PPE Laboratory Supervisor

Location: ArcWear Division – Louisville, KY

About the Job

The Laboratory Supervisor is responsible for the day-to-day leadership, coordination, and operational oversight of PPE testing activities within the ArcWear laboratories. This role ensures that testing programs for protective helmets, footwear, arc flash, flame, thermal, and physical performance are executed safely, efficiently, and in strict alignment with quality and accreditation requirements.

The Laboratory Supervisor provides direct supervision to Laboratory Technicians and Laboratory Assistants, while serving as a key link between laboratory operations, quality management, and project delivery. This position plays a critical role in maintaining technical rigor, supporting staff development, and scaling laboratory capabilities as business demands evolve.

Primary Responsibilities May Include:

• Provide direct supervision and technical leadership to Laboratory Technicians, and Laboratory Assistants.
• Plan, assign, and monitor laboratory workloads to ensure project timelines, testing accuracy, and client commitments are met.
• Oversee testing programs across all PPE testing disciplines.
• Ensure laboratory operations comply with the ArcWear/Kinectrics Quality Management System and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
• Review test data, documentation, and records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance prior to release.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, calibration, and readiness across assigned laboratory areas.
• Manage sample flow, inventory controls, and chain-of-custody processes.
• Support audits, method validations, proficiency testing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide training, coaching, and performance feedback to laboratory staff; support onboarding and skill development.
• Collaborate with project management, quality, and leadership teams to address capacity planning and operational risks.
• Assist with special research initiatives, method development, or expansion of testing capabilities as needed.
• Enforce laboratory safety practices and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of laboratory and business objectives.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Textiles, Textile Engineering, Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical/scientific field (required).
• 2-5 years of progressively responsible experience in a testing laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated supervisory or team leadership experience in a technical or laboratory setting.
• Experience working within an ISO/IEC 17025–accredited laboratory strongly preferred.
• Broad familiarity with PPE testing methodologies; experience with helmet and/or footwear testing is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and quality compliance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and laboratory data or tracking systems.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently in the U.S. (i.e. without the need for work sponsorship now or in the future).

About Us

Kinectrics ArcWear is located in Louisville, KY and is the world’s leading provider of testing of Arc Flash Protective Clothing.  In addition to Arc PPE, ArcWear provides testing of various flame and thermal protective products, as well as physical testing (strength, cut resistance, abrasion resistance, etc.) of PPE.

Kinectrics AES, Inc. is the U.S. division of Kinectrics, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative life cycle management solutions for the energy industry. Kinectrics is known worldwide for the technical excellence of its’ employees, challenging work, opportunity for career growth, and flexible working conditions.

Why Work For Us?

Kinectrics AES, Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, life insurances, generous PTO and a 5% match on our 401k plan.

Employee surveys consistently rank Kinectrics as “one of the best places to work”. Although this phrase may mean different things to different people, Kinectrics is widely recognized as a company that employs some of the best and brightest minds in the energy and utility industry.

Kinectrics AES is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classification.