Working Laboratory Team Lead

For over 70 years, Delrin® has been the trusted choice for engineers who demand high-performance materials. Our acetal homopolymer empowers innovative product design with superior mechanical properties, unmatched machinability and design flexibility. We provide materials, knowledge and collaboration to achieve breakthroughs that build a better future.

The Working Laboratory Team Lead role at Delrin® is an exciting opportunity to lead a small, highly technical team, perform hands-on mechanical testing with a focus on plastics, and manage the day-to-day operations of our Wilmington, DE laboratory. This position is ideal for a motivated, self-starter who combines technical expertise with strong organizational skills and a commitment to safety and data integrity. You will play a key role in ensuring accurate testing, reliable lab operations, and effective team collaboration in a dynamic, innovation-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small, highly technical team, fostering collaboration and a culture of safety and quality.
• Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including workflow coordination, supply management, vendor interactions, and equipment readiness across mechanical and physical testing labs.
• Ensure operational excellence, maintaining equipment standards, safety protocols, and compliance with data integrity requirements.
• Perform hands-on mechanical testing, acting as a subject matter expert in plastics and polymer characterization.
• Maintain high-quality standards for data collection, analysis, and reporting to support accurate and reliable results.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to align testing priorities and deliver timely, actionable insights.
• Drive continuous improvement, contributing to the development of new test methods and operational efficiencies.

Ideal Profile

• Educational Background: Master’s degree in Engineering or Science, or Bachelor’s degree with significant industrial experience.
• 7 years in an industrial laboratory environment, preferably with expertise in mechanical testing of thermoplastics and material characterization.
• Strong background in physical testing, measurement analysis, and statistical methods; Six Sigma experience preferred.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a technical team, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Demonstrated experience managing laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance and vendor coordination.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Skilled in MS Office and familiar with instrumentation software; ability to maintain and troubleshoot lab equipment.
• Strong time management and ability to develop innovative solutions for testing and operational challenges.
• Track record of maintaining rigorous safety, quality, and data integrity protocols.
• Based in Wilmington, Delaware.

Delrin is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this exciting opportunity to join our team and contribute to our continued success.