Magna Engineered Glass: Validation / Chem Lab Manager

What we offer:
At Magna, you can expect an engaging and dynamic environment where you can help to develop industry-leading automotive technologies. We invest in our employees, providing them with the support and resources they need to succeed. As a member of our global team, you can expect exciting, varied responsibilities as well as a wide range of development prospects. Because we believe that your career path should be as unique as you are.
Group Summary:
The Magna Exteriors portfolio of products includes access systems such as liftgates, exterior trim, modular systems, front-end modules including fascia, active aerodynamic systems and other lightweight structural components for automotive, commercial truck and other industrial markets.
Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to help automakers create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world.
Job Responsibilities:
JOB SUMMARY:
The Lab Manager / Validation Manager at Magna Engineered Glass plays a critical role in overseeing the operations of our chemical laboratory and managing validation procedures across key processes and systems. This position ensures lab activities align with industry regulations and internal standards, with a focus on compliance, quality, and continuous improvement. The manager will lead a team of lab personnel, maintain the integrity of testing and validation activities, and work collaboratively across departments to support engineering and production objectives. The role requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to foster productive relationships both within and outside of the Magna Exteriors - Engineered Glass division.
ESSENTIALJOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervise day-to-day operations of the laboratory to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Ensure all standard work instructions (SWI) in our lab are up to date, that the Lab Manufacturing plan is following production plan ensuring proper coverage and minimum waste.
• Manage and train lab personnel; delegate tasks and monitor performance.
• Oversee lab inventory, including ordering and maintenance of reagents, supplies, and equipment.
• Develop and execute validation protocols for equipment, instruments, software, and processes.
• Ensure testing is done per customer specifications, develop professional test reports and record data in scientific ways.
• Analyze product failures using structured problem-solving techniques and support root cause investigations.
• Review and refine adhesive and primer strategies with an emphasis on material consolidation and cost efficiency; conduct buy-vs-make assessments when needed.
• Develop, establish and maintain procedures, standards of workmanship and reporting formats for technical work.
• Monitor technical advancements within Magna Exteriors - Engineered Glass as well as outside the organization that could potentially impact processes or products.
• Participate in customer and supplier technical problem-solving as circumstances require.
• Support quality testing and analysis of production parts, especially in response to failures or deviations.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Product Development, and other departments to ensure technical goals are aligned with overall business needs.
• Ensure all work adheres to Magna Exteriors - Engineered Glass's quality policy and assures compliance with ISO/IATF systems.
• Maintain calibration schedules and preventive maintenance for all lab equipment; work toward accreditation readiness.
• Responsible and accountable to lead, manage, support, and provide direction to all staff within the department through global effective goals/objectives setting performance monitoring and reviews, communication, and the execution of on-the-job training and development plans.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Risk assessment and analysis within a technical and regulatory context
• Development and execution of robust product validation plans
• Strong foundational knowledge of adhesives and primers used in manufacturing
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly and professionally, both verbally and written.
• Organizational skills, including documentation and lab process management

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in chemistry or chemical engineering with 5 or more years of related experience or equivalent engineering work background.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in laboratory management, chemical analysis, or a related engineering role.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a demonstrated capability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated leadership skills in managing personnel, technical processes, and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Ability to direct and lead others through daily assignments, special projects, and root cause analysis.
• Proficiency in statistical process control (SPC), experimental design, and root cause analysis.
• Thorough knowledge of glass fabrication and thin film deposition as well as electronic performance of functional thin and thick films.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing systems, including quality and process standards (e.g., ISO, IATF).
• Ability to develop, implement, maintain and support systems as they pertain to manufacturing operations.
• Responsible for departmental safety performance, including meeting measurable safety goals, enforcing safe work practices, and ensuring compliance with safety policies. Must lead by example and take corrective action when safety standards are not met.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment and independently.
• Knowledge of safety standards and protocols in manufacturing environments.
• English proficiency required, with strong verbal and written communication skills. Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.

Awareness, Unity, Empowerment:
At Magna, we believe that a diverse workforce is critical to our success. That's why we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We hire on the basis of experience and qualifications, and in consideration of job requirements, regardless of, in particular, color, ancestry, religion, gender, origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability or gender identity. Magna takes the privacy of your personal information seriously. We discourage you from sending applications via email or traditional mail to comply with GDPR requirements and your local Data Privacy Law.
Worker Type:
Regular / Permanent
Group:
Magna Exteriors