Advanced Lead Specialist - Materials Behavior

Job Description Summary

We are seeking an Advanced Lead Specialist – Materials Behavior to support the execution and continuous improvement of mechanical behavior testing within the Mechanical Behavior Testing Laboratory. This role will focus on the mechanical testing, characterization, and validation of composite materials and coatings used in aerospace applications across design, manufacturing, and in-service environments.
This position is centered on technical execution and laboratory capability. The Advanced Lead Specialist will apply strong mechanical aptitude, testing experience, and practical problem-solving skills to execute complex laboratory testing, develop and improve test setups, support data acquisition, and help ensure high-quality, timely test results. The role functions with some autonomy, guided by established policies and review of end results, and allows modification of procedures and practices as needed to meet technical and operational requirements.

Job Description

Job Title

Advanced Lead Specialist - Materials Behavior (Mechanical Behavior Testing Laboratory)

Company Intro/About GE Aerospace

GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet engines, components, and integrated systems for commercial and military aircraft. We advance aviation technologies for today and tomorrow with a relentless focus on Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost, and we rely on disciplined testing and validation to ensure materials and products perform as required in design, manufacturing, and in-service environments.

Site, Business, OR Functional Area Overview

This role is based in Evendale, Ohio within the Mechanical Behavior Testing Laboratory, supporting mechanical behavior testing, characterization, and validation of composite materials and coatings used in aerospace applications. The lab partners with engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional program teams to generate high-quality test data supporting material characterization, product qualification, and design validation.

Role Overview

The Advanced Lead Specialist - Materials Behavior supports the execution and continuous improvement of mechanical behavior testing within the Mechanical Behavior Testing Laboratory. The role is centered on hands-on technical execution and laboratory capability, requiring strong mechanical aptitude, testing experience, and practical problem-solving.

In this position, you will execute complex testing, develop and improve test setups, support reliable data acquisition, and ensure high-quality, timely results. The role functions with some autonomy under established policies, with flexibility to adjust procedures and practices as needed to meet technical and operational requirements while maintaining safety and quality.

Key Responsibilities

• Mechanical Behavior Test Execution: Execute mechanical behavior testing in support of design, development, validation, and improvement of aerospace products, components, and material systems.
• Composite & Coatings Testing: Perform mechanical testing of composite materials and coatings, including specimen setup, fixturing, instrumentation, test execution, data acquisition, and documentation.
• Validation Support: Support laboratory and field validation testing, inspection, and data collection for design validation, material characterization, and product qualification.
• Equipment Setup & Maintenance: Set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain mechanical test equipment, fixtures, load frames, environmental setups, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Test Rig & Method Development: Support the design, fabrication, assembly, and improvement of test rigs, fixtures, instrumentation systems, and test methods/software required for mechanical behavior testing.
• Troubleshooting & Technical Judgment: Use strong mechanical aptitude and technical judgment to resolve setup issues, equipment problems, and execution challenges while meeting quality and schedule commitments.
• Procedure Improvement: Modify procedures and practices within established requirements to improve safety, efficiency, repeatability, and test quality.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with engineers, technicians, and partner teams to support test readiness, execution, and interpretation of results.
• Documentation & Communication: Document technical data, results, observations, and methods per engineering/lab policies; communicate progress, issues, and results clearly and on time.
• Technical Mentoring: Act as a technical resource for colleagues and support less experienced team members in methods, equipment use, and problem solving.
• Continuous Improvement & Projects: Contribute to continuous improvement of lab operations, test processes, and equipment capability; support small projects or specialized work scopes as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college (OR a high school diploma / GED with 4 years relevant experience in mechanical testing, laboratory operations, materials testing, or a related technical field) + 3 years relative experience.
• Mechanical Testing Experience: Demonstrated experience in mechanical behavior testing, test execution, lab equipment operation, or related hands-on technical work
• Materials Testing: Experience testing material systems including composites, coatings, and/or related materials
• Mechanical Aptitude: Experience with equipment setup, fixturing, instrumentation, troubleshooting, and test system operation
• Test Equipment & Data Systems: Experience working with test rigs, fixtures, load frames, instrumentation systems, and data acquisition systems
• Procedural Discipline: Ability to interpret procedures, execute technical work with high precision, and adjust methods within established requirements
• Citizenship / Clearance: This role requires the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret Security Clearance; prerequisite for a security clearance is U.S. Citizenship. Preference will be given to candidates who currently hold an active U.S. Government Secret Clearance.

Additional Information

Desired Characteristics:

• Advanced experience in mechanical testing, materials behavior, lab operations, validation testing, or related technical specialization
• Hands-on experience improving test rigs, fixtures, instrumentation systems, and test software
• Experience in aerospace composites testing, coatings evaluation, or other highly regulated technical environments
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in a lab/test environment
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve technical issues and improve test execution
• Ability to document, plan, coordinate, and execute technical work with minimal oversight
• Established project coordination or task ownership skills
• Ability to work effectively across functions and support team success through collaboration

Closing

At GE Aerospace, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that values diversity and empowers employees to thrive. This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, for applicants who are not asylees, refugees, lawful permanent residents, or U.S. Citizens (i.e., not a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), otherwise known as a U.S. Person), final offers will be contingent on the ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.

Relocation Assistance Provided: Yes