Team Leader, Material and Application Testing (BASF-Chemetall)

Now Hiring! Team Leader, Material and Application Testing (ECT-Chemetall)

Come create chemistry with us!

BASF/Chemetall, is the Surface Treatment global business unit of BASF’s Coatings division, operating under the Chemetall brand, and a leading supplier of applied surface treatments worldwide. At BASF/Chemetall, we develop and manufacture tailor-made technology and system solutions for applied surface technology. Our products protect metals from corrosion, facilitate forming and treatment, prepare parts optimally for the painting process and ensure excellent coating adhesion. Our technologies and products are used in a variety of industries and end markets such as automotive, aerospace, aluminum finishing and metal forming.  

The chemical treatment of metal surfaces is BASF/Chemetall core competence. The focus of our worldwide activities is on the development and implementation of customized technology and system solutions for surface treatment.

We are looking for a Team Leader, Material and Application Testing to join our Technical Service team in Jackson, MI. 

The Team Leader, Material Application and Testing is responsible for the leadership, management, and continuous improvement of the surface treatment material application, Physical Testing (PT), and material testing for aerospace applications. This role ensures the successful, timely completion of all laboratory requests; drives compliance with all applicable Quality Management System standards; and supports internal and external customers through technical guidance and documentation oversight.

The Team Leader, Material Application and Testing will lead and coordinate activities across the testing and application activities laboratories, each of which plays a critical role in supporting production materials, customer samples, and product performance validation. This position will report operationally and administratively to Head of Technology, N.A.

The Team Leader ensures that testing workflows, quality requirements, and operational priorities align with the expectations of the Quality Management System, as well as overseeing application pilot plants and leading and developing of a team.

As a Team Leader, Material and Application Testing (ECT-Chemetall), you create chemistry by...

• Lead and coordinate laboratory operations to ensure compliance with methods, procedures, safety requirements, and documentation standards.
• Manage, coach, and develop laboratory personnel through training, performance reviews, and staffing while prioritizing workloads and ensuring timely completion of customer and production testing.
• Investigates customer and production issues, drives corrective and preventive actions, and maintains equipment readiness, calibration programs, 5S standards, and key laboratory KPIs.
• Collaborates cross‑functionally and supports digitalization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and quality performance.
• Support customer interaction in projects and visits.

If you have...

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific discipline is required.
• 5+ years of industrial laboratory experience in materials science and testing, preferably within surface chemistry or application‑focused businesses.
• Experience supporting quality management systems and audit requirements (e.g. ISO 9001, IATF 16949, ISO/IEC 17025).
• Ability to participate in or lead internal and external audits; internal auditor certification is a plus.
• Experience in development and application of surface chemistry materials is an advantage.
• Demonstrated capability in risk‑based decision‑making and application of statistical analysis techniques.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with proven cross‑functional collaboration. Experience in leading a team.
• Effective communicator with Manufacturing, Technical teams, customers, and other stakeholders on a global level
• Proficient in IT systems and digital tools.
• Self‑motivated, well‑organized, and able to work independently with minimal supervision
• Travel for this position is approximately 20%.

Create your own chemistry with you@BASF

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future. In addition to competitive compensation and benefits, BASF provides you with access to a wide range of elements to help you be your best. It’s what we call you@BASF. We are committed to providing benefits, programs, and opportunities that support our employees’ overall well-being, personal growth, and a safe, collaborative, and inclusive work environment.

Just some of the many benefits we offer include:

• Flexible work arrangements whenever possible
• Highly competitive retirement savings plan with company match and investment options
• Well-being programs that include comprehensive mental health support for you and your household family members
• Family forming benefits (fertility, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, maternity/parental leave, and more)
• Back-up child and elder care with discount programs for families of all ages and stages
• Mentoring and career development opportunities that allow you to share, learn, and thrive
• Matching gifts program that allows you to deepen the impact of your contributions to qualified charities.
• Employee crisis support for when the unexpected happens
• Access to our BASF wine cellar, employee discounts, and much more!

About us

As one of the largest chemical companies in North America we have been finding solutions for your everyday needs and addressing the most complex economic, environmental, and sustainability challenges for more than 150 years!

At BASF we empower our employees with the tools, guidance and opportunities they need to advance and succeed in work and life. Giving you the support you need to be your best and fulfill your personal ambitions is what helps us create chemistry. After all, our success is linked to yours. Whatever path you envision, BASF is a great place to build a rewarding, successful career.

Belong to Something Bigger. #belongatBASF

Privacy statement

BASF takes security & data privacy very seriously. We will never request financial information of any kind via email, private text message or direct message on any social medial platform or job board. Furthermore, we will never send a candidate a check for equipment or request any type of payment during the job application process. If you have experienced any of the above, please contact Careers.NorthAmerica@basf.com to report fraud.

Pay transparency

BASF is committed to pay transparency practices. The competitive Pay Range for this role is $92,000-$115,000. Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

Equal employment opportunities

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, citizenship, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, disability status, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.