Laboratory Coordinator-Materials Control Laboratory

AGC/ GarKenyon • Full-time • Meriden, Connecticut, United States • 2d ago

Job Overview
The Laboratory Coordinator is specialized role responsible for overseeing daily operations of a composite and metals materials testing laboratory that supports aerospace material compliance, process control, and product acceptance to current specifications and Material Control Laboratory requirements. This role ensures that testing, documentation, equipment control, sample traceability, and reporting activities are performed accurately, safely, and on schedule in support of material control at source.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily laboratory workload, priorities, sample flow, and technician assignments, both on-site and off-site, for composite/metallic material testing.
Ensure testing is performed in accordance with applicable customer drawings, specifications, procedures, laboratory manuals, purchase order requirements, and customer quality requirements.
Support Material Control at Source activities by maintaining objective evidence of conformance for materials, processes, test results, and certifications.
Review incoming test requests, material certifications, traveler documentation, and sample identification for completeness and traceability before testing begins.
Oversee composite and metallic process verification testing as applicable to the laboratory scope.
Review laboratory reports, data sheets, and inspection records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance prior to release.
Coordinate nonconforming test results, specification deviations, retests, investigations, and corrective actions with Quality, Engineering, Production, Purchasing, suppliers, and customer representatives.
Maintain preventive maintenance schedules, method verification records, and equipment readiness for laboratory instruments and fixtures.
Perform laboratory testing as needed.
Support production with periodic material related tasks: pH readings, water changes, acid mixing, cleanroom activities, etc.
Ensure laboratory personnel follow approved procedures, safety practices, environmental requirements, contamination controls, and handling requirements for materials and chemicals.
Train and mentor testing personnel on test methods, documentation practices, traceability requirements, data integrity, and customer-specific requirements.
Monitor turnaround time, testing frequency, backlog, capacity, and on-time completion of required testing.
Support internal audits, customer audits, supplier audits, NADCAP, and source-control reviews by preparing records and responding to findings.
Drive continuous improvement in laboratory workflow, quality systems, reporting accuracy, housekeeping, and process efficiency.
Any other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Associate degree or higher in materials science, chemistry, engineering technology, quality, composites, or a related technical field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
Experience in a laboratory, aerospace manufacturing, composites manufacturing, quality control, or materials testing environment.
Working knowledge of laboratory documentation, sample traceability, test reporting, calibration control, and quality record retention.
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, material specifications, process specifications, work instructions, purchase order requirements, and customer quality clauses.
Strong attention to detail and ability to identify documentation gaps, nonconforming results, and compliance risks.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and laboratory or quality management systems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate technical findings clearly to cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior experience with Pratt & Whitney Material Control Laboratory requirements, Laboratory Control at Source, and/or customer source-controlled testing programs.
Familiarity with aerospace quality systems such as AS13100, AS9100, NADCAP expectations, or customer audit requirements.
Experience supporting root cause analysis, corrective action, first article documentation, process verification, or supplier quality investigations.
Knowledge of mechanical, physical, thermal, chemical, or metallurgical test methods used in aerospace material acceptance.

Core Competencies

Quality-focused decision making
Technical documentation accuracy
Customer and supplier communication
Laboratory organization and prioritization
Problem solving and corrective action support
Data integrity and confidentiality
Safety, compliance, and continuous improvement mindset

Physical Requirements

Ability to lift up to 35 lbs.
Stand, walk, bend, and reach for extended periods.
Perform detailed visual inspections with or without corrective lenses.

Work Environment

This position is performed in a laboratory and manufacturing support environment. The role may require standing for extended periods, handling test samples and chemicals, wearing required personal protective equipment, and occasionally supporting production or customer schedules outside normal business hours.

Join us to be part of a dynamic team committed to advancing scientific research and clinical diagnostics through meticulous management of laboratory materials. Your expertise will help ensure our laboratories operate efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.

Benefits: