Team Leader, Material and Application Testing (BASF-Chemetall)

BASF SE•Jackson, MI

8d•$92,000 - $115,000

About The Position

BASF/Chemetall, is the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, and a leading supplier of applied surface treatments worldwide. At BASF/Chemetall, we develop and manufacture tailor-made technology and system solutions for applied surface technology. Our products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and treatment, prepare parts optimally for the painting process and ensure excellent coating adhesion. Our technologies and products are used in a variety of industries and end markets such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing and metal forming. The chemical treatment of metal surfaces is BASF/Chemetall core competence. The focus of our worldwide activities is on the development and implementation of customized technology and system solutions for surface treatment. We are looking for a Team Leader, Material and Application Testing to join our Technical Service team in Jackson, MI. The Team Leader, Material Application and Testing is responsible for the leadership, management, and continuous improvement of the surface treatment material application, Physical Testing (PT), and material testing for aerospace applications. This role ensures the successful, timely completion of all laboratory requests; drives compliance with all applicable Quality Management System standards; and supports internal and external customers through technical guidance and documentation oversight. The Team Leader, Material Application and Testing will lead and coordinate activities across the testing and application activities laboratories, each of which plays a critical role in supporting production materials, customer samples, and product performance validation. This position will report operationally and administratively to Head of Technology, N.A. The Team Leader ensures that testing workflows, quality requirements, and operational priorities align with the expectations of the Quality Management System, as well as overseeing application pilot plants and leading and developing of a team.As a Team Leader, Material and Application Testing (ECT-Chemetall), you create chemistry by...

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline is required.
5+ years of industrial laboratory experience in materials science and testing, preferably within surface chemistry or application‑focused businesses.
Experience supporting quality management systems and audit requirements (e.g. ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO/IEC 17025).
Ability to participate in or lead internal and external audits; internal auditor certification is a plus.
Demonstrated capability in risk‑based decision‑making and application of statistical analysis techniques.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with proven cross‑functional collaboration. Experience in leading a team.
Effective communicator with Manufacturing, Technical teams, customers, and other stakeholders on a global level
Proficient in IT systems and digital tools.
Self‑motivated, well‑organized, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
Travel for this position is approximately 20%.

Nice To Haves

Experience in development and application of surface chemistry materials is an advantage.
Ability to participate in or lead internal and external audits; internal auditor certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate laboratory operations to ensure compliance with methods, procedures, safety requirements, and documentation standards.
Manage, coach, and develop laboratory personnel through training, performance reviews, and staffing while prioritizing workloads and ensuring timely completion of customer and production testing.
Investigates customer and production issues, drives corrective and preventive actions, and maintains equipment readiness, calibration programs, 5S standards, and key laboratory KPIs.
Collaborates cross‑functionally and supports digitalization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and quality performance.
Support customer interaction in projects and visits.

Benefits

Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

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