Mechanical Testing Engineer Client & Lab Lead

Mechanical Testing Engineer Client & Lab Lead

Our client is a well-established, independent metallurgical testing laboratory based in southeastern Wisconsin. They are ISO/IEC 17025 accredited and are considered a critical partner to a wide range of manufacturers across the U.S. and internationally. They specialize in supporting industries such as metals manufacturing, fabrication, aerospace, defense, energy, and industrial equipment production.

The lab offers a full suite of testing services, including mechanical testing (tensile, impact, hardness), weld qualification and inspection, metallography and chemical analysis, failure analysis, salt spray and corrosion testing, environmental simulation, and on-site or specialty test development. They are equipped with a full-service in-house machine shop, allowing them to rapidly design and fabricate custom fixtures as needed.

Their client base spans the country, with a strong concentration in the Midwest, and includes both small manufacturers and large OEMs. They are widely known for their exceptional responsiveness and turnaround, delivering most routine test results within an industry-leading 2472 hour window.

Why This Role Is Unique Employee Value Proposition:

What makes this lab unique is its blend of hands-on engineering, custom fixture development, and deep customer engagement. You'll work alongside engineers, metallurgists, and long-tenured lab professionals in a collaborative, respectful, and ego-free environment.

• Legacy Meets Innovation: You'll take the reins from a 40-year veteran and help shape the next era of the lab's technical excellence.
• Intellectual Variety: No two days are the sametesting spans aerospace alloys to structural welds to obscure legacy materials.
• Autonomy + Support: You'll own technical decision-making with the full backing of a humble, supportive leadership team.
• Family Culture: Think low-ego, high-respect. Leadership leads by example (literallythe owner takes out the trash).
• Balanced Life: 40-hour workweeks, flexible start times, minimal red tape, and a loyal team that loves their work.

This is the perfect role for an engineer who thrives on mechanical problem-solving, loves getting their hands dirty, and prefers a technically engaging environment over a corporate ladder climb.

Your Mission:

You'll serve as the technical leader of the Mechanical Testing Department, supporting and mentoring a small team of analysts while developing custom test methods, fixtures, and solutions for non-routine client requests.

Core Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary technical liaison to customers (help define scope, interpret specs, guide feasibility)
• Quote projects and coordinate testing needs based on ASTM/ISO standards
• Develop and troubleshoot test methods for tensile, impact, and hardness testing
• Lead design and development of custom fixtures in collaboration with machine shop
• Perform and oversee specialty mechanical tests (electromechanical, hydraulic, high-capacity)
• Review and deliver detailed technical reports to customers
• Troubleshoot test anomalies, equipment performance, and data issues

What Success Looks Like in the First Year:

• Fully transition knowledge from outgoing technical director (retiring after 40+ years)
• Independently manage quoting and execution of custom mechanical tests
• Serve as technical advisor for internal team and external clients
• Maintain turnaround targets and uphold ISO 17025 standards
• Develop new fixtures and testing capabilities based on client needs

What You Bring to the Table:

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (or equivalent technical experience)
• 4+ years of hands-on mechanical/materials testing experience
• Strong understanding of tensile, impact, hardness testing, and ASTM/ISO standards
• Proven ability to troubleshoot mechanical testing equipment and methods
• Comfortable reading specs, quoting projects, and interacting directly with customers
• Hands-on experience with fixture development and custom setups

Bonus Experience:

• Proficiency with Instron Bluehill or Tinius Olsen Horizon software
• Background in 3rd party test labs, materials engineering firms, or metallurgical environments
• Demonstrated success in fast-paced, low-structure environments

Compensation, Benefits & Work Environment:

• Base Salary: $80,000$110,000+ (flexible for ideal candidates)
• Bonus: Annual holiday bonus, Profit Sharing
• Relocation: Assistance available for the right candidate
• Schedule: Onsite | 40-hour week | Flexible start time (6 AM to 9 AM)
• Benefits: Full medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, PTO, paid holidays, and more (full package shared during process)

Ready to Apply? If you're an engineer with a passion for solving real-world mechanical challenges, collaborating with a tight-knit team, and being the go-to technical expert in a lab setting, we want to hear from you. Please note all resumes and candidate information submitted are kept in the strictest confidence. No resume will be released without the candidate's prior permission.