Laboratory Technical Lead

Syensqo • Anaheim, CA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Greencard holder.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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).
• 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).
• 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.
• 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).

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• 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)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED