Audemars Piguet Laboratory Manager

About Audemars Piguet

A Swiss watch manufacturer based in Le Locle operating within the country’s esteemed horological cluster. The employer prioritizes technical excellence, precision engineering and artisanal craftsmanship consistent with the region’s watchmaking tradition.

Role & Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the quality testing laboratory, supervising laboratory technicians and coordinating daily workflows.
• Develop, implement and maintain test plans and protocols for component and finished-watch inspections (chronometry, water resistance, materials, surface integrity).
• Ensure laboratory compliance with internal QA procedures and external standards, maintaining traceability and complete test records.
• Operate, validate and oversee maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment (timing machines, pressure testers, hardness testers, microscopes, spectrometers).
• Analyse test results, prepare technical reports and present findings to engineering, quality and production teams to support non-conformity investigations and corrective actions.
• Manage incoming sample handling and supplier/third‑party testing coordination, including the review of external laboratory reports.
• Drive continuous improvement of laboratory methods, reliability of measurements and cost-effective test strategies.
• Support product development and prototyping by designing and executing qualification tests for new components and assemblies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Horology or a related technical discipline.
• Proven supervisory experience in a quality testing or laboratory environment within precision manufacturing, preferably in watchmaking or micro‑mechanics.
• Practical knowledge of metrology and laboratory best practices; experience with calibration and instrument qualification.
• Familiarity with quality management and laboratory accreditation standards (ISO 9001; ISO/IEC 17025 desirable).
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail and the ability to produce clear technical documentation in English and, ideally, French.

Skills

Experience

Typically 3–7 years of progressive experience in laboratory testing or quality assurance within precision manufacturing; previous experience in horology or micro‑mechanical component testing preferred, including supervisory responsibility.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Horology or equivalent technical diploma.

Workplace

Culture

The workplace reflects the precision-driven, craft-oriented culture of Swiss watchmaking: disciplined, detail-focused and committed to technical mastery. Collaboration between laboratory, engineering and production teams is encouraged to uphold product excellence and continuous improvement.

About Cerulean

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