Metallurgy & Testing Lab Leader

Location: Waukegan, IL

Salary Range: $ 100,000.00 to $ 125,000.00

About SKF: 

SKF, reducing friction since 1907, re-imagining rotation for a better tomorrow!

SKF is an industry-leading manufacturer that has been a cornerstone in industrial life. Wherever there are machines or products in motion, SKF bearings are there to reduce friction. SKF drives the industries that support our way of life, powers the machines that put food on the table, and even helps explore the cosmos.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. SKF is on pace to decarbonize all its production facilities by 2030.

We’re guided by our SKF values. Collaboration is critical to the success of our colleagues, partners, and customers. Curiosity and Courage provide a foundation for innovation and advancement. And we do this work out of Care for our people, customers, communities, and the planet.

We’re a company committed to a culture of belonging, where all our people are encouraged to be themselves and grow their careers in an equitable environment.

Learn about SKF at www.skf.com.

Role Summary

The Metallurgist & Testing Laboratory Leader will establish and lead the new Americas & Pacific Metallurgy, Metrology & Testing Laboratory in Waukegan, IL. This foundational role is responsible for building laboratory capability, executing metallurgical and metrology testing, system level bearing testing, developing procedures, coordinating outsourced analyses, and preparing the lab for future expansion. The leader acts as the technical authority while also transitioning into full people leadership as the lab grows.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the startup of the metallurgy & metrology lab, supervising layout, equipment placement, commissioning, and readiness.
• Perform metallurgical evaluations: microstructure, case depth, decarb, grain structure, and heat-treatment assessments.
• Conduct macro and micro hardness testing, sample preparation, etching, and method optimization.
• Operate microscopes, hardness testers, surface profilometer, roundness form tester, sample-prep equipment, cleanliness workflows, and related tools.
• Develop, write, and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and safety procedures.
• Act as the single point of contact for outsourced chemistry, SEM, and mechanical testing.
• Plan, execute, and analyze rolling bearing life endurance tests, component and system level testing under controlled load, speed, temperature, lubrication, and contamination conditions.
• Correlate life test outcomes with metallurgical condition, material cleanliness, and manufacturing parameters.
• Develop, document, and continuously improve bearing and application specific test methods.
• Support automation of test rigs, data acquisition, and analysis where appropriate.
• Build reporting templates and ensure technical results are clear, accurate, and actionable.
• Track lab performance: lead-time, backlog, throughput, right-first-time, and equipment uptime.
• Onboard and eventually lead a team of lab specialists as capabilities expand.
• Collaborate with global labs and internal engineering to align methods and leverage advanced expertise. Ensuring conformity with applicable standards and internal SKF standards

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or similar.
• 5+ years of experience in metallurgical analysis, microstructure evaluation, and hardness testing.
• Hands-on experience with optical microscopy (Keyence preferred) and hardness systems.
• Strong sample preparation skills: cutting, mounting, grinding, polishing, etching.
• Ability to write procedures, technical reports, and method documentation.
• Experience working in laboratory environments with chemicals, flammables, and EHS protocols.
• Demonstrated leadership, project ownership, or mentoring experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience launching or organizing a laboratory or technical function.
• Metrology experience (roundness, geometry, or surface measurement).
• Cleanliness testing experience (particle counting, filtration processes).
• Experience coordinating outsourced testing (chemistry, SEM, mechanical).
• Familiarity with bearing steels, cast iron, heat-treated components, or related materials.
• Experience with rolling bearing testing (life, endurance, torque, contamination, or cage testing) including hand on testing experience
• Knowledge of bearing failure modes, tribology, and application driven performance requirements.
• Knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025 or quality system frameworks.

Success Criteria (First 12 Months)

• Phase1 - Metallurgy and metrology lab operational within 4 months. Phase 2 – Testing lab
• All core SOPs approved and in use.
• Stable, repeatable workflows for microstructure, hardness, metrology, and cleanliness.
• Effective request intake and outsourcing process in place.
• Lead-times, backlog, and throughput tracked with improving trends.
• Positive feedback from engineering and quality teams.
• Defined roadmap for expanded capabilities and staffing.

What You’ll Love About SKF:

Rest and Relaxation. Enjoy a generous PTO policy and 13 paid holidays.

Work/Life Integration. SKF supports work/life integration, home, family, community, personal well-being and health. Flexible work options available, depending on role.

Diversity in the Workplace. At SKF, we strive to embed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in everything we do. By developing a culture of belonging, our people can flourish; leading to an inclusive, equitable environment that promotes leadership, engagement and innovation. 

Best in Class Benefits. SKF cares about the wellbeing of our employees. Comprehensive healthcare options to fit your needs and opt out payment.  Added benefits include company paid life insurance, STD, LTD. Supplemental benefits include critical illness coverage, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs, and much more! 

Bonus. SKF offers STVS (Short Term Variable Salary) or Sales Incentive based on company performance and at the discretion of management.

Invest in your Future. Participate in our 401K program that boasts a 10% employer contribution:  100% match up to 5% of your elected contribution (100% Vested) plus an additional 5% company contribution.