At Element, our purpose is “Making tomorrow safer than today.” The Materials Testing Operations Manager leads aerospace laboratory operations, ensuring safe, compliant, and on-time delivery of complex materials testing programs. This role is accountable for operational performance, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement across mechanical, metallurgical, and environmental testing services within a fast-paced TIC environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead day-to-day operations of aerospace materials testing labs (mechanical, fatigue, fracture toughness, creep, metallurgical analysis)
• Own scheduling, capacity planning, and resource allocation to meet aggressive turnaround times (TAT)
• Drive operational efficiency, throughput, and cost optimization across test cells and departments
• Implement Lean and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Element Operational Excellence (OPEX) standards

Team Management & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a cross-functional team of engineers, technicians, and supervisors
• Build a high-performance culture focused on safety, accountability, and quality
• Set clear KPIs and performance expectations tied to utilization, delivery, and quality metrics
• Partner with HR on hiring, workforce planning, and succession development

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025, Nadcap, and customer-specific requirements
• Maintain audit readiness and lead internal, customer, and accreditation audits
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions (CAPA) for quality issues
• Champion a strong safety culture aligned with Element’s EHS standards

Customer & Program Execution

• Serve as a key operational interface for aerospace customers (OEMs, primes, and suppliers)
• Translate customer specifications into executable testing plans and lab instructions
• Partner with commercial and engineering teams to ensure accurate quoting and successful program execution
• Manage escalations, ensuring timely resolution and high customer satisfaction

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
• 7–12+ years of experience in aerospace materials testing or TIC laboratory operations
• 3–5+ years of leadership experience managing technical teams
• Strong knowledge of aerospace test methods (ASTM, ISO, AMS standards)
• Experience operating within ISO 17025 and Nadcap-accredited environments

Preferred

• Experience within a TIC organization
• Familiarity with LIMS and digital lab systems
• Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or Black Belt)
• Background in failure analysis or advanced metallurgical testing