Aerospace General Manager (Testing & Certification)

Element Materials Technology; Duarte (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Materials Technology seeks a General Manager to lead all laboratory testing operations and certification activities at our Duarte location. You will ensure accurate, compliant, and timely testing services aligned with aerospace standards and customer requirements.

The role emphasizes strong technical and operational leadership focused on quality, throughput, and compliance, driving safe operations and robust certifications for aerospace clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 8–12+ years of operations leadership experience.
• Experience in manufacturing, laboratory, or aerospace environment preferred.
• Strong background in workflow management, planning, and customer-facing operation.
• Proven track record of driving profitability, improving EBITDA.

Responsibilities

• Lead all laboratory testing functions, including mechanical testing, metallurgy, chemical analysis and product testing.
• Ensure adherence to approved methods, specifications, and procedures.
• Drive efficient utilization of equipment, personnel, and lab capacity.
• Certification & Technical Integrity and ISO 17025, NADCAP, AS9100 compliance.
• Own and exceed financial performance targets, including revenue, EBITDA, working capital, and cash flow.
• Maintain technical credibility with aerospace clients and partners.
• Collaborate with Quality to ensure audit readiness and corrective actions.

Skills

Operations leadership

Quality & compliance

Aerospace knowledge

Customer-facing operations

Profitability focus

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field

Job description

Element has an opportunity for a General Manager (Testing & Certification) to lead all laboratory testing operations and certification activities at our Duarte location. Reporting to the Director, this role is responsible for ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely execution of all testing services in alignment with aerospace and customer standards.

This position requires a strong technical and operational leader focused on quality, throughput, and compliance, ensuring the integrity of all test results and certifications.

Salary: $150,000 – $190,000 base / year DOE + Management Bonus Plan

Responsibilities

• Lead all laboratory testing functions, including: Mechanical testing, Metallurgy, Chemical analysis and Product Testing
• Ensure adherence to approved methods, specifications, and procedures
• Drive efficient utilization of equipment, personnel, and lab capacity
• Certification & Technical Integrity
• Own and exceed financial performance targets, including revenue, EBITDA, working capital, and cash flow.
• Maintain technical credibility with aerospace clients (e.g., Howmet, PCC)
• Execute and uphold compliance with ISO 17025, NADCAP, AS9100 and customer-specific requirements
• Partner with Quality to ensure audit readiness and corrective actions
• Deliver against site operational targets for turnaround time, productivity
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and reduce rework
• Provide clear direction, performance management, and accountability
• Ensure operational efficiency and workforce productivity through proactive planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement
• Partner with Sales and Account teams to support customer retention and growth
• Lead laboratory supervisors, engineers, and technicians
• Foster a culture of safety, respect, and operational discipline
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, EHS, Finance, HR, Sales, and Technical teams to drive integrated success
• Ensure full compliance with Element policies and applicable local, state, and federal regulations

Skills / Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or related field
• 8–12+ years of operations leadership experience
• Experience in manufacturing, laboratory, or aerospace environment preferred
• Strong background in workflow management, planning, and customer-facing operation
• Strong organizational, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to effectively establish and maintain two-way communications to understand the needs and concerns of all departments
• Proven track record of driving profitability, improving EBITDA

Diversity Statement

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first.

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.