Laboratory Technical Lead

Mechanical Test Laboratory Technical Lead (Rotating Shift) 

What we are looking for

The Mechanical Test Laboratory Technical Lead is 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 

• Bachelor’s 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 $75,000 to $104,000 per 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)