Laboratory Manager Rubber Components

Job Roll-

The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for managing laboratory operations, rubber formulation development, material analysis, testing activities, and ensuring compliance with customer specifications and international standards. The incumbent must be actively involved in designing and developing rubber compounds and formulas according to customer requirements and applicable industry standards.

Job Responsibilities -

1. Laboratory Management

• Manage daily laboratory operations and testing activities.
• Supervise laboratory technicians and quality staff.
• Ensure laboratory efficiency and continuous improvement.

2. Rubber Formulation & Development

• Design and develop rubber formulations according to customer specifications and applicable standards.
• Optimize formulations for performance, manufacturability, and cost.
• Maintain knowledge of ingredients, additives, raw materials, and current suppliers.
• Support new product development and process improvement activities.

3. Rubber Mixing Operations

• Possess hands-on knowledge of laboratory and production open mixing mills.
• Support compound mixing, process optimization, and scale-up activities.

4. Material Testing & Analysis

• Test raw materials, rubber compounds, and finished products.
• Perform hardness, tensile strength, elongation, compression set, specific gravity, ageing, and adhesion tests.
• Analyze test results and recommend corrective actions.

5. Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ISO, ASTM, SAE, DIN, Indian Standards, AS9100, and customer specifications.
• Support internal, customer, and third-party audits.
• Implement SPC, CAPA, FMEA, and continuous improvement tools.

6. Calibration & Equipment Control

• Maintain calibration records and preventive maintenance schedules.
• Ensure proper functioning of laboratory equipment.

7. Documentation & Reporting

• Prepare COA, validation reports, laboratory records, and technical documentation.
• Support PPAP, FAI, and customer qualification activities.

8. Team Management

• Train and guide laboratory personnel.
• Develop technical competency within the team.

9. Production & Customer Support

• Support production troubleshooting and quality improvement initiatives.
• Coordinate with customers regarding technical requirements and material performance.

10. Safety & Housekeeping

• Ensure laboratory safety and implementation of 5S practices.

Required Skills

Technical Skills

• Rubber technology and polymer science.
• Rubber formulation and compound development.
• Knowledge of ingredients, formulations, and supplier management.
• Experience with laboratory and production open mixing mills.
• Knowledge of ISO, ASTM, SAE, DIN, Indian Standards, and aerospace quality standards.
• Familiarity with Indian rubber laboratory practices.
• SPC, CAPA, FMEA, and quality tools.

Laboratory Equipment Knowledge

Hands-on experience with:

• MDR (Moving Die Rheometer)
• Hardness Tester
• TR Test Equipment
• Brittle Point Tester
• Universal Testing Machine (UTM)
• Tensile Testing Machine
• Density Balance
• Viscometer
• FTIR Equipment
• Microscope
• Profile Projector

Software Skills

• MS Office
• ERP Systems
• Laboratory Management Software

Soft Skills

• Leadership
• Communication
• Analytical Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Attention to Detail

Educational Qualification

B.E./B.Tech in Polymer Engineering, Rubber Technology, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.

M.Tech in Polymer or Rubber Technology preferred.

Experience Required

1015 years of experience in rubber compound development, formulation design, laboratory management, and testing activities.

Preferred Industry Experience

• Aerospace Rubber Components
• Oil & GasRole & responsibilities

Preferred candidate profile