R&D Manager - Eleven Recruiting

Eleven Recruiting is hiring an R&D Manager to oversee the Testing Laboratory for one of our largest Aerospace Manufacturing clients. This role will manage all aspects of the Testing Laboratory, including taking drawings through the complete lifecycle: metal fabrication, seam welding, and various forms of testing such as pressure testing, vibration testing, and destructive tests. The R&D Manager will supervise a team of 14 technicians and 1 supervisor, ensuring seamless collaboration across engineering, laboratory, and production teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all testing activities related to metals and non-metallic materials, ensuring compliance with engineering specifications, standards, and customer requirements.
• Oversee the testing process, including pressure, vibration, and destructive testing, ensuring precision and reliability in results.
• Supervise, train, and mentor lab technicians and supervisors, providing technical direction on testing techniques, lab methods, and specialized equipment operations.
• Refine laboratory techniques, methods, and processes to improve testing efficiency and material evaluation accuracy.
• Act as a liaison between engineering, laboratory, and vendors to address material testing challenges and product development issues.
• Maintain accurate records of test results and prepare reports, charts, and summaries for engineering and management review.
• Work closely with engineering teams to develop, test, and evaluate products made from metals and non-metallic materials, contributing to problem-solving discussions in project meetings.
• Track attendance, labor charges, material usage, and testing costs; support pricing and proposal preparation for lab-related projects.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Systems, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 7+ years of experience managing test labs with a focus on metals and non-metallic materials.
• Minimum 3 years of aerospace industry experience.
• Expertise in metal fabrication processes, seam welding, and advanced testing methods such as pressure and vibration testing.
• Strong understanding of technical standards, testing principles, and laboratory techniques.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize daily tasks effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in supervising and guiding technical teams, including direct oversight of technicians and supervisors.