Advanced Lead Specialist - Materials Behavior

GE Aerospace•Evendale, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Advanced Lead Specialist - Materials Behavior supports hands-on mechanical behavior testing in GE Aerospace’s Mechanical Behavior Testing Laboratory in Evendale, Ohio. The role focuses on mechanical testing, characterization, and validation of composite materials and coatings used in aerospace applications across design, manufacturing, and in-service environments. The laboratory works with engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional program teams to generate test data for material characterization, product qualification, and design validation. The position executes complex testing, develops and improves test setups, supports reliable data acquisition, and helps deliver high-quality, timely results. It requires strong mechanical aptitude, testing experience, and practical problem-solving skills. Work is performed with some autonomy under established policies and allows procedures and practices to be adjusted within requirements to meet technical and operational needs while maintaining safety and quality. The role also contributes to laboratory capability and continuous improvement, supports colleagues as a technical resource, and may take on small projects or specialized work scopes.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college and 3 years of relevant experience; alternatively, a high school diploma or GED with 4 years of relevant experience in mechanical testing, laboratory operations, materials testing, or a related technical field, plus 3 years of relevant experience.
Demonstrated experience in mechanical behavior testing, test execution, laboratory equipment operation, or related hands-on technical work.
Experience testing material systems, including composites, coatings, and/or related materials.
Experience with equipment setup, fixturing, instrumentation, troubleshooting, and test system operation.
Experience working with test rigs, fixtures, load frames, instrumentation systems, and data acquisition systems.
Ability to interpret procedures, execute technical work with high precision, and adjust methods within established requirements.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance; U.S. citizenship is a prerequisite for the clearance.

Nice To Haves

Currently hold an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance; preference will be given to candidates who do.
Advanced experience in mechanical testing, materials behavior, laboratory operations, validation testing, or a related technical specialization.
Hands-on experience improving test rigs, fixtures, instrumentation systems, and test software.
Experience in aerospace composites testing, coatings evaluation, or other highly regulated technical environments.
Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a laboratory or test environment.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve technical issues and improve test execution.
Ability to document, plan, coordinate, and execute technical work with minimal oversight.
Established project coordination or task ownership skills.
Ability to work effectively across functions and support team success through collaboration.

Responsibilities

Execute mechanical behavior testing supporting the design, development, validation, and improvement of aerospace products, components, and material systems.
Test composite materials and coatings, including specimen setup, fixturing, instrumentation, test execution, data acquisition, and documentation.
Support laboratory and field validation testing, inspection, and data collection for design validation, material characterization, and product qualification.
Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain mechanical test equipment, fixtures, load frames, environmental setups, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
Support the design, fabrication, assembly, and improvement of test rigs, fixtures, instrumentation systems, and test methods or software.
Apply mechanical aptitude and technical judgment to resolve setup issues, equipment problems, and testing challenges while meeting quality and schedule commitments.
Modify procedures and practices within established requirements to improve safety, efficiency, repeatability, and test quality.
Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and partner teams on test readiness, execution, and interpretation of results.
Document technical data, results, observations, and methods according to engineering and laboratory policies, and communicate progress, issues, and results clearly and promptly.
Serve as a technical resource and support less experienced colleagues with methods, equipment use, and problem solving.
Contribute to continuous improvement of laboratory operations, test processes, and equipment capability, and support small projects or specialized work scopes.