Laboratory Technical Lead

Mechanical Test Laboratory Technical Lead (Rotating Shift)

What we are looking for

TheMechanical Test Laboratory Technical Leadis the on-shift technical authority for aerospace composite mechanical testing. This role is hands-on and leadership-focused: you will run and oversee testing direct technicians troubleshoot equipment/method issues and ensure work meets customer specifications and applicable standards. The Lead is also responsible for reviewing and releasing test results (within delegated authority) with complete traceability and audit-ready documentation.

Primary Responsibilities

1) Technical leadership & execution (core of the role)

• Lead the execution of composite and adhesive mechanical testing including but not limited to:

• Tension / Compression (incl. modulus/strain measurement as required)

• Open-Hole Tension (OHT) / Open-Hole Compression (OHC)

• Compression After Impact (CAI) (supporting the full flow as applicable: post-impact handling setup and test execution)

• Interlaminar Shear Strength (ILSS) / Short Beam Shear

• Flexure (as applicable)

• Serve as the escalation point for setup validity fixturing selection alignment grip pressure extensometry selection conditioning/environmental requirements and test program parameters.

• Troubleshoot atypical or anomalous results and equipment/software issues (e.g. slippage bending strain load train alignment data noise premature failures control instability).

• Ensure test methods follow applicable standards and customer requirements (ASTM/ISO/customer methods) including pre-test checks and acceptance criteria.

• Support technical readiness for audits and assessments.

2) Oversight of technicians (doing the work right FTR)

• Direct and support technicians on shift to ensure correct execution safety and priority alignment.

• Verify critical-to-quality items before/during testing (sample ID/traceability correct method correct machine program calibration status environmental conditions and documentation completeness).

• Provide coaching and on-the-job training; standardize best practices and reinforce disciplined test execution. Identify training needs.

• Drive immediate containment when quality concerns arise (stop-work authority quarantine retest evaluation deviation initiation per procedures).

3) Review and release of results (data integrity & accountability)

• Perform technical review of raw data calculations curve validity failure modes and conformance to requirements.

• Ensure results are valid accurate and complete prior to release (including correct units significant figures outlier handling per procedure and required attachments).

• Approve/release results in LIMS (or designated system) in accordance with delegated authority and quality procedures.

• Ensure documentation is maintained to required standards (test records equipment status deviations rework and investigations).

4) Safety compliance and lab standards

• Promote and enforce site and laboratory safety in accordance with company and regulatory requirements (machine safety ergonomics PPE hazardous materials as applicable).

• Maintain high standards of housekeeping clean as you go and FOD reduction practices suitable for aerospace customers.

• Confirm equipment is used only when in valid status (calibrated/verified/maintained) and ensure out-of-service equipment is clearly identified and controlled.

• Ensure correct receiving labeling storage handling and disposal/return of test items to preserve integrity.

• Initiate and support nonconforming work controls when safety equipment or procedural conditions could impact validity of results.

5) Shift performance handover and continuous improvement

• Lead shift execution to meet lab safety quality and delivery targets including KPIs for cycle time OTIF/on-time completion throughput and right-first-time.

• Run structured shift handovers covering work in progress sample/item status equipment status pending reviews/releases deviations/NCMR and key safety issues.

• Participate in and drive LEAN/continuous improvement actions (5S standard work setup reduction error-proofing training updates).

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.

• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret technical specifications and test standards in English.

• Strong communication skills (verbal and written); able to document technical information clearly.

• Proficiency with computers and common office tools (Google or Microsoft applications).

• Strong math skills and attention to detail; able to identify questionable data and drive resolution.

• Proven safety-first mindset and willingness to enforce safety/quality expectations on shift.

• Ability to lead technicians through direction coaching and accountability in a fast-paced lab environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in a STEM field (Materials Mechanical Aerospace etc.).

• Strong knowledge of composite materials (matrix/reinforcement types laminate behavior failure modes environmental effects). Experience with composite materials testing protocols and standards such as ASTM CMH-17 and Nadcap.

• 3 years in an industrial mechanical test lab (aerospace composites strongly preferred).

• Experience with Universal Testing Machine platforms (Zwick MTS Instron) and software (e.g. TestXpert TestSuite Bluehill).

• Experience with Six Sigma tools Lean principles CAPA process and data validation concepts.

• Prior experience serving as a lead trainer or primary technical resource; experience releasing results in a quality system.

Working Conditions / Shift Expectations

• On-site role with a rotating shift schedule (rotation across 1st 2nd and 3rd shift per business needs).

• Occasional overtime and weekend/holiday coverage may be required based on workload and customer commitments.

• Work involves operating heavy mechanical test equipment and fixtures; requires adherence to machine safety and material handling practices.

What Success Looks Like

• Tests are performed correctly the first time.

• Technicians follow standard work consistently; gaps are corrected quickly through coaching and verification.

• Released results are technically sound traceable and audit-ready.

• Shift output meets commitments without compromising safety compliance or technical rigor.

Other information

• Syensqo Composite Materials Anaheim CA
• Shift: Rotating (1st / 2nd / 3rd)
• Location: On-site
• Type: Full-time
• Reports to: Lab Manager / Engineering or Quality (per site structure)
• Salary Range: (based on experience shift assignment and internal equity)
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Greencard holder

You will get:

• Competitive salary (Assess the possibility to add salary range in the job ad) and benefits package. The U.S. base salary range reasonably expected to be paid for this position is$75000 to $104000per year. Since actual compensation packages are based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted base salary range. Total compensation for this role also includes bonus and/or other incentives.
• 16 or more weeks of maternity/paternity and co-parenting leave according to local regulations
• Training platform for all employees
• Free well-being sessions (physical and psychological)