Senior Aerospace Lab Manager: Quality & Testing Lead

Park Electrochemical Corp; Newton (KS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Park Aerospace is seeking a Lab Manager to oversee all laboratory operations, supervise lab supervisors, and ensure testing procedures meet quality and regulatory standards. You will report to the Quality Manager and drive testing development, personnel training, equipment performance, and continuous improvement in support of customer qualifications.

You will lead teams to execute chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical testing in alignment with AS9100, NADCAP, and ISO standards, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or related discipline preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a manufacturing or materials testing lab, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, ISO standards and QMS implementation.
• Experience with FTIR, DSC, DMA, EM load frames, and wet chemistry techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; statistical software experience preferred.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and technical writing skills.
• Aerospace or composite materials industry experience highly desired.
• SPC knowledge and experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor lab supervisors and technicians to ensure testing performance is accurate and timely.
• Oversee chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical testing operations to meet standards.
• Manage lab workflows, equipment utilization, and testing schedules to meet timelines.
• Develop and implement laboratory procedures and inspection criteria in coordination with the Quality Manager.
• Maintain readiness with proper inventory of chemicals, supplies, and calibrated equipment.
• Ensure compliance with QMS and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement via statistical analysis and root cause investigations.
• Interface with internal teams and customers to resolve technical issues and communicate results.
• Maintain documentation of testing activities, training records, and quality data.
• Align lab operations with broader quality objectives and production goals.
• Provide technical and statistical expertise to support product reliability and process optimization.
• Design and deliver training programs for lab personnel.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Technical writing

Communication

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

FTIR

DSC

DMA

EM load frames

Wet chemistry

Job description

Park Aerospace is seeking a Lab Manager to oversee all laboratory operations, supervise lab supervisors, and ensure testing procedures meet quality and regulatory standards. You will report to the Quality Manager and drive testing development, personnel training, equipment performance, and continuous improvement in support of customer qualifications.

You will lead teams to execute chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical testing in alignment with AS9100, NADCAP, and ISO standards, while