Internal Only - US Synthetic - R&D Team Lead

This is an internal position only. This job is a pay range 3, swing shift, and will close 4/20/2026.

US Synthetic has an immediate need for a Research and Development Team Lead located in Orem, UT. The Research and Development Team Lead will provide supervision and leadership to Research and Development technicians. Plan and assign work, implement policies and procedures, increase team members’ skills and capabilities, and recommend improvements in production methods, testing methods, training methods, equipment operation procedures and working conditions. Provide planning and scheduling for R&D factory and labs. Provide machine-programming support. Oversee and train all technicians and step in to assist ER flow when needed. Train engineers and customers to current ER standards and assist all Value Stream teams. Provide customer interface while maintaining secure/confidential experimental data. Ensure adherence to standards to provide quality data to customers.

What’s in it For You:

The ability to make an impact and shape your career with a company that is passionate about growth

The support of an organization that believes it is vital to include and engage diverse people, perspectives, and ideas to achieve our best

Thrive in a company that values sustainability, drives a safety-focused culture, and empowers its employees through continuous improvement

Comprehensive benefits package starting at day 1 of employment – medical, dental, vision, matching 401k, and more!

What You Will Do:

Provide planning and scheduling for R&D factory and labs.

Respond to ER interruptions dealing with quality, cost, safety, delivery and people

Conduct leadership meetings using KPIs

Update and manage Strategy boards daily

Facilitate and encourage team to submit and implement continuous improvement ideas per company standard

Create and manage manpower plans per experiment needs

Manage training folder: ensure training materials (i.e. Critical Knowledge, Job Breakdown Sheets) are up to date and train team members accordingly

Ensure team members are following training materials through weekly audits

Oversee all experiments on shift

Coach and develop all team members and teach them Lean principles

Key Performance Indicators and Lead Indicator Metrics

Assigned one or more KPI to manage and track

Responsible to ensure tech teams reach the assigned KPI goals

Report out to Lab Manager and rest of factory leadership to review status of assigned KPIs and develop strategies to reach goals

Participate in Value Stream meetings

Perform Safety, 5S and Quality audits weekly

Participate in Tier meetings with Lab Manager daily; participate in KPI meetings

Work extra hours and some Saturdays as needed

Participate in PDCAs and Kaizens

Manage internal inventory levels through Kanban

Participate in and conduct monthly one-on-ones

Follow all company policies (Attendance, No Tobacco Products on Campus, Illegal Drug & Alcohol, Family Medical Leave Act, Personal Appearance, Personal Electronic Devices, Vacation & Personal Time, etc.)

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma/GED is required

Immigration sponsorship not available for this role

Must be an Advanced Operator or equivalent

Physical Demands:

Stand for long periods of time up to 8 hours

Occasionally lift/ move up to 50 lbs.

Use of safety equipment (Brazing PPE, Leaching PPE, Appropriate Laboratory PPE)

Preferred Qualifications: 

Computer skills (Jmp, Power Point, Outlook, Word, Excel, Creo and Made2Manage)

Kaizen experience

Ability to maintain safe work environments

Ability to lead people and obtain results through others

Ability to conduct coaching and counseling sessions

Attention to detail

Ability to perform problem analysis and resolution

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities

Strong team player

Six Sigma

Knowledge of the PDCA method

Experience with Lean Manufacturing

Minimum 2 years at US Synthetic or equivalent leadership experience