Quality Assurance Technical Lead

About the company

Airtech is a family-owned, community-focused, global leader founded in 1973. We are the market leader in materials used in the manufacturing of high-performance composite parts. Our products are used by the aerospace, automotive, marine, green energy, and recreational sports industries to create cutting-edge lighter, stronger, and greener components.

About the role

The Quality Assurance Technical Lead serves as the subject matter expert in chemistry, materials testing, and laboratory analysis. This role is responsible for ensuring product quality through advanced chemical evaluation, method development, and data-driven decision-making. This position partners closely with Quality, Production, and R&D to support product validation, troubleshoot material issues, and drive continuous improvement. The Technical Lead plays a key role in laboratory operations, experimental testing, and investigation of nonconformances, with a strong emphasis on root cause analysis and scientific rigor.

Responsibilities

• Act as the technical expert for chemical and material testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Perform and oversee analytical testing using standard lab instrumentation and methods (e.g., wet chemistry, physical property testing, material characterization).
• Develop, validate, and improve laboratory test methods to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and reliability.
• Interpret complex data sets and provide clear, actionable recommendations to QA, Production, and Engineering teams.
• Ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and performance of laboratory equipment.
• Lead root cause investigations for product nonconformances, process deviations, and customer complaints.
• Design and execute experiments to identify failure modes and validate corrective actions.
• Utilize statistical tools and trend analysis to support decision-making.
• Author detailed technical reports summarizing findings, risks, and recommendations.
• Partner with R&D on new product development, formulation trials, and material performance validation.
• Support scale-up activities, pilot runs, and process optimization initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance to QA and production teams on material behavior and processing conditions.
• Act as a key contributor in cross-functional problem-solving efforts.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, test results, and technical documentation.
• Assist in SOP development, revision, and technical training of personnel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety and regulatory standards (OSHA, EPA, etc.).

Requirements

• BS in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on laboratory or quality experience in a manufacturing or chemical environment.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry, material testing, or polymer/composite systems.
• Proven experience with root cause analysis, investigations, and technical problem-solving.
• Experience developing or optimizing test methods and interpreting lab data.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

Preferred qualifications

• Background in polymers, composites, or aerospace materials.
• Experience with DOE, statistical analysis, or method validation.
• Familiarity with ISO9001/AS9100 environments (supporting role).
• Experience in regulated industries (FDA, cGMP, or similar) is a plus.

Schedule

7:00 AM - 3:30 PM; Monday - Friday; On-site

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid vacation and holidays
• Company-funded retirement plan

Airtech believes in long-term employment, promoting from within, and personal and professional development. We prioritize safety to ensure all employees return home to their families after producing the highest quality products efficiently.