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Element is seeking a Department Manager (Planning & Engineering) to lead planning, scheduling, and program execution for aerospace testing operations in Huntington Beach. Guided by our mission of “Making tomorrow safer than today,” this role enables safe, accurate, and on time delivery of complex test programs. You’ll lead a team of planners and collaborate cross functionally with Engineering, Lab Operations, Sales, and Quality to translate customer requirements into executable plans in a fast paced, high impact environment.

Salary: $95,000 - $115,000/yr DOE 

Planning & Scheduling
• Own end to end planning from work order creation through completion, ensuring schedule adherence, capacity alignment, and fast turnaround.
• Build and manage plans in LIMS/ERP systems; monitor WIP and proactively remove bottlenecks.
• Standardize planning processes to improve accuracy and efficiency.
Program & Technical Management
• Serve as the primary technical contact for assigned programs from kickoff to delivery.
• Review quotes, confirm scope and specifications, and create clear project timelines.
• Provide technical guidance, resolve complex testing issues, and review test data and customer reports.
People Leadership
• Lead and develop a team of planners through coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
• Manage staffing, schedules, and timecards while driving accountability for safety, quality, and delivery.
• Establish and manage KPIs related to schedule, turnaround time, and planning accuracy.
Quality, Safety & Continuous Improvement
• Champion a safety first culture and ensure compliance with quality systems, export controls, and company policies.
• Partner cross functionally with Engineering, Operations, Sales, and Quality to drive continuous improvement, capacity planning, and operational excellence.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Materials, Aerospace, Industrial, or related).
• 3–5 years of people management experience in laboratory testing, aerospace manufacturing, or a closely related technical environment.
• Strong proficiency with LIMS/ERP/MRP and MS Office; capable with basic algebra/geometry for planning and tolerance/measurement context.
• Proven ability to read and interpret test specifications, drawings, and test plans; can translate requirements into executable work orders and schedules.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating cross-functional teams and communicating effectively with both technical and customer stakeholders.
• Track record of delivering on safety, quality, and schedule commitments in a fast-paced environment.

Physical & Work Environment
• On-site lab/manufacturing setting with appropriate PPE; occasional lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Standing/walking in lab areas; frequent computer work; occasional off-shift or weekend support to meet critical schedules.

Element is one of the fastest growing testing, inspection and certification businesses in the world. Globally we have more than 9,000 brilliant minds operating from 270 sites across 30 countries. Together we share an ambitious purpose to ‘Make tomorrow safer than today’.

When failure in use is not an option, we help customers make certain that their products, materials, processes and services are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. From early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals and into production, our global laboratory network of scientists, engineers, and technologists support customers to achieve assurance over product quality, sustainable outcomes, and market access.

While we are proud of our global reach, working at Element feels like being part of a smaller company. We empower you to take charge of your career, and reward excellence and integrity with growth and development.

Industries across the world depend on our care, attention to detail and the absolute accuracy of our work. The role we have to play in creating a safer world is much bigger than our organization.

At Element, we always take pride in putting our people first. We are an equal opportunity employer that recognizes diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our Vision of becoming “the world’s most trusted testing partner”.

All suitably qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective work related criteria and without regard for the following: age, disability, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, race, religion, responsibility of dependents, sexual orientation, or gender identity or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws or other characteristics in accordance with the applicable governing laws.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c) 

“If you need an accommodation filling out an application, or applying to a job,  please email Recruitment@element.com”