Mechanical Test Laboratory Technical Lead (Rotating Shift) What we are looking forThe
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
- 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)
