Quality Assurance Technical Lead

Airtech Advanced Materials Group; Huntington Beach (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

Paid vacation and holidays

Company-funded retirement plan

Job summary

Airtech is seeking a Quality Assurance Technical Lead to oversee chemical evaluation, laboratory testing, and data-driven decision-making. You will partner with QA, Production, and R&D to validate materials, troubleshoot issues, and drive continuous improvement on site.

The role emphasizes root cause analysis, method development, and rigorous documentation, with on-site work schedule and a commitment to safety and quality in a manufacturing environment.

Qualifications

• BS degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.
• 3+ years in lab/quality in a manufacturing or chemical environment.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry, material testing, or polymer/composite systems.
• Proven experience with root cause analysis, investigations, and technical problem-solving.
• Experience developing or optimizing test methods and interpreting lab data.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical expert for chemical and material testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Develop, validate, and improve laboratory test methods.
• Lead root cause investigations and design experiments to identify failure modes.
• Interpret complex data sets and provide actionable recommendations.
• Support R&D, scale-up, and process optimization with QA and production.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Root cause analysis

Technical writing

Data interpretation

Laboratory testing

Education

BS in Chemistry

Tools

DOE

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

About Airtech

Airtech is a family-owned, community focused, global leader founded in 1973. We are the market leader in materials used in the manufacturing of high-performance composite parts. Our products are used by the aerospace, automotive, marine, green energy, and recreational sports industries to create cutting edge lighter, stronger, and greener components.

Job Summary

The Quality Assurance Technical Lead serves as the subject matter expert in chemistry, materials testing, and laboratory analysis. This role is responsible for ensuring product quality through advanced chemical evaluation, method development, and data-driven decision-making. This position partners closely with Quality, Production, and R&D to support product validation, troubleshoot material issues, and drive continuous improvement. The Technical Lead plays a key role in laboratory operations, experimental testing, and investigation of nonconformances, with a strong emphasis on root cause analysis and scientific rigor.

Essential Functions

Laboratory & Technical Leadership

• Act as the technical expert for chemical and material testing of raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
• Perform and oversee analytical testing using standard lab instrumentation and methods (e.g., wet chemistry, physical property testing, material characterization).
• Develop, validate, and improve laboratory test methods to ensure accuracy, repeatability, and reliability.
• Interpret complex data sets and provide clear, actionable recommendations to QA, Production, and Engineering teams.
• Ensure proper calibration, maintenance, and performance of laboratory equipment.

Quality Investigation & Data Analysis

• Lead root cause investigations for product nonconformances, process deviations, and customer complaints.
• Design and execute experiments to identify failure modes and validate corrective actions.
• Utilize statistical tools and trend analysis to support decision-making.
• Author detailed technical reports summarizing findings, risks, and recommendations.

Cross-Functional Technical Support

• Partner with R&D on new product development, formulation trials, and material performance validation.
• Support scale-up activities, pilot runs, and process optimization initiatives.
• Provide technical guidance to QA and production teams on material behavior and processing conditions.
• Act as a key contributor in cross-functional problem-solving efforts.

Documentation & Compliance Support

• Maintain accurate laboratory records, test results, and technical documentation.
• Assist in SOP development, revision, and technical training of personnel.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety and regulatory standards (OSHA, EPA, etc.).

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS, REQUIREMENTS:

• BS in Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• 3+ years of hands-on laboratory or quality experience in a manufacturing or chemical environment.
• Strong background in analytical chemistry, material testing, or polymer/composite systems.
• Proven experience with root cause analysis, investigations, and technical problem-solving.
• Experience developing or optimizing test methods and interpreting lab data.
• Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

Preferred

• Background in polymers, composites, or aerospace materials.
• Experience with DOE, statistical analysis, or method validation.
• Familiarity with ISO9001/AS9100 environments (supporting role).
• Experience in regulated industries (FDA, cGMP, or similar) is a plus.

Schedule

7:00 AM - 3:30 PM; Monday - Friday; On-site

We Hire You To Retire You

Working for Airtech means being part of a global family that believes in long-term employment and promoting from within, along with personal and professional development. Airtech offers a competitive compensation package which includes medical/dental/vision benefits, paid vacation and holidays, and a company-funded retirement plan. We put safety first to ensure we can all go home to our families after producing the best quality product in the most efficient way possible.

Learn more about us at www.airtechjobs.com.

Airtech International is committed to equal employment opportunity. We do not discriminate based on an individual’s race, religion, creed, color, sex (including gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, or sexual orientation), age, national origin or ancestry, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.