Mechanical Test Department Supervisor

Element Materials Technology; Glendale Heights (IL); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

Element Materials Technology Chicago seeks a Mechanical Test Department Supervisor to lead daily operations in an ISO/IEC 17025 and Nadcap accredited facility serving aerospace, defense, and critical infrastructure markets. This role manages technicians, oversees testing, maintains quality and safety, and drives KPIs to meet client expectations.

Responsibilities include scheduling, data review, calibration oversight, and collaboration with QA, operations, and HR to ensure efficient, compliant

Qualifications

• 3–5 years mechanical testing experience with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proficiency with multiple mechanical tests (tensile, fatigue, hardness, impact, etc.).
• Familiarity with ISO/IEC 17025, Nadcap, and customer audits.
• Ability to manage workflow, throughput, and KPIs to drive quality and delivery.
• Strong computer literacy including LIMS, data integrity and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage laboratory workflow, capacity, and turnaround times with flexible scheduling.
• Ensure operations comply with ISO methods and accreditation expectations.
• Oversee equipment calibrations and maintenance with procurement/QA.
• Perform supervisory duties including timesheets, vacation, and training.
• Set up, perform and review tests; ensure data traceability and documentation.
• Support RFQs, method development, and procedure reviews with teams.
• Promote safety policies and cross-functional collaboration.
• Participate in meetings and contribute to hiring decisions and KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical testing

ISO 17025

Nadcap

LIMS

MS Office / Excel

Python (or other programming)

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field

Tools

LIMS

MS Office

Outlook

Teams

Excel

Job description

Overview

Element Materials Technology Chicago is seeking a Mechanical Test Department Supervisor with a mechanical aptitude to lead daily operations within an ISO/IEC 17025 and Nadcap accredited facility. Serving aerospace, defense, and critical infrastructure and industrial markets. Responsibilities include performing tests, managing departmental technicians, supervisory duties, performance metrics, and operational goals as set by the operations manager to ensure alignment with business and customer expectations.

Salary: $72,000 - $83,600 /yr DOE

Responsibilities

• Manage laboratory workflow, capacity, and turnaround times, and flexible scheduling to ensure timely, high-quality customer service and satisfaction
• Ensure departmental operations are in compliance with ASTM and other consensus and customer standards, ISO methods, and accreditation body expectations.
• Oversee equipment calibrations and maintenance, coordinating with procurement and the quality department.
• Perform supervisory duties such as timesheet approvals, vacation schedules, overtime approvals, employee performance management, and training in cooperation with HR, the quality department and operations.
• Setup, perform and complete various tests, review and approve test data results for accuracy, completeness, and traceability using good documentation practices daily, and participate in daily operation, audits, and witness tests as appropriate.
• Support capital equipment planning and investment decisions in support of department growth and reliability.
• Assist sales personnel with complex requests for quotes (RFQs), quality and engineers with method development, procedure reviews and generation.
• Adhere to and promote all Element and laboratory safety policies; collaborate cross-functionally (e.g., machine shop, engineering) to support sample preparation, testing scope, and fixture development.
• Participate in required meetings, assist in hiring decisions, efficient operations and growth of the mechanical test department using key performance metrics (quality, delivery, utilization, uptime, and efficiency).

Skills / Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials science or related field preferred; with 3+ to 5 years mechanical testing experience and a minimum of 2 years in leadership; strong supervision, training, strong mechanical aptitude, and performance management skills, preferably in the TIC industry.
• Proficiency performing various mechanical tests (tensile, fatigue, fracture, hardness, impact, creep, stress-rupture and elevated temperature testing) to applicable standard with some theoretical knowledge.
• Familiarity/experience with ISO/IEC 17025, Nadcap, and customer audits, witness testing and corrective actions.
• Ability to manage workflow, capacity, and turnaround times employing a variety of continuous improvement tools/skills to drive KPIs such as quality, delivery, utilization, and uptime.
• Strong computer skills (LIMS, data integrity/traceability, MS Office, Outlook, Teams, Excel, (Python or other programming languages a plus)
• Proficient with calibration, validation, laboratory safety, and metrology principles.
• Ability to work independently, accommodate flexible scheduling, make decisions, and communicate effectively (including professional etiquette)
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift <50 lbs. frequently and >50 lbs. occasionally
• Ability to track multiple testing jobs/programs from start to finish and assist with contract review of job status daily

Company Overview

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

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.