Laboratory Technical Lead

Syensqo is all about chemistry. We’re not just referring to chemical reactions here, but also to the magic that occurs when the brightest minds get to work together. This is where our true strength lies. In you. In your future colleagues and in all your differences. And of course, in your ideas to improve lives while preserving our planet’s beauty for the generations to come.

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• Technical leadership & execution (core of the role)
  • 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.
• Oversight of technicians (doing the work right – FTR)
  • 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).
• Review and release of results (data integrity & accountability)
  • 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).
• Safety, compliance, and lab standards
  • 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.
• Shift performance, handover, and continuous improvement
  • 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).

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.

Qualifications

• Preferred Qualifications
  • 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.

Schedule

• On-site role with a rotating shift schedule (rotation across 1st, 2nd, and 3rd shift per business needs).
• Occasional overtime and weekend/holiday coverage may be required based on workload and customer commitments.
• Work involves operating heavy mechanical test equipment and fixtures; requires adherence to machine safety and material handling practices.

Pay

The U.S. base salary range reasonably expected to be paid for this position is $75,000 to $104,000 per year. Since actual compensation packages are based on a variety of factors unique to each candidate, we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted base salary range. Total compensation for this role also includes bonus and/or other incentives.

Benefits

• 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).

About Us

Syensqo is a science company developing groundbreaking solutions that enhance the way we live, work, travel and play. Inspired by the scientific councils which Ernest Solvay initiated in 1911, we bring great minds together to push the limits of science and innovation for the benefit of our customers, with a diverse, global team of more than 13,000 associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in homes, food and consumer goods, planes, cars, batteries, smart devices and health care applications. Our innovation power enables us to deliver on the ambition of a circular economy and explore breakthrough technologies that advance humanity.

At Syensqo, we seek to promote unity and not uniformity. We value the diversity that individuals bring and we invite you to consider a future with us, regardless of background, age, gender, national origin, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, ability or identity. We encourage individuals who may require any assistance or accommodations to let us know to ensure a seamless application experience.