Laboratory Analysis Specialist

VW. Two letters. Endless opportunities.

Summary

Material testing of metallic / polymeric components and assemblies, including but not limited to:

• Initial Sampling (PPAP / PPA)
• Series Monitoring
• Material Development
• Failure Analysis

Management of responsible area resources, including but not limited to:

• Understanding, certification, and round robin evaluation of material and testing standards
• Availability, calibration, maintenance, training, and necessary consumables of responsible equipment
• 5S and maintenance of responsible room in laboratory
• Communication of Laboratory results via technical reports as well as internal and external meetings
• Create and maintain internal work instructions and process standards for responsible area as needed

Responsibilities

Initial Sampling (PPAP / PPA) Laboratory Testing and Reporting

• Review drawing requirements, material specifications, and supplier control plan for intended application
• Create and execute material test plan per drawing and specification requirements
• Coordinate testing with external service providers as needed
• Utilization of workshop and metallographic tools for sample preparation and evaluation
• Grade new components and assemblies according to Volkswagen quality standards for release
• Evaluate supplier testing documentation according to drawing and specification requirements
• Completion of evaluation and reporting within specified time constraint of 4 weeks

Series Monitoring

• Conduct regular intervals of testing and evaluation of identified critical characters
• Fulfill all testing and reporting frequency as required per internal or external binding obligations
• Material Development Laboratory Testing and Reporting
• Development of suppliers for raw materials, vehicle components, or assemblies
• Material test plan and validation of new materials in coordination with research and development
• Consultation of technical engineering department regarding appropriate applications and specifications
• Identify critical characteristics for components or assemblies that must be regularly evaluated
• Knowledge of German (VDA, DIN, etc.), US (AIAG, ASTM, etc.) and other international material standards inresponsible area
• Coordinate with internal and external customers (purchasing, quality purchased parts, engineering, suppliers,etc.) as needed

Failure Analysis

• Write problem statements for incoming requests from design, production, and customer complaints
• Identify if complaint is material or processing of material related
• Provide first feedback from receipt of initial complaint within 48 hours
• Propose hypothesizes and execute design of experiments to evaluate hypothesizes for root cause
• Define countermeasure to reduce or eliminate material or processing related complaints
• Tracking of material and processing related improvements including but not limited to process parameters,material change, inspection method, PFMEA / control plan update, etc.
• Harmonize corrective measures with different affected departments as necessary
• Completion of evaluation and reporting within specified time constraint as specified
• Continuous learning and development of new methods and techniques for testing and evaluation

Qualifications

Required

• 4 year degree; Material Science Engineer, Chemical engineer, Mechanical engineer, or other related field of study
• Understanding of material properties, applications, and testing procedures
• Technical Writing and Presentation capability

Preferred

• Experience in material development and/or material tests in laboratories
• Material know-how in processing of polymeric or metallic materials
• Experience in Automotive industry
• Advanced degree
• German or Spanish Language

Scope and Magnitude