Laboratory Supervisor

Job Summary

The Laboratory Supervisor oversees all laboratory operations related to metal surface treatment processes, ensuring compliance with the latest customer specifications, company procedures, and quality control and assurance requirements. This role includes supervising and supporting laboratory technicians, troubleshooting technical issues, and managing testing activities such as etch rate, salt spray, and IGA/EPR corrosion testing, and calibration of lab and production equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review specifications for chemical compositions, periodic testing, and lot testing requirements.
• Procure chemicals, maintain inventory, and review chemical certifications for compliance.
• Perform routine chemical analyses (daily, weekly, monthly, and periodic) and trend analysis on processing solutions.
• Maintain and update laboratory procedures per customer and industry specifications.
• Prepare and perform the test panels for daily etch rate monitoring.
• Perform internal process audits and analysis to ensure procedural compliance.
• Process Audits.
• Prepare and perform/monitor Intergranular Attack (IGA) and Electrochemical Potentiokinetic Reactivation (EPR/EGP) testing.
• Conduct daily salt spray testing and maintain logs.
• Support miscellaneous production testing and chemical make-ups.
• Direct, train, and support chemical technicians with daily assignments.
• Prepare laboratory solutions and reagents required for analytical procedures.

Skills/Knowledge Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field required.
• Certification or training in NADCAP, AS9100, or ISO 17025 lab standards. Familiarity with ASTM, AMS, and MIL-SPEC testing procedures and quality documentation.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in aerospace or industrial metal surface treatment, including anodizing, passivation, plating, thermal coating and painting. At least 3 years in a supervisory or lead laboratory role.
• Strong understanding of chemical process control and analytical testing (e.g., titrations, pH, conductivity, atomic absorption). Ability to interpret and apply aerospace specifications (e.g., MIL-PRF-8625, AMS 2700, ASTM B117, etc.). Proficient in maintaining compliance with internal and external audits (e.g., NADCAP, OEM audits).
• Strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment. Effective communicator with ability to mentor and guide junior lab staff. Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and Lab and calibration systems like TrueChem, gagetrak.
• Safety- and compliance-minded with a proactive, collaborative approach to problem-solving

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership skill, problem solving, time management