Laboratory Technical Lead
Xtalks · Anaheim, CA · 1 mo ago
On-siteEngineering$75k–$104k/yrFull-time
We need to output HTML fragment with sections: headings for sections like About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule. We must include only sections with real specific content. No job title heading. No Job ID etc. Remove boilerplate. Preserve all substantive info.
We need to parse the posting.
Key sections:
- About the role: description of role (Mechanical Test Laboratory Technical Lead (Rotating Shift) ...). The first paragraph after title: "Syensqo is all about chemistry..." That's more about company. But "What We Are Looking For" is a heading. Could treat as About the role.
- Responsibilities: list under "Primary Responsibilities" with sub-bullets.
- Requirements: maybe "Required Qualifications" and "Preferred Qualifications". Could combine as Requirements? The instruction: Use headings for sections like About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule. So we can have both Requirements and Qualifications? Might be redundant. Probably we should include Requirements (required qualifications) and Qualifications (preferred). Or we could merge. But we need to follow instruction: use those headings when content exists. We have required qualifications and preferred qualifications. Could put both under Requirements? Or separate: Requirements (required) and Qualifications (preferred). We'll do that.
- Skills: maybe list skills like communication, math, safety, etc. Could extract from required qualifications: strong communication, proficiency with computers, strong math, attention to detail, safety-first mindset, ability to lead technicians. Could put under Skills.
- Benefits: there is a section "You Will Get Competitive salary ... and benefits package." Then list: 16 or more weeks maternity/paternity leave, training platform, free well-being sessions. Also mention bonus/incentives. So we can include Benefits.
- Pay: Salary range: $75,000 to $104,000 per year. Also mention bonus etc. So we can include Pay.
- Schedule: rotating shift schedule (1st/2nd/3rd) with rotation approx two-month cycle. Also occasional overtime/weekend/holiday. So include Schedule.
- Also maybe "Working Conditions / Shift Expectations" could be part of Schedule.
We must not include boilerplate like EEO, equal opportunity, etc. Also remove "About Us" maybe? That's company description; could be considered About the role? Might be considered fluff but it's substantive about company. The instruction: preserve ALL substantive information; do not invent or summarize away detail. So we should keep About Us? It's not about the role but about company. Could be considered "About the role"? Might be okay to include under About the role? But we already have role description. Could add a separate section "About the company"? Not in allowed headings. Probably we should incorporate company info into About the role or maybe omit as not required? The instruction: "Prefer a few substantive sections over many thin ones." So we could include About the role covering both role and company overview. But we must not repeat job title as heading. We'll include About the role with a paragraph summarizing role and company.
We must not include duplicated lines. Ensure we capture all bullet points.
Let's extract content.
Role description: "Mechanical Test Laboratory Technical Lead (Rotating Shift) What We Are Looking For 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."
That's the role overview.
Responsibilities: Under "Primary Responsibilities" we have several bullet groups:
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).
Required Qualifications:
- 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.
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.
Working Conditions / Shift Expectations:
- 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.
What Success Looks Like:
- Tests are performed correctly the first time.
- Technicians follow standard work consistently; gaps are corrected quickly through coaching and verification.
- Released results are technically sound, traceable, and audit-ready.
- Shift output meets commitments without compromising safety, compliance, or technical rigor.
Other Information:
- Syensqo Composite Materials - Anaheim, CA
- Shift: Rotating (1st / 2nd / 3rd)
- Please note this position follows a rotating shift pattern, with rotation occurring on an approximately two-month cycle rather than weekly.
- Location: On-site
- Type: Full-time
- Reports to: Lab Manager / Engineering or Quality (per site structure)
- Salary Range: - (based on experience, shift assignment, and internal equity)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Greencard holder
You Will Get:
- Competitive salary (Assess the possibility to add salary range in the job ad) and benefits package.
- 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.
- 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: (company description) ... We'll keep maybe as part of About the role? But we could add a separate section "About the company"? Not allowed headings. Could incorporate into About the role as a paragraph.
We must not include boilerplate like EEO, equal opportunity, etc. At the end there is EEO statement; we must remove.
Also remove "Please note this position follows a rotating shift pattern..." maybe part of Schedule.
Now produce HTML.
Structure:
for sections like About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule. We must include only sections with real specific content. No job title heading. No Job ID etc. Remove boilerplate. Preserve all substantive info.
We need to parse the posting.
Key sections:
- About the role: description of role (Mechanical Test Laboratory Technical Lead (Rotating Shift) ...). The first paragraph after title: "Syensqo is all about chemistry..." That's more about company. But "What We Are Looking For" is a heading. Could treat as About the role.
- Responsibilities: list under "Primary Responsibilities" with sub-bullets.
- Requirements: maybe "Required Qualifications" and "Preferred Qualifications". Could combine as Requirements? The instruction: Use headings for sections like About the role, Responsibilities, Requirements, Qualifications, Skills, Benefits, Pay, Schedule. So we can have both Requirements and Qualifications? Might be redundant. Probably we should include Requirements (required qualifications) and Qualifications (preferred). Or we could merge. But we need to follow instruction: use those headings when content exists. We have required qualifications and preferred qualifications. Could put both under Requirements? Or separate: Requirements (required) and Qualifications (preferred). We'll do that.
- Skills: maybe list skills like communication, math, safety, etc. Could extract from required qualifications: strong communication, proficiency with computers, strong math, attention to detail, safety-first mindset, ability to lead technicians. Could put under Skills.
- Benefits: there is a section "You Will Get Competitive salary ... and benefits package." Then list: 16 or more weeks maternity/paternity leave, training platform, free well-being sessions. Also mention bonus/incentives. So we can include Benefits.
- Pay: Salary range: $75,000 to $104,000 per year. Also mention bonus etc. So we can include Pay.
- Schedule: rotating shift schedule (1st/2nd/3rd) with rotation approx two-month cycle. Also occasional overtime/weekend/holiday. So include Schedule.
- Also maybe "Working Conditions / Shift Expectations" could be part of Schedule.
We must not include boilerplate like EEO, equal opportunity, etc. Also remove "About Us" maybe? That's company description; could be considered About the role? Might be considered fluff but it's substantive about company. The instruction: preserve ALL substantive information; do not invent or summarize away detail. So we should keep About Us? It's not about the role but about company. Could be considered "About the role"? Might be okay to include under About the role? But we already have role description. Could add a separate section "About the company"? Not in allowed headings. Probably we should incorporate company info into About the role or maybe omit as not required? The instruction: "Prefer a few substantive sections over many thin ones." So we could include About the role covering both role and company overview. But we must not repeat job title as heading. We'll include About the role with a paragraph summarizing role and company.
We must not include duplicated lines. Ensure we capture all bullet points.
Let's extract content.
Role description: "Mechanical Test Laboratory Technical Lead (Rotating Shift) What We Are Looking For 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."
That's the role overview.
Responsibilities: Under "Primary Responsibilities" we have several bullet groups:
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).
Required Qualifications:
- 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.
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.
Working Conditions / Shift Expectations:
- 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.
What Success Looks Like:
- Tests are performed correctly the first time.
- Technicians follow standard work consistently; gaps are corrected quickly through coaching and verification.
- Released results are technically sound, traceable, and audit-ready.
- Shift output meets commitments without compromising safety, compliance, or technical rigor.
Other Information:
- Syensqo Composite Materials - Anaheim, CA
- Shift: Rotating (1st / 2nd / 3rd)
- Please note this position follows a rotating shift pattern, with rotation occurring on an approximately two-month cycle rather than weekly.
- Location: On-site
- Type: Full-time
- Reports to: Lab Manager / Engineering or Quality (per site structure)
- Salary Range: - (based on experience, shift assignment, and internal equity)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or Greencard holder
You Will Get:
- Competitive salary (Assess the possibility to add salary range in the job ad) and benefits package.
- 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.
- 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: (company description) ... We'll keep maybe as part of About the role? But we could add a separate section "About the company"? Not allowed headings. Could incorporate into About the role as a paragraph.
We must not include boilerplate like EEO, equal opportunity, etc. At the end there is EEO statement; we must remove.
Also remove "Please note this position follows a rotating shift pattern..." maybe part of Schedule.
Now produce HTML.
Structure:
About the role
... (role overview + company description maybe)
Responsibilities
- ... each bullet as
- maybe with sub-bullets? We can keep flat list but could nest? The instruction: Use
- for any list of duties/requirements/benefits. So we can have nested lists? Probably okay to have
- with inner
- but not required. Simpler: each top-level bullet as
- . For sub-bullets we could also use
- inside
- . We'll do nested for clarity.
But we must preserve all specifics. We'll produce nested lists.
Similarly for Requirements (required qualifications) and Qualifications (preferred). Skills maybe separate.
But we have many overlapping items; we could put required qualifications under Requirements, preferred under Qualifications, and skills under Skills (communication, math, safety, leadership, computer proficiency). However many of those appear in required qualifications. Could split.
Let's decide:
- Requirements: Required Qualifications list.
- Qualifications: Preferred Qualifications list.
- Skills: maybe extract from required qualifications: Strong communication skills, Proficiency with computers, Strong math skills and attention to detail, Proven safety-first mindset, Ability to lead technicians. Could list as skills.
But we might duplicate content
- with inner
- for any list of duties/requirements/benefits. So we can have nested lists? Probably okay to have