Laboratory Supervisor

Tenaris; Blytheville (AR); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Tenaris Hickman Laboratory seeks motivated candidates to join the team supporting materials testing, equipment, quality assurance, and process improvement. Ideal for recent graduates or early‑career professionals with hands‑on lab projects and internship experience.

You will work with Operations, Quality, Metallurgy, and Maintenance teams to ensure safe, reliable lab operations and alignment with production goals. A technical degree is preferred and curiosity is valued.

Qualifications

• Degree in Materials Science/Engineering or related field; coursework, internships or hands-on projects valued.
• Recent graduates and students approaching graduation encouraged to apply.
• Ability to learn laboratory procedures, testing methods, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve laboratory equipment and preventive maintenance with internal and external teams.
• Develop and update laboratory procedures and controlled documentation (PRDs, OPPs).
• Support sample preparation and testing following established standards.
• Assist in resolving technical issues related to equipment and testing processes.
• Coordinate procurement and inventory of lab consumables to ensure operations.
• Support QMS, KPIs, documentation control, and Tenaris retention requirements.
• Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and lab standards; lead continuous improvement projects.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Metallurgy, Maintenance, and Process Technology teams.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree or degree in progress in Materials Science/Engineering fields

Tools

Laboratory equipment familiarity

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Company: Tenaris is a global leader in the manufacturing of pipes and related services for the energy and industrial sectors. With operations in 17 countries and a team spanning more than 35 countries worldwide, our integrated manufacturing network combines advanced production capabilities with a strong focus on innovation through our global R&D network. Our people are driven by a shared commitment to quality, safety, and excellence in everything we do.

Learn more about Tenaris: https://youtu.be/ARyFxjbiuaM

About the Role: We are looking for talented and motivated candidates to join our Tenaris Hickman Testing Laboratory team. The Hickman Laboratory supports our manufacturing operations through materials testing, laboratory equipment and process management, quality assurance, and continuous improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates and early-career professionals interested in materials testing, laboratory operations, manufacturing, quality, or engineering. Academic laboratory experience, internships, research, and hands-on projects are highly valued. The selected candidate will work closely with Operations, Quality, Metallurgy, Maintenance, and Process Technology teams to support safe, reliable, and efficient laboratory operations.

Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations & Technical Support

• Develop, maintain, and improve laboratory equipment, including planning and coordinating preventive maintenance activities with internal maintenance teams and external service providers.
• Develop, maintain, and update laboratory procedures and processes, including preparing and revising PRDs, OPPs, and other controlled documentation.
• Support laboratory sample preparation and testing activities following established procedures and applicable standards.
• Assist in the resolution of technical issues related to laboratory equipment, testing processes, and sample preparation.
• Coordinate the procurement and inventory management of laboratory consumable materials to ensure uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Support the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS), including laboratory KPIs, controlled documentation, and compliance with Tenaris document retention requirements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality, safety, and laboratory standards for all laboratory activities.
• Support and lead continuous improvement projects to enhance laboratory performance, efficiency, and reliability.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Metallurgy, Maintenance, and Process Technology teams to support production and quality objectives.

Laboratory Leadership & Team Development

• Supervise daily laboratory operations and coordinate personnel schedules and resource allocation to support operational requirements.
• Ensure required laboratory testing is performed according to applicable standards, procedures, customer requirements, and Tenaris quality standards.
• Prioritize and organize laboratory workload to meet production and operational demands.
• Monitor laboratory activities to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and operational procedures.
• Lead, coach, train, and develop laboratory personnel while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Coordinate with Operations, Quality, Metallurgy, Maintenance, and Process Technology to support production objectives and resolve operational issues.
• Monitor laboratory performance indicators such as productivity, utilization, interruptions, and rejections, and support actions to improve plant performance.
• Support HSE activities, including inspections, incident and observation reporting, investigations, and implementation of preventive and corrective actions.
• Support effective management of laboratory resources, energy consumption, equipment, and other supplies.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or degree in progress in Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field. Relevant technical degrees, laboratory coursework, research experience, internships, or hands-on academic projects may also be considered. Recent graduates and students approaching graduation are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills:

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and safety.
• Ability to learn and apply laboratory procedures, testing methods, and quality standards.
• Hands-on laboratory, research, internship, manufacturing, or academic project experience is highly valued.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Strong communication and documentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and computer systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience or academic exposure to materials testing, laboratory operations, manufacturing, quality, or related technical environments.
• Knowledge of laboratory best practices and Quality Management Systems (QMS).
• Familiarity with API, ASTM, ISO, NACE, and/or CSA standards.
• Experience with CNC programming and tooling applications.
• Experience with laboratory equipment, testing methods, or sample preparation.
• Experience managing suppliers, service providers, procurement processes, purchase requisitions (PRs), or purchase orders.
• Experience with laboratory KPIs or continuous improvement initiatives.
• Prior leadership, supervisory, team project, or coordination experience is preferred.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment and/or materials testing laboratory is preferred.

Why Join Tenaris?

At Tenaris, you will have the opportunity to build your technical career in a global manufacturing environment while working alongside experienced professionals in laboratory operations, materials testing, quality, metallurgy, and engineering.

We value curiosity, continuous learning, teamwork, and the ability to turn technical knowledge into practical solutions. Whether you are beginning your career or bringing previous laboratory or manufacturing experience, we invite you to explore this opportunity with us.