Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent, and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation. In 2023, Continental generated preliminary sales of €41.4 billion and currently employs around 200,000 people in 56 countries and markets.ContiTech, a group sector of Continental, is one of the world’s leading industry specialists that offers its customers connected, environment-friendly, safe, & convenient industry and service solutions using a range of materials for OEM automotive applications, off-highway applications, on rails and roads, in the air, under and above the ground, in industrial environments, for the food sector and the furniture industry. With about 42,000 employees in more than 40 countries and sales of some 6.8 billion euros (2023), the global industrial partner is active with core branches in Asia, Europe, and North & South America. In this role, the candidate will have direct management and supervisory responsibility for the R&D Material Testing Laboratory in Auburn, Indiana USA. The primary materials being tested include various types of elastomers but may also include materials such as thermoplastics, fabrics, reinforcements, or metals as the organization moves into the future.Core Responsiabilites
Lead and develop the material testing team of direct reports in Auburn, Indiana USA
Maintain compliance with IATF 16949 related processes and procedures for the automotive Industry.
Assist in the definition and execution of the R&D strategy through close cooperation with R&D customers by ensuring the necessary testing capabilities and capacity are present.
Maintain contact with universities, Industry relevant groups, and institutions for support and development of new testing methods, including the training of others in the methods.
Strategically plan new equipment purchases as needed.
Coordinate with other material testing leaders around the globe to ensure best practices are being used and that methods are standard between labs.
Manage the budget of the relevant cost center.
Monitor relevant KPI’s, develop and execute continuous improvement activities.
Ensure high quality, accurate test results are produced as efficiently as possible.
Provide employees with support and guidance in an increasingly complex and more dynamic working environment.
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Chemistry
2+ years experience in polymeric materials testing
Demonstrated experience in materials testing and laboratory operations
Working experience with other cultural regions
Visa Sponsorship for Continental Employees only
Preferred Qualifications
5+ years experience in materials testing and laboratory operations
1-3 years of leadership experience
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.EEO-Statement:EEO / AA / Disabled / Protected Veteran Employer. Continental offers equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to unlawful consideration to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. In addition, as a federal contractor, Continental complies with government regulations, including affirmative action responsibilities, where they apply. To be considered, you must apply for a specific position for which Continental has a current posted job opening. Qualifying applications will be considered only for the specific opening(s) to which you apply. If you would like to be considered for additional or future job openings, we encourage you to reapply for other opportunities as they become available. Further, Continental provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance in the application process, please reply to [email protected] or contact US Recruiting at 248.393.5566. This telephone line and email address are reserved solely for job seekers with disabilities requesting accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Please do not call about the status of your job application, if you do not require accessibility assistance or an accommodation. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or non-disability related technical issues, will not receive a call back.Ready to drive with Continental? Take the first step and fill in the online application.