Dynamics Department Manager

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 for overseeing daily operations, managing a technical team, and ensuring the lab meets financial and operational performance targets. This leadership role is pivotal in maintaining highstandards of quality and efficiency while supporting some of the most advanced aerospace and engineering 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 investment justification

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 project timelines

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.

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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 o