General Manager - Duarte, CA

Element is a globally recognized leader in the field of testing, inspection, and certification services, boasting a formidable network of over 9,000 dedicated professionals operating from 270 locations across 30 countries. With a commitment to making tomorrow safer than today, Element serves a broad spectrum of industries by ensuring products, materials, processes, and services meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and quality. The company’s broad capabilities span from early research and development through complex regulatory approvals, assisting clients in achieving market access and sustainable outcomes. Known for its precision, integrity, and detailed approach, Element embraces a culture that fosters career growth, rewards excellence, and values diversity and inclusion as core principles.

Element is currently seeking a General Manager for Aerospace Testing at its Duarte, California laboratory facility. This leadership role demands a seasoned professional with a strong technical foundation and exceptional operational acumen to oversee all laboratory testing and certification activities focused on aerospace composites and related materials. Reporting directly to the regional Vice President, the General Manager will spearhead efforts to ensure strict adherence to aerospace standards and customer requirements, maintaining the integrity and accuracy of all test data and certification documents. This full-time position offers a competitive salary ranging from $140,000 to $175,000 per year dependent on experience, along with a management bonus plan.

The General Manager will be tasked with leading and developing a high-performing team of supervisors, engineers, and technicians, driving a culture rooted in safety, compliance, quality and inclusion. Key responsibilities include managing mechanical, electrical, and flammability testing operations, optimizing lab capacity and equipment utilization, and delivering outstanding customer satisfaction. The role also demands financial stewardship with accountability for revenue, EBITDA, working capital, and cash flow, while maintaining strong relationships with major aerospace, space, and defense clients such as Boeing, SpaceX, and Blue Origin.

Additionally, the General Manager will ensure the laboratory complies with exacting standards such as ISO 17025 and Nadcap, including customer-specific requirements, working closely with quality teams to maintain audit readiness and effective corrective actions. Success in this role requires a forward-thinking leader capable of driving continuous process improvements, empowering workforce productivity, and fostering an environment of open communication and professional development. The ideal candidate will bring 8 to 12 plus years of operational leadership experience, preferably within manufacturing, laboratory, or aerospace sectors, coupled with a strong educational background in engineering, materials science, or a related field.

Element offers a workplace culture that prides itself on transparency, integrity, and collaboration, where the commitment to diversity and inclusion is instrumental to its identity. The company is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to providing accommodations during the application process, reinforcing its stand on fairness and respect for all employees and candidates. If you are ready to take on a pivotal leadership role within a dynamic global organization that plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of aerospace materials and products, Element’s General Manager, Aerospace Testing position at Duarte, CA represents an exciting career opportunity to drive impact on a global scale.