Laboratory Test Lead 1

Job Title :   Laboratory Test Lead | Effective Date : 01 / 2026

Department : Quality FLSA :  Exempt / Salary Discipline :

Job Summary :

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.

Summary of Duties :

• 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 reviews.
• Oversee test technicians. Duties may include scheduling work, monitoring / creating tasks, training staff, and contributing feedback to annual performance reviews.
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, developing, and evaluating staff; makes recommendations, initiates promotions, transfers, and disciplinary action.
• Ability to coach and mentor team aimed at enhancing internal customer service and customer satisfaction within the Laboratory team, leading to improve overall results.
• Provide orientation and training to testing personnel and evaluate their performance including ensuring accountability for achieving satisfactory results, customer service, and satisfaction.
• Ensure visibility on the Laboratory availability assigned (Hours of Operation + Additional exceptional plans).
• Manage and track relevant KPI’s as part of a constant improvement plan.
• Prepare the Laboratory for audits or inspections, prepare reports as needed, and ensure documentation for regulatory compliance.
• Ability to coach and mentor team members through the process of understanding the needs and safety of laboratory processes.
• Listen and report the employee sentiment and bridge opportunities for employee relationship management.

Qualifications : Education :

Experience :

Computer Skills :

Other Skills :

Preferred (Not required) :

Description :   Senior-level position within field

Working Conditions :

The above declarations are not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job, rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job.

Safran Cabin is an “at-will” employer, which means that employment is at the mutual consent of both the employee and the employer, and may be terminated at will, for any reason, with or without cause at any time during your employment with the Company.  No one other than the CEO of the Company can enter into an agreement of employment for a specified period of time or make any agreement or representation contrary to this policy.  Further, any such agreement must be in writing and signed by the CEO of the Company.

To Comply with Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, physical, mental, environmental, and other work conditions essential for the job are noted below. Specific codes are used to specify the frequency of such conditions or requirements.

C = Constant or major activity (60% or more of work time)

F = Frequent or moderate activity (20-60% of work time)

O = Occasional or minor activity (less than 20% of work time)

N = Not applicable

Physical Demand :

Physical Condition :

Mental Requirements of the Job :