Overview
Element is seeking a results-driven Department Manager to lead our Dynamic Lab,specializing in fatigue and cyclic testing. As the Department Manager, you will be responsible foroverseeing daily operations, managing a technical team, and ensuring the lab meets financialand operational performance targets. This leadership role is pivotal in maintaining high
standards of quality and efficiency while supporting some of the most advanced aerospace andengineering projects in the world.
Compensation: $90K - $120K + Management Bonus
Responsibilities
Operational Leadership:
Oversee scheduling, resource planning, and workflow optimization in the fatigue testinglab
Ensure test programs are executed safely, on time, and in compliance with customerand industry requirements
Drive continuous improvement in lab processes, turnaround time, and qualityFinancial Management (P&L Ownership):
Manage departmental budget including revenue forecasting, cost control, and marginimprovement
Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as revenue
Identify opportunities for efficiency gains, revenue growth, and capital investmentjustification
Utilization & Capacity Planning:
Maximize test cell and equipment utilization across multiple shifts or customer programs
Analyze capacity and demand forecasts; adjust staffing and resources accordingly
Collaborate with sales, planning, and engineering teams to align lab capacity with projecttimelines
Staff Management & Development:
Lead, coach, and develop a team of technicians, engineers, and support staff
Set performance expectations, conduct evaluations, and provide ongoing feedback
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and technical excellence
Client & Quality Interface:
Support customer communication regarding technical queries, program updates, andissue resolution
Ensure compliance with quality standards (e.g., Nadcap, ISO/IEC 17025, AS9100)
Participate in internal and external audits as needed
Skills / Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field
5+ years of experience in fatigue or mechanical testing environments, which would include fatigue tests using strain control and /or load control to ASTM standards.
Knowledge of fracture mechanics and crack growth rate testing to ASTM standards would be preferred.
2+ years of supervisory experience
2+ years of department metric management experience
Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills
Experience with ERP and lab management systems; familiarity with XLims is a plus
Work Environment:
This position is based in a metallurgical laboratory and may involve occasional work in adjacent industrial or production areas. The role requires frequent standing, walking, and bending throughout the day to perform hands-on tasks.
The role also requires the ability to lift and move materials and equipment weighing up to 30 pounds. Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, gloves, and lab coats must be worn as required to ensure safety during sample preparation and testing. The lab environment is temperature-controlled but may involve brief exposure to noise, dust, or chemicals in compliance with safety standards.
NOTE: This position requires access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, and services. U.S. citizenship, U.S. legal permanent resident status, protected person status under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or U.S. Government export authorization is required. Any offer of employment is contingent upon the employer obtaining the necessary export authorization, including, if required, an export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, or other applicable government agency.
LI-DM1
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.
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
"If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job, please email Recruitment@element.com "
Job Locations US-CA-Huntington Beach
ID 2025-17674
