R&D Lab Team Lead

Tribonet; Kennesaw (GA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) savings plan with company match

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Tribonet seeks a Lab Team Lead at the Novelis Global Research and Technology Center in Kennesaw, Georgia. This position involves overseeing a team of technologists and engineers, managing laboratory operations focusing on quality results and compliance with ISO standards.

The role requires a BS in Mechanical or Metallurgical Engineering and 5 years of experience. Benefits include insurance, 401(k) matching, and a hybrid work schedule. Join us to develop and lead a high-functioning lab environment!

Qualifications

• Typically requires 5 years of progressive experience.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities across projects.
• Hands-on laboratory experience in material characterization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee team management including hiring and performance.
• Implement effective cross-training plans for the team.
• Ensure compliance with ISO standards and SOPs.

Skills

Leadership

Laboratory Experience

Communication

Data Analysis

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

BS in Metallurgical Engineering

BS in Materials Science

Tools

CAD

Python

Job description

Overview

An educational platform on tribology — the science of friction, wear and lubrication.

Who is it for: Engineers, researchers, students and industry professionals.

About the Role

The Novelis Global Research and Technology Center team is seeking an Engineer or Technologist as a Lab Team Lead. The person will report to the Senior Lab Manager and lead a team of 5‑8 technologists, technicians, and engineers to deliver high quality laboratory results and analysis. The Lab Team Lead will analyze in laboratories such as Heat Treatment, Metallography, Microscopy, and Tribology, and own all aspects of training, instruments/equipment, ISO compliance, and user safety.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of team management, including hiring, performance management, talent review and succession planning.
• Monitor deployment of the team’s resources, identify constraints, and work with other leaders to implement effective cross‑training plans.
• Propose new equipment additions and justify annual capital investment planning; oversee purchase and commissioning within budget and on time.
• Drive enhancements of the laboratory’s capabilities by improving existing equipment/methods or recommending new ones.
• Identify growth opportunities for direct reports to ensure continuous development.
• Serve as an advisor to staff responsible for laboratory operations to meet schedules and resolve technical problems.
• Ensure Standard Operating Procedures and Quality System protocols are current, maintained, and applied with an emphasis on good laboratory practices, housekeeping, ISO 17025 compliance, and LIMS compliance.
• Ensure all personnel, visitors, contractors, and vendors comply with all safety standards and other EHS initiatives.
• Participate in safety walk‑throughs and ensure highlighted issues and improvement opportunities are addressed.
• Ensure all laboratory staff are properly trained in SOPs, Quality System protocols, and equipment‑specific requirements.
• Assist in formulating and implementing short‑ and long‑range goals for the operation of the NGRTC laboratories.
• Familiarity with aluminum is a plus.

Minimum Qualifications

• Typically requires 5 years of progressive experience and a BS in Mechanical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, or equivalent.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities across projects or work streams.
• Hands‑on laboratory experience in material characterization and testing, R&D, or manufacturing.
• Ability to learn multiple experimental disciplines in metallography, fabrication, and mechanical concepts.
• Demonstrates understanding of KPIs for a work area or project and links to business significance.
• Maintains awareness of the latest technologies relevant to lab operations.
• Ability to independently isolate a problem and design appropriate solutions.
• Considers multiple aspects in problem solving (economics, operations, maintenance, technical) in areas of responsibility.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.
• Experience in managing and leading a cross‑functional team preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CAD design.
• Strong data analysis skills for statistical design and analysis.
• Programming proficiency, e.g., Python.

What We Offer

This role offers a hybrid schedule with a minimum of two days in the office. Novelis values flexibility and balance for employees and is committed to a Flex Work approach that enables work‑life balance while enjoying a collaborative office environment.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Health Savings Account – Company funded HSA and Health Reimbursement Account (HRA).
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Company‑paid basic life insurance and additional voluntary life coverage.
• Paid vacation and competitive personal time off.
• 401(k) savings plan with company match.
• Retiree medical plans – medical and prescription drug coverage through Novelis‑sponsored Retiree Health Access.
• Retirement Savings Account.
• Employee assistance programs – available 24/7.
• Wellness and work‑life support – career development and educational assistance.

Location Profile

Novelis’ Global Research and Technology Center is located in Kennesaw, Georgia, within the greater Atlanta metropolitan area. The facility hosts a diverse mix of product pilot lines and state‑of‑the‑art lab equipment. Kennesaw offers a family‑friendly community with many cultural opportunities. Novelis supports local charitable organizations and STEM initiatives to nurture future scientists.

Novelis provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. All terms and conditions of employment at Novelis, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoffs, recalls, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation and training, are without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.