Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
Certification in NADCAP, AS9100, or ISO 17025 standards.
5-7 years experience in aerospace or industrial metal surface treatment; 3 years in a supervisory role.
Strong knowledge of chemical process control and analytical testing methods.
Excellent organizational and time-management skills in a dynamic environment.
Effective communication skills, with experience mentoring lab staff.
Safety-conscious with a proactive problem-solving attitude.
Responsibilities
Oversee lab operations related to metal surface treatment processes.
Manage the chemical inventory, including procurement and compliance checks.
Conduct routine chemical analyses and trend analysis on processing solutions.
Update lab procedures in accordance with customer and industry requirements.
Prepare and monitor etch rate test panels and corrosion testing.
Perform internal process audits to ensure compliance with established standards.
Train and direct laboratory technicians in daily assignments.
Benefits
Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
Paid time off and holiday pay.
Opportunities for professional development and training.
Supportive team environment with a focus on safety and compliance.
Full Job Description
Compensation Range: $80,000 - $95,000
Shift Time: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM | Monday to Friday
Job Summary:
The Laboratory Supervisor oversees all laboratory operations related to metal surface treatment processes, ensuring compliance with the latest customer specifications, company procedures, and quality control and assurance requirements. This role includes supervising and supporting laboratory technicians, troubleshooting technical issues, and managing testing activities such as etch rate, salt spray, and IGA/EPR corrosion testing, and calibration of lab and production equipment. The supervisor is also responsible for chemical inventory control-including ordering, labeling, tracking expiration dates, and disposal-and plays a key role in maintaining compliance with NADCAP, AS9100, and customer-specific aerospace standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Review specifications for chemical compositions, periodic testing, and lot testing requirements.
Procure chemicals, maintain inventory, and review chemical certifications for compliance.
Perform routine chemical analyses (daily, weekly, monthly, and periodic) and trend analysis on processing solutions.
Maintain and update laboratory procedures per customer and industry specifications.
Prepare and perform the test panels for daily etch rate monitoring.
Perform internal process audits and analysis to ensure procedural compliance.
Process Audits.
Prepare and perform/monitor Intergranular Attack (IGA) and Electrochemical Potentiokinetic Reactivation (EPR/EGP) testing.
Conduct daily salt spray testing and maintain logs.
Support miscellaneous production testing and chemical make-ups.
Direct, train, and support chemical technicians with daily assignments.
Prepare laboratory solutions and reagents required for analytical procedures.
Skills/ Knowledge Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field required.
Certification or training in NADCAP, AS9100, or ISO 17025 lab standards. Familiarity with ASTM, AMS, and MIL-SPEC testing procedures and quality documentation.
Minimum 5-7 years of experience in aerospace or industrial metal surface treatment, including anodizing, passivation, plating, thermal coating and painting. At least 3 years in a supervisory or lead laboratory role.
Strong understanding of chemical process control and analytical testing (e.g., titrations, pH, conductivity, atomic absorption). Ability to interpret and apply aerospace specifications (e.g., MIL-PRF-8625, AMS 2700, ASTM B117, etc.). Proficient in maintaining compliance with internal and external audits (e.g., NADCAP, OEM audits). High attention to detail and commitment to traceable, documented testing practices.
Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment. Effective communicator with ability to mentor and guide junior lab staff. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and Lab and calibration systems like TrueChem, gagetrak.
Safety- and compliance-minded with a proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving
Personal Attributes: strong leadership skill, problem solving, time management
