Located in Kent Washington, Protective Coatings Inc. is a leading provider of full-service finishing for the aerospace, electronics and medical industries in both commercial and defense applications. Services include but are not limited to non-destructive testing such as fluorescent penetrant and magnetic particle inspection and a wide variety of surface enhancement processes such as shot peening and abrasive blasting, passivation, cadmium and nickel zinc plating, chromic, sulfuric and boric sulfuric acid anodizing and the application of chromate conversion coating on ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. Organic coating includes the application and testing of multiple resin systems such as epoxies, phenolics, polyurethanes, polyesters, elastomerics, intumescents, lacquers, alkyds, acrylics, dry-film lubricants, powder coatings and Teflon. Current approvals include the National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program, (NADCAP), Boeing Commercial Aircraft Company, Boeing Defense and Space, Boeing/Philadelphia, Boeing Long Beach, Grumman, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, Goodrich, Bombardier, Cessna and Sikorsky among much else.

Founded in 1976, Protective Coatings Inc. was later acquired by Precision Castparts in 2012, and became part of the Aerostructures Division. As a defense contractor Protective Coatings Inc. is registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls as a subsidiary of Precision Castparts Corp and is fully compliant with all relevant facets of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Export Administration Regulations.

Position Summary:
Laboratory Supervisor position will effectively and efficiently oversee and perform laboratory tests to determine chemical and physical characteristics or composition of solid, liquid, or gaseous materials for such purposes as quality control, process control by performing specific duties. Candidates must have the ability and desire to be flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced production environment, be resourceful and innovative along with presenting a strong business ethic and compliance to leadership and company policies, and a good communicator with the ability to represent the company in a positive manner. Other responsibilities will include maintaining a clean and organized work area, as well as adherence to organizational safety rules and regulations.

Reporting Relationships:

The Laboratory Supervisor will report to the Quality Manager.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Directly supervises 2-4 employees in the Laboratory. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
• Verifies and trains other lab personnel in required testing and analysis.
• Maintain adequate staff levels by recruiting, selecting, orienting, and training employees.
• Resolve problems by analyzing data; investigating issues; identifying solutions; recommending action.
• Maintain safe and clean work environment by educating and directing personnel on the use of all PPE, control points, and equipment, maintaining compliance with established safety policies and procedures.
• Plans, organizes and supervises the test lab in accordance with production schedules and requirements in the most cost-effective manner.
• Develops plans for efficient use of materials, equipment/tools, and employees.
• Sets up, adjusts and operates laboratory equipment and instruments such as agitators, chemical balance scales, spectrophotometer, PH meters, tensiometer, salt spray chamber and other equipment. Cleans and sterilizes laboratory equipment.
• Ensures testing is performed according to procedure and specifications and compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
• Tests solutions used in processes such as anodizing, cadmium plating, cleaning, rinsing and pickling for chemical concentration, or other characteristics.
• Tests materials for presence and content of elements or substances such as cyanide, or impurities.
• Tests samples of manufactured products to verify conformity to specifications.
• Records test results on standardized forms and/or the computer
• Ensures calibration of laboratory equipment/tools. Ensure that all equipment and tools are functioning properly for testing / production and calls maintenance if the equipment requires repair. Ensure preventive maintenance is taking place on schedule.
• Prepares chemical solutions according to standard formulas.
• Adds chemicals or raw materials to process solutions or product batches to correct or establish formulation required to meet specifications.
• Clean, organize and maintain work area as prescribed by supervision
• Responsible for the safe testing / preparation of samples, safety in the areas of responsibility, and maintaining a safe, injury free work environment. Responsible for driving safety, quality, dispatch adherence and productivity requirements in the most cost-effective manner.
• Provides leadership to employees and ensures they have the proper tools to perform their job safely and efficiently
• Ensures that all employees work in a safe manner and that each employee is properly trained in all safety procedures. Ensures that good housekeeping practices are consistently followed.
• Develops, supports, trains, and involves employees in maintaining and improving departmental safety, efficiency, productivity, quality, cooperation and morale to meet company goals.
• Adheres to all Protective Coatings Safety and Work rules as dictated in the employee manual
• Responsible for adherence to solution control and process control procedures, work instructions, and all quality control instructions, and completes corrective actions in a timely manner.
• Engages the team in identifying and implementing continuous improvement projects in the areas of safety, quality, cost, and customer satisfaction.
• Provides employee coaching and development. Resolve employee issues through problem resolution.
• Ensures participation and adherence to Safety and Quality improvement initiatives, such as 6S, Zero Defects, etc.
• Effectively collaborate with other departments to attain departmental, company and corporate goals.
• Assists Environmental Manager in regulatory issues and report submissions
• Coordinates with production, facilities, and waste treatment supervisor on Lab related projects
• While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals.

Required Skills:

• Ability to interview, hire, and train employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Leadership: Demonstrated ability to develop, execute and deliver results in conformance with action plans. Candidate should have a good track record in delivering new ideas, managing projects and provide leadership in directing technicians.
• Analytical and Critical Thinking: Collects, researches, evaluates, and interprets data.
• Problem Solving: Identifies, analyzes, and finds solutions to problems effectively.
• Technical Skills: Pursues training and development opportunities.
• Communication: Communicates and writes clearly and informatively. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, procedure manuals and use of good judgement. Must have demonstrated abilities to lead people and get results through others, with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Teamwork: Contributes to building a positive team spirit. Ability to create a motivating environment and influence others to produce quality work within tight timeframes.
• Requires that the incumbent be a highly organized, self-motivated individual who can work independently as well as work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Judgment: Exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Effective Interpersonal skills.
• Quality: Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Attention to detail and an attitude of 100 compliance with all company, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Safety and Security: Observes safety and security procedures.
• Computer: Must be computer literate, particularly in spreadsheet, production planning and tracking applications.
• Competency: Refer to rater for specific competency requirements
• Adaptability: Must have demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities and easily adapt to changing situations and priorities

• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Demonstrated proficiency with ERP Systems and Microsoft office products
• Ability to effectively communicate with Managers, Program Manages, and Floor Personnel.
• Ability to manage and track multiple priorities.

• Ability to stand for prolonged periods with limited movement.
• Ability to work alone or as a member of a team, good cooperative skills.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English. Specifically, applicants must be able to read and understand written procedures and instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast paced and ever-changing environment with multiple priorities.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 35 lbs.

Required Experience:

• 5+ years’ experience in a test lab environment with direct management responsibility. Also directing/supervising exempt/nonexempt team members to achieve the goals of safety, quality, delivery and profit.
• Aerospace industry knowledge preferred

Level of Education:

• 4-year degree in chemistry or the equivalent