Director of Engineering & Laboratory Operations

ZipRecruiter; Joliet (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized testing laboratory is seeking a Director of Engineering and Laboratory Operations to lead a talented team, streamline processes, and enhance operational efficiency. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical foundation in engineering and extensive leadership experience in laboratory settings. The role offers competitive compensation and opportunities for growth within a company focused on long-term stability.

Benefits

Competitive compensation

Opportunities for growth

Benefits package

Qualifications

• Proven track record in laboratory operations leadership.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or NADCAP methodologies.
• Strong hands-on leadership style.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily laboratory operations.
• Supervise and develop direct reports.
• Manage budgets and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership in laboratory operations

Operational optimization

Strong communication skills

Technical understanding of engineering and materials science

Education

Degree in engineering or materials science

Job description

Overview

About Us

We are a highly specialized testing laboratory with a reputation for excellence and serving sophisticated industrial and technology clients. With a talented team of skilled professionals and a strong base of loyal customers, we’ve experienced significant growth in recent years. We are entering our next phase: consolidating operations, strengthening technical depth, and preparing for sustainable long-term success.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Director of Engineering and Laboratory Operations to lead our laboratory and machine shop teams. This role is not about chasing sales or external visibility right away — it is about building a stronger, smarter, and more disciplined organization. The Director will focus on streamlining testing disciplines, ensuring accuracy and consistency, embedding technical rigor, and optimizing how our people, processes, and equipment work together.

This is a senior leadership role with direct impact on the company’s ability to serve world-class clients with precision, reliability, and speed.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee daily laboratory operations, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and regulatory compliance across all testing activities.
• Strengthen technical depth by standardizing processes, mentoring staff, and introducing discipline into testing, reporting, and certifications.
• Supervise and develop direct reports, including the Quality Manager, Lab Director, and Machine Shop Supervisor.
• Optimize workflows in both the lab and machine shop to reduce bottlenecks, improve consistency, and enhance throughput.
• Manage budgets, cost controls, and continuous improvement initiatives to increase operational efficiency.
• Develop performance metrics and reporting systems to monitor progress and ensure accountability.
• Collaborate with ownership on quarterly performance reviews and long-term operational planning.
• Identify opportunities to enhance technical staffing and capabilities in preparation for future growth.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven track record in laboratory, technical services, or industrial operations leadership (materials testing strongly).
• Strong technical foundation in engineering, metallurgy, and materials science.
• Experience building structure and discipline in organizations that have outgrown informal systems.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to guide technical staff, technicians, and skilled trades.
• Skilled in operational optimization (Lean, Six Sigma, NADCAP).
• Strong communication and organizational skills; ability to align diverse teams around shared goals.

Why Join Us

• Provide a critical role in shaping the future of a respected, growing company.
• Lead a talented, dedicated team that values quality and craftsmanship.
• Be part of a company that values long-term stability and sustainable growth, not just short-term wins.
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and opportunities to grow with the organization.

How to Apply

If you are a technically grounded leader who excels at bringing order, discipline, and excellence to complex operations, we’d like to hear from you.