Laboratory Test Lead

Overview

Job Title: Laboratory Test Lead |
Effective Date: 01/2026
Department:
Quality FLSA:
Exempt/ Salary Discipline:

Reporting to the Quality Manager, the Laboratory Test Lead is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory assigned including leading the team to perform the test procedures, record and report test results promptly, accurately and proficiently, and for assuring compliance with the applicable regulations. The Laboratory Test Lead is responsible for delivering high-quality testing performance of the laboratory assigned in a timely and cost-effective manner to meet the needs of both internal and external customers and providers.

The Laboratory Test Lead is involved in development of the laboratory standard processes and procedures, leading the team of the laboratory assigned towards continuous growth, alignment, and mentorship, while also maintaining visibility on laboratory availability. The Laboratory Test Lead works to enhance customer service and satisfaction, with a focus on improving overall testing outcomes. The Laboratory Test Lead has technical expertise in a specific engineering or testing domain, and advises and participates in MER gate reviews, DFMEA, and root cause analysis.

• Collaborates and leads the creation of innovative test methodologies, reviews product / test article designs, is responsible for test setups for testing aircraft interior products within technical specification and project requirements. Testing covers but is not limited to environmental (temperature variation, humidity, vibration etc.), accelerated life, static loading, dynamic loading, material characterization, fire properties, acoustic, operational, electrical, refrigeration, airflow and plumbing test of aircraft interior systems and components to substantiate their design requirements, assure product reliability and maturity upon entry into service while optimizing cost, weight, function.
  
  Works independently and leads test technicians and junior engineers during daily activities.
• Review, coordinate, and conduct tests at the engineering prototype level for design development purpose, or serial production level towards the qualification/certification of aircraft interior products or others. May include more complex products or test setups. Types of tests may include:
• Environmental, operational, or performance tests on electrical and electromechanical products, either experimental, prototype, or serial production aircraft interior products, including development and DO160 tests
• Flammability tests in order to characterize fire properties of aircraft interior products, including Bunsen burner, heat release, smoke density, toxicity, and fire containment testing
• Material characterization tests on aircraft interior products, including mechanical allowable testing of composite panels and inserts, adhesive properties, and accelerated aging
• Load testing (static, robustness, abuse, dynamic, impact) by applying loads using gravity, hydraulics machinery, tensile test machine, force gages, load cells and / or other equipment with the assistance of qualified technicians.
• Accelerated life tests on mechanical and electromechanical assemblies including life cycle/endurance testing, material abrasion, or temperature/humidity cycling.
• Review, coordinate and perform the design and fabrication of testing and test-control apparatus and equipment while leading test engineers and technicians.
• Review, coordinate and perform the creation of testing documentation (test plans, test procedures) or use existing documentation to lead, conduct, and document test execution. Review, coordinate and perform creation of test datasheets and test reports from test plans.
• Review, coordinate, perform and lead work on test equipment, test article definition, and integration into test set up. Review and coordinate test document and analysis of test cases, scheduled test inspections, and test data logged / test datasheets. Lead test engineers and technicians during test execution. Review, coordinate and lead the creation of testing documentation and reports from test plans.
• Review, coordinate and perform calibration and preventative maintenance on test equipment and systems. Manage and maintain equipment calibration record.
• Coordinate repair or replacement of laboratory equipment and systems with the Facilities Department and manufacturer as required.
• Provide technical expertise and direction during product development / engineering reviews to ensure compliance matrix requirements are addressed and resolved.
• Develop, release, and update standard processes related to the function of the test laboratories.
• Expand lab capability by using testing and engineering expertise to develop, incorporate, and provide training for new test equipment or setups.
• Collaborate with Engineering functions to analyze designs, perform root cause analyses, and solve design problems, while advising and supporting MER and DFMEA…