting up to 10 pounds; occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
• Vision & Perception: Visual acuity required to analyze data on screens, evaluate cut-and-etch/weld specimens, and review physical reports.
• Communication: Verbal and written communication required for training, presenting complex matters, and telephone communication.
• Multitasking: Ability to manage multiple projects, lab requests, and team priorities simultaneously.
• Travel: Occasional local or long-distance travel by automotive and/or plane as needed.

Disclaimer: The above job description identifies the essential job functions and skills needed by the person or persons assigned to this position. These job functions and skills are not intended to be a complete and exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Any accommodation made must be stated in writing and attached to this job description. The information contained herein is subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Futaba Indiana of America is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a work environment that supports, inspires, and respects all individuals without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national or ethnic origin, or other protected class.