Lab Supervisor - Hydraulics & Nitrogen Testing

Kids for the Future; Willis (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Utex Industries in Texas is seeking a Lab Supervisor – Hydraulics & Nitrogen Testing to lead a high-pressure testing lab focused on hydraulic systems and nitrogen-based testing processes. The role combines hands-on design, assembly, operation, and supervision of test execution, equipment maintenance, and safety.

You will manage daily lab operations, develop testing plans, supervise setup and teardown, ensure compliance with OSHA, ASME, ISO, and other standards, and mentor technicians and

Qualifications

• Technical degree in a related field preferred with hands-on supervisory ability.
• 10+ years in hydraulics/fluid power and high-pressure gas systems in labs.
• 5+ years in a supervisory role and proven leadership in safety.
• Experience with high-pressure, high-temperature gas and hydraulic testing.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily lab operations for hydraulic and nitrogen testing.
• Develop and schedule testing plans based on project timelines.
• Hands-on setup, execution, and teardown of testing procedures.
• Maintain lab organization, cleanliness, and readiness.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, ASME, ISO, SAE and related standards.
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.

Skills

Leadership

Lab operations

Hydraulics

High-pressure testing

Safety management

Data analysis

Troubleshooting

Education

Technical degree preferred

Mechanical Engineering Technology degree a plus

Tools

PLC systems

Hydraulic equipment

Test data acquisition systems

Job description

• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Travel 5%
• Manage Others Yes

Description

POSITION SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The Lab Supervisor – Hydraulics & Nitrogen Testing is responsible for the leadership, operation, and safety of a high-pressure testing laboratory focused on hydraulic systems and nitrogen-based testing processes. This role is both hands-on — involving test system design, assembly, and operation — and supervisory, overseeing test execution, equipment maintenance, compliance, and personnel. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in fluid power systems, high-pressure gas testing, and lab operations, combined with strong leadership and safety management capabilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervise daily lab operations for hydraulic and nitrogen testing activities.
• Develop and schedule testing plans based on project timelines.
• Hands-on preparation and supervision of setup, execution, and teardown of all testing procedures.
• Maintain lab organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness.
• Supervise testing of API 6A, API 17D, and other product types utilizing UTEX sealing solutions and meeting applicable codes.
• Familiarity with PLC’s and automation equipment.
• Experience selecting and integrating hydraulic equipment.
• Oversee pressure and temperature performance validation, leak detection, and seal integrity testing.
• Validate system performance against engineering requirements and standards.
• Analyze and interpret test data; generate reports and recommendations.
• Supervise high-pressure liquid and nitrogen system testing (functional, proof, burst).
• Oversee leak detection, system validation, and troubleshooting of system integrity issues.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and use of compressed gas cylinders.
• Oversee pressure control systems (regulators, manifolds, relief systems).
• Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols for high-pressure testing environments.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and emergency response plans.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and ASME, ISO, SAE, and other relevant standards.
• Lead incident investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Conduct regular safety audits and training sessions.
• Oversee maintenance and calibration of hydraulic power units (HPUs), pressure transducers, torque/force transducers, flow meters, data acquisition systems, and high-pressure gas systems.
• Coordinate vendor support and equipment servicing.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop lab technicians and engineers.
• Assign workloads and ensure efficient resource utilization.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting expertise.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations.
• Review and approve test reports and documentation.
• Ensure traceability and proper documentation of all test activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve testing efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives in lab operations.

Other Requirements

• Strong knowledge of pressure testing methodologies (proof, burst, leak testing) and instrumentation/data acquisition systems
• Familiarity with API, ISO, ASME, SAE standards and calibration/metrology basics
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
• High attention to detail and safety mindset
• Effective communication and reporting skills
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor
• Ability to function independently while meeting deadlines

Required Education and Experience

• Technical degree a plus; degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology a further plus — hands-on experience and demonstrated supervisory ability are critical regardless of degree
• 10+ years of experience in hydraulics/fluid power systems, high-pressure gas (nitrogen) systems, and laboratory testing, including seals
• 5+ years in a supervisory or leadership role
• Experience with high-pressure, high-temperature gas and hydraulic testing (15,000 psi, 300+°F)

Physical Demands

• Must be able to complete work needing hand dexterity, standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, squatting, and climbing
• Ability to safely perform lifting by hand or using lifting equipment for components
• Potential for extended standing periods during testing operations

Work Environment
This job operates in an industrial laboratory environment involving exposure to high-pressure hydraulic and nitrogen/gas systems. Required PPE (face shields, gloves, safety glasses, and other protective equipment as needed) must be worn at all times.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday.

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel - 5%

EEO STATEMENT

Utex Industries is an equal employment opportunity employer and shall make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, and/or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.