Laboratory Test Lead 1

Safran Cabin Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Safran Cabin Inc. seeks a Laboratory Test Lead to manage the laboratory operations, lead a team of technicians, and ensure timely, accurate test results in support of aircraft interior products.

The role emphasizes compliance with aerospace regulations, development of standard testing procedures, and mentorship of staff. Responsibilities include coordinating complex environmental, mechanical, and materials tests, reviewing test plans, and engaging with engineering for root-cause analysis and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering, or related field, or 15 years of experience in engineering, testing, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience in Aerospace Manufacturing, Design, Analysis, and/or testing environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Proficiency with CAD, PLM Systems, and Computational Based Analytical Software.
• Proficiency with Programming in high level and/or graphical languages such as C, Java, or Labview.

Responsibilities

• Lead test procedures and report results promptly, accurately and proficiently.
• Develop innovative test methodologies and review designs.
• Coordinate and perform tests at prototype and production levels for qualification/certification.

Skills

Programming (C/Java/LabVIEW)

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering, or related field

Tools

CAD

PLM Systems

LabVIEW

C

Java

Job description

Job Description

Laboratory Test Lead | Effective Date: 01/2026 Department: Quality FLSA: Exempt/ Salary Discipline:

Job Summary: Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Laboratory Test Lead is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory assigned including leading the team to perform the test procedures, record and report test results promptly, accurately and proficiently, and for assuring compliance with the applicable regulations. The Laboratory Test Lead is responsible for delivering high-quality testing performance of the laboratory assigned in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet the needs of both internal and external customers and providers. The Laboratory Test Lead is involved in development of the laboratory standard processes and procedures, leading the team of the laboratory assigned towards continuous growth, alignment, and mentorship, while also maintaining visibility on laboratory availability. The Laboratory Test Lead works to enhance customer service and satisfaction, with a focus on improving overall testing outcomes. The Laboratory Test Lead has technical expertise in a specific engineering or testing domain, and advises and participates in MER gate reviews, DFMEA, and root cause analysis.

Summary of Duties

Collaborates and leads the creation of innovative test methodologies, reviews product / test article designs, is responsible for test setups for testing aircraft interior products within technical specification and project requirements. Testing covers but is not limited to environmental (temperature variation, humidity, vibration etc.), accelerated life, static loading, dynamic loading, material characterization, fire properties, acoustic, operational, electrical, refrigeration, airflow and plumbing test of aircraft interior systems and components to substantiate their design requirements, assure product reliability and maturity upon entry into service while optimizing cost, weight, function. Works independently and leads test technicians and junior engineers during daily activities.

Review, coordinate, and conduct tests at the engineering prototype level for design development purpose, or serial production level towards the qualification/certification of aircraft interior products or others. May include more complex products or test setups.

Types of Tests

• Environmental, operational, or performance tests on electrical and electromechanical products, either experimental, prototype, or serial production aircraft interior products, including development and DO160 tests
• Flammability tests in order to characterize fire properties of aircraft interior products, including Bunsen burner, heat release, smoke density, toxicity, and fire containment testing
• Material characterization tests on aircraft interior products, including mechanical allowable testing of composite panels and inserts, adhesive properties, and accelerated aging
• Load testing (static, robustness, abuse, dynamic, impact) by applying loads using gravity, hydraulics machinery, tensile test machine, force gages, load cells and / or other equipment with the assistance of qualified technicians
• Accelerated life tests on mechanical and electromechanical assemblies including life cycle/endurance testing, material abrasion, or temperature/humidity cycling
• Review, coordinate and perform the design and fabrication of testing and test-control apparatus and equipment while leading test engineers and technicians
• Review, coordinate and perform the creation of testing documentation (test plans, test procedures) or use existing documentation to lead, conduct, and document test execution. Review, coordinate and perform creation of test datasheets and test reports from test plans
• Review, coordinate, perform and lead work on test equipment, test article definition, and integration into test set up. Review and coordinate test document and analysis of test cases, scheduled test inspections, and test data logged / test datasheets. Lead test engineers and technicians during test execution.
• Review, coordinate and lead the creation of testing documentation and reports from test plans
• Review, coordinate and perform calibration and preventative maintenance on test equipment and systems. Manage and maintain equipment calibration record
• Coordinate repair or replacement of laboratory equipment and systems with the Facilities Department and manufacturer as required. Provide technical expertise and direction during product development / engineering reviews to ensure compliance matrix requirements are addressed and resolved.
• Develop, release, and update standard processes related to the function of the test laboratories. Expand lab capability by using testing and engineering expertise to develop, incorporate, and provide training for new test equipment or setups.
• Collaborate with Engineering functions to analyze designs, perform root cause analyses, and solve design problems, while advising and supporting MER and DFMEA reviews.
• Oversee test technicians. Duties may include scheduling work, monitoring/ creating tasks, training staff, and contributing feedback to annual performance reviews.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, developing, and evaluating staff; makes recommendations, initiates promotions, transfers, and disciplinary action.
• Ability to coach and mentor team aimed at enhancing internal customer service and customer satisfaction within the Laboratory team, leading to improve overall results.
• Provide orientation and training to testing personnel and evaluate their performance including ensuring accountability for achieving satisfactory results, customer service, and satisfaction. Ensure visibility on the Laboratory availability assigned (Hours of Operation + Additional exceptional plans). Manage and track relevant KPI’s as part of a constant improvement plan.
• Prepare the Laboratory for audits or inspections, prepare reports as needed, and ensure documentation for regulatory compliance.
• Ability to coach and mentor team members through the process of understanding the needs and safety of laboratory processes. Listen and report the employee sentiment and bridge opportunities for employee relationship management.

Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree, or equivalent, in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering, or related field, or 15 years of experience in engineering, testing, or related field.

Experience: Minimum 10 years’ experience in Aerospace Manufacturing, Design, Analysis, and/or testing environment.

Computer Skills: Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Proficiency with CAD, PLM Systems, and Computational Based Analytical Software. Proficiency with Programming in high level and/or graphical languages such as C, Java, or Labview.

Other Skills: Proven ability to read and interpret engineering drawings. Experience working aircraft OEM. Knowledge of testing and manufacturing processes used in the aerospace industry. Good knowledge of testing and certification requirements for common aerospace components and materials. Familiarity with Aviation regulatory requirements (FAA, EASA). Excellent organization and communication skills. Progressing business acumen to assist in understanding budgets, providing project health metrics to management, and understanding resourcing programs. Experience with Problem Solving, Root Cause Analysis (RCA), and constant improvement. Ability to work well independently and cross-functionally. Good communication, time-management, and problem-solving skills. Ability to motivate team efforts to accomplish goals.

Preferred (Not required): Master’s Degree, or equivalent.

Working Conditions

Does require fluent communication in English language. Employment Status may be part-time, full-time, or temporary. Traveling may be required. Protracted or irregular hours may be required. Relocation to another Safran facility may be required.

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job, rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job. Safran Cabin is an “at-will” employer, which means that employment is at the mutual consent of both the employee and the employer, and may be terminated at will, for any reason, with or without cause at any time during your employment with the Company. No one other than the CEO of the Company can enter into an agreement of employment for a specified period of time or make any agreement or representation contrary to this policy. Further, any such agreement must be in writing and signed by the CEO of the Company.

To Comply with Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, physical, mental, environmental, and other work conditions essential for the job are noted below. Specific codes are used to specify the frequency of such conditions or requirements. C = Constant or major activity (60% or more of work time) F = Frequent or moderate activity (20-60% of work time) O = Occasional or minor activity (less than 20% of work time) N = Not applicable.

Physical Demand: Strength: (C) Standing (F) Walking (C) Sitting (F) Carrying, pushing, or Lifting – Up to 50bs. (O) Climbing: Stairs x - Ladders ¨ - Balancing ¨ Stooping: (N) Kneeling (N) Crouching (N) Crawling (O) Turning or twisting neck or waist (N) Bending at waist Reaching: (O) Handling objects (O) Fingering (O) Feeling (N) Throwing (C) Eye-Hand coordination (N) Foot-Hand-Eye coordination. Communication (verbal): (C) Ordinary Hearing: (C) Hearing Seeing: (C) Acuity – Near (O) Acuity - Far (O) Depth perception (O) Accommodation (C) Color vision (O) Field of vision.

Physical Condition: Working Area: (C) Inside (N) Outside Describe: Mostly in the office/ laboratory area. Temperature: (N) Constant cold (N) Constant heat (N) Changing temperatures (N) Humidity or damp. Ambient : (O) Noise Unavoidable Hazards: (O) Mechanical (O) Electrical (O) Burns (O) Moving objects (O) Heights (N) Cramped quarters Atmospheric Conditions: (O) Fumes (O) Odors (N) Mists (O) Dusts (N) Oil / Grease (O) Dirt (O) Gases (O) Ventilation (N) Lighting (O) Protecting Clothing Mental Requirements of the Job: (C) Understand and carry out oral instructions. (C) Read and carry out simple written instructions. (O) Read work orders, scrap tickets, job lot tickets, graphs, logs, schedules. (O) Read and verify car numbers, alloy identities, etc. (C) ead and carry out complicated instructions. (O) Observe and read instruments, gauges, dials, etc. to determine operating conditions. (C Read and interpret detailed prints, sketches, layouts, specifications, etc. (C) Identify and list production data such as quantities, pressures, alloys, operating conditions. (C) Prepare detailed records or reports such as inventory records, receiving reports, operating logs, lab analyses, quantities, etc. (C) Estimate size, form, quality or quantity of objects. (N) Estimate speed of moving objects.(O) Inspect, examine and observe for obvious product or equipment defects.(O) Inspect, examine and observe for product or equipment defects not easily identified. (C) Count, make simple arithmetic additions and subtractions. (C) Compute and calculate amounts of additives, results of tests, etc. (O) Use measuring devices such as tapes, gauges, rules, weight scales, where reading is direct and obvious. (O) Use measuring devices such as micrometers, calibrated steel tapes, calipers, etc. where precision and interpretation are required. (F) Make routine lab tests, such as titrations, specify gravity, etc. (O) Plan and schedule movement or flow of materials or products. (N) Operate automotive equipment such as autos and trucks. (N) Operate industrials trucks such as forklifts, flat beds, tractors. (N) Operate overhead cranes and hoists. (O)Use non-power head tools such as hammers, wrenches, etc. (O) Use hand power tools. (O) Set up and operate machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, saws, etc. (O) Assemble or disassemble objects. (O) Determine malfunctioning of units by observing.(O) Determine nature and location of malfunction.(O) Perform repair and maintenance of equipment. (N) Perform a journeyman craft activity. (O) Make adjustments to obtain specified operating conditions such as turning valves; switches; moving and setting controls; adjusting furnaces, pumps; etc.(O) Control activities of a single processing unit. (O) Control activities of several processing units. (C) Operate equipment requiring specialized knowledge of process. (C) Plan own work activities. (F) Plan work activities of others. (O) Direct work activities of others. (O)Coordinate work activities of others. (F) Train other workers.(C) Work alone.(C) Work as a member of a team. (F) Work without supervision.(C) Work with minimum amount of supervision. (F)Work under pressure.(F) Work rapidly for long periods. (F) Work on several tasks at the same time.