UL

Lead Process Owner - Testing (Chemical/Mechanical)

UL$116K — $160K *
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in lab-based chemical, mechanical, or material testing.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent process improvement training; ISO certifications are a plus.
  • Strong understanding of testing methodologies, lab operations, and quality systems.
  • Effective communication and analytical skills; capable of leading through influence.
  • Fluent in English; additional languages are beneficial for regional collaboration.

Responsibilities

  • Own the Chemical/Mechanical Testing sub-process globally across integrated labs.
  • Act as the main contact for all process-related inquiries and decisions in testing.
  • Approve all relevant Quality System documents directly or via a deputy.
  • Streamline and harmonize SOPs related to various testing processes.
  • Collaborate with Technical Competence Centers to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  • Implement technical decisions into standardized procedures for laboratories.
  • Regularly communicate updates on laboratory accreditation and compliance requirements.

Benefits

  • Health benefits including medical, dental, and vision.
  • Wellness support for mental and financial health.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan.
  • Paid time off including 15 vacation days and 12 holidays.
  • Sick leave provision of 72 hours.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Testing Process Owner - Chemical/Mechanical serves as the global functional leader for a defined testing sub-process within the broader Performance Process Testing framework. Reporting to the Director Lab Operational Excellence, this role is the Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Chemical / Mechanical Testing across all integrated laboratories.

The Process Owner ensures strategic alignment, drives standardization and optimization, and governs compliance and technical implementation. While the role does not carry disciplinary authority, it requires strong collaboration with Laboratory Managers, Regional Directors, and Technical Competence Centers to ensure consistent execution and process discipline.

All processes related to the assigned testing area within ULDC integrated labs must be formally approved by the Process Owner or their designated deputy, ensuring alignment with global standards and quality systems.

This is a hybrid role requiring 3 days per week in any UL office globally.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities
  • Serve as the global owner of the Chemical/Mechanical Testing sub-process across all integrated laboratories.
  • Act as the single point of contact (SPOC) and decision-maker for all process-related matters in the assigned area.
  • Approve all ULDC Quality System documents related to the testing area, directly or via a designated deputy.
  • Develop, harmonize, and reduce the number of SOPs related to:
    • Testing
    • Rework
    • Round robin tests
    • Qualification tests
    • Measurement uncertainty evaluations
  • Collaborate with Technical Competence Centers (e.g., GLTL, PrEs) to ensure consistency and technical accuracy
  • Implement technical decisions from Competence Centers into standardized operating procedures.
  • Monitor and communicate updates related to laboratory accreditation and scheme-specific requirements.
  • Ensure decisions from ILAC members are effectively integrated into lab operations.
  • Own and maintain Excellence Laboratory Guidelines.
  • Provide strategic input on global testing technologies and innovation.
  • Drive development and optimization of laboratory schemes and testing technologies to support Market Access Services.
  • Host monthly meetings with Lab Managers and Leaders to align process improvements, technical updates, and strategic goals.
  • Collaborate with Regional Directors and Business Partners to ensure execution and process discipline - without disciplinary authority.
  • Support strategic planning and development of new laboratories.
  • Establish governance for the Laboratory Playbook, including regular review cycles.
  • Act as a change agent for harmonized procedures, engaging stakeholders and assessing impact.
  • Promote internal and external best practices across global labs.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical field. Master's degree preferred.
  • 5+ years of experience in chemical, mechanical, or material testing within laboratory or manufacturing environments.
  • Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent process improvement training. ISO or industry-specific compliance certifications are a plus.
  • Deep understanding of mechanical or material testing methodologies, lab operations, and quality systems.
  • Strong communication, analytical thinking, and stakeholder engagement skills. Ability to lead through influence.
  • English fluency required. Additional language skills are benefitical for regional coordination.

Skills Required:
  • Leadership Through Influence: Guide global process discipline and harmonization without direct disciplinary authority; engage and align stakeholders across regions.
  • Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of electrical or material testing methodologies, laboratory operations, and quality systems.
  • Process Ownership: Proven ability to manage, approve, and optimize technical processes with cross-functional impact.
  • Quality & Compliance: Familiarity with audit processes, SOP management, and regulatory standards (ISO, IEC, ASTM).
  • Continuous Improvement: Hands-on experience applying Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to improve testing workflows.
  • Project Management: Strategic planning and execution for lab expansion, consolidation, and process optimization.
  • Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Strong communication skills; ability to collaborate with lab managers, quality teams, and technical stakeholders globally.
  • Training & Competence Building: Experience designing and delivering technical training programs and evaluating their effectiveness.
  • Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze technical data, assess impact, and drive process improvements.
  • Governance & Approval Authority: Experience in approving and governing process standards within integrated lab environments.

What we offer:

Total Rewards: We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. The estimated salary range for this position is $116,200-160,000 and is based on multiple factors, including job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, as well as other factors. This position is eligible for annual bonus compensation with a target payout of 20% of the base salary. This position also provides health benefits such as medical, dental and vision; wellness benefits such as mental and financial health; and retirement savings (401K) commensurate with the standard rewards offered in each individual location or country. We also provide full-time employees with paid time off including vacation (15 days), holiday including floating holidays (12 days) and sick time off (72 hours).

About UL

UL is a global safety certification company headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois. It was founded in 1894 and has been providing safety testing, inspection, and certification services for over 125 years. UL operates in over 100 countries and has more than 14,000 employees worldwide. The company's mission is to promote safe living and working environments by advancing safety science. UL's services cover a wide range of industries, including consumer products, industrial equipment, building materials, and more.
Learn more about UL
Size
14,700 employees
Industry
Founded
1900

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