Mechanical Test Department Supervisor

Element Materials Technology in Chicago is seeking a Mechanical Test Department Supervisor to lead daily operations within an ISO/IEC 17025 and Nadcap accredited facility, serving aerospace, defense, and critical infrastructure and industrial markets.

Responsibilities

• Manage laboratory workflow, capacity, and turnaround times, including flexible scheduling to ensure timely, high-quality customer service and satisfaction.
• Ensure departmental operations comply with ASTM and other consensus and customer standards, ISO methods, and accreditation body expectations.
• Oversee equipment calibrations and maintenance, coordinating with procurement and the quality department.
• Perform supervisory duties such as timesheet approvals, vacation schedules, overtime approvals, employee performance management, and training in cooperation with HR, the quality department, and operations.
• Set up, perform, and complete various tests; review and approve test data results for accuracy, completeness, and traceability using good documentation practices daily.
• Participate in daily operations, audits, and witness tests as appropriate.
• Support capital equipment planning and investment decisions to drive department growth and reliability.
• Assist sales personnel with complex requests for quotes (RFQs), quality, and engineers with method development, procedure reviews, and generation.
• Adhere to and promote all Element and laboratory safety policies; collaborate cross-functionally (e.g., machine shop, engineering) to support sample preparation, testing scope, and fixture development.
• Participate in required meetings, assist in hiring decisions, and drive efficient operations and growth of the mechanical test department using key performance metrics (quality, delivery, utilization, uptime, and efficiency).

Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ to 5 years of mechanical testing experience and a minimum of 2 years in leadership.
• Strong supervision, training, mechanical aptitude, and performance management skills, preferably in the TIC industry.
• Proficiency in performing various mechanical tests (tensile, fatigue, fracture, hardness, impact, creep, stress-rupture, and elevated temperature testing) to applicable standards with theoretical knowledge.
• Familiarity/experience with ISO/IEC 17025, Nadcap, customer audits, witness testing, and corrective actions.
• Ability to manage workflow, capacity, and turnaround times using continuous improvement tools/skills to drive KPIs such as quality, delivery, utilization, and uptime.
• Strong computer skills (LIMS, data integrity/traceability, MS Office, Outlook, Teams, Excel; Python or other programming languages a plus).
• Proficient with calibration, validation, laboratory safety, and metrology principles.
• Ability to work independently, accommodate flexible scheduling, make decisions, and communicate effectively (including professional etiquette).
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift less than 50 lbs. frequently and over 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Ability to track multiple testing jobs/programs from start to finish and assist with contract review of job status daily.

Pay

$72,000 - $83,600 /yr, depending on experience.

About the Company

Element is one of the fastest-growing testing, inspection, and certification businesses in the world. Globally, we have more than 9,000 employees operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Our purpose is to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today.’ When failure in use is not an option, we help customers ensure that their products, materials, processes, and services are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.

From early R&D through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists supports customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access. While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower employees to take charge of their careers and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.