Lab Supervisor - Hydraulics & Nitrogen Testing

POSITION SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:

The Lab Supervisor – Hydraulics & Nitrogen Testing is responsible for the leadership, operation, and safety of a high-pressure testing laboratory focused on hydraulic systems and nitrogen-based testing processes. This role is both hands-on — involving test system design, assembly, and operation — and supervisory, overseeing test execution, equipment maintenance, compliance, and personnel. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in fluid power systems, high-pressure gas testing, and lab operations, combined with strong leadership and safety management capabilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervise daily lab operations for hydraulic and nitrogen testing activities.
• Develop and schedule testing plans based on project timelines.
• Hands-on preparation and supervision of setup, execution, and teardown of all testing procedures.
• Maintain lab organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness.
• Supervise testing of API 6A, API 17D, and other product types utilizing UTEX sealing solutions and meeting applicable codes.
• Familiarity with PLC’s and automation equipment.
• Experience selecting and integrating hydraulic equipment.
• Oversee pressure and temperature performance validation, leak detection, and seal integrity testing.
• Validate system performance against engineering requirements and standards.
• Analyze and interpret test data; generate reports and recommendations.
• Supervise high-pressure liquid and nitrogen system testing (functional, proof, burst).
• Oversee leak detection, system validation, and troubleshooting of system integrity issues.
• Ensure proper handling, storage, and use of compressed gas cylinders.
• Oversee pressure control systems (regulators, manifolds, relief systems).
• Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols for high-pressure testing environments.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and emergency response plans.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and ASME, ISO, SAE, and other relevant standards.
• Lead incident investigations and corrective action implementation.
• Conduct regular safety audits and training sessions.
• Oversee maintenance and calibration of hydraulic power units (HPUs), pressure transducers, torque/force transducers, flow meters, data acquisition systems, and high-pressure gas systems.
• Manage lab equipment lifecycle (procurement, upgrades, repairs).
• Coordinate vendor support and equipment servicing.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop lab technicians and engineers.
• Assign workloads and ensure efficient resource utilization.
• Provide technical guidance and troubleshooting expertise.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and performance evaluations.
• Review and approve test reports and documentation.
• Ensure traceability and proper documentation of all test activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve testing efficiency, accuracy, and safety.
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives in lab operations.

Other Requirements

• Strong knowledge of pressure testing methodologies (proof, burst, leak testing) and instrumentation/data acquisition systems
• Familiarity with API, ISO, ASME, SAE standards and calibration/metrology basics
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and schematics
• Strong leadership and team management abilities
• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills
• High attention to detail and safety mindset
• Effective communication and reporting skills
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisor
• Ability to function independently while meeting deadlines

Required Education and Experience

• Technical degree a plus; degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology a further plus — hands-on experience and demonstrated supervisory ability are critical regardless of degree
• 10+ years of experience in hydraulics/fluid power systems, high-pressure gas (nitrogen) systems, and laboratory testing, including seals
• 5+ years in a supervisory or leadership role
• Experience with high-pressure, high-temperature gas and hydraulic testing (15,000 psi, 300+°F)

Physical Demands

• Must be able to complete work needing hand dexterity, standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, squatting, and climbing
• Ability to safely perform lifting by hand or using lifting equipment for components
• Potential for extended standing periods during testing operations

**Work Environment
**This job operates in an industrial laboratory environment involving exposure to high-pressure hydraulic and nitrogen/gas systems. Required PPE (face shields, gloves, safety glasses, and other protective equipment as needed) must be worn at all times.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday.

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel - 5%

EEO STATEMENT

Utex Industries is an equal employment opportunity employer and shall make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, and/or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.