Quality Lab Engineer - technician

Quality Lab Technician

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

Job Mission

The Quality Lab Technician will be responsible for providing analytical testing on a variety of materials, components, and compounds. You will work with cross-functional teams to ensure that you are aligned to New Balance's Quality standards and properly representing the customer, from a quality perspective. In this role, you will accurately complete testing as requested by internal customers including: NB Innovation, Product Development, and Production Teams in a timely manner. You will input, maintain, and analyze quality data for better reporting and easier decision making. You will help to define test procedures for specific materials, periodic evaluation of tests, standards, and test procedures within the lab to provide appropriate testing. You will also look to expand the laboratory capabilities by exploring new test methods that may better replicate the consumer and athlete experience.

Major Responsibilities

• Coordinate efforts with footwear and apparel development to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all material testing.
• Provide testing support in qualifying new or alternative materials. Conduct validation testing to ensure that materials meet specifications. Inspect and test required incoming materials using appropriate techniques and equipment.
• Consult with Lab Manager to conduct analysis and interpret test results to ensure quality and performance criteria are met and reported accurately.
• Assist with the development of new testing standards and methods. Ensure all testing procedures are executed properly.
• Create and execute Designs of Experiments when needed. These may be for materials, shoe components.
• Complete all required digital documentation needed to support testing procedures, including logs, records, and reports. Maintain historical samples of physical testing.
• Ensure proper calibration and maintenance is performed on a regular schedule for all lab equipment, machinery, and instrumentation.
• Maintain an inventory of materials and supplies necessary for proper execution of tests.

Requirements for Success

• Minimum of a BS in Engineering or science-related discipline. Also, work experience directly related manufacturing/quality and supervision preferred.

• Lean six sigma Green Belt or higher with specific experience in DOE and FMEA is preferred.

• Strong planning, prioritizing, and organizing skills necessary. Must be able to multi-task and manage multiple projects at once.

• Requires a high degree of independence and ability to influence others.

• Experience with quality management tools and techniques (i.e., Lean, Six Sigma, Statistical Process Control and Failure Mode & Effective Analysis as applied to product manufacturing and development - Six Sigma certification preferred. ASQ CQE is preferred.

• Footwear experience preferred. Some occasional travel may be required.

Regular Associate Benefits

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You'll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it's part of our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.