Laboratory Team Leader

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.
We're looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Laboratory Team Leader to join our organization in City of Industry, CA. In this role, you will oversee daily operations of our volatiles air laboratory, lead and mentor a team of laboratory professionals specializing in environmental sample analysis, and ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical expertise in volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis with proven leadership capabilities to drive operational excellence and foster a collaborative team environment.
Job functions:
Supervise and manage laboratory team members specializing in volatiles analysis, including hiring, training, performance evaluation, and professional development
Oversee all volatiles air laboratory operations to ensure compliance with EPA, state, and local regulatory standards for environmental air sampling, safety protocols, and quality assurance procedures
Direct the analysis of volatile organic compounds in environmental air samples using advanced analytical techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and related methodologies
Analyze laboratory data and results from air sample testing to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions to maintain data integrity
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) specific to air sample collection, handling, preparation, and volatiles analysis, ensuring consistent adherence across the team
Manage laboratory equipment maintenance, calibration, and inventory for volatiles analysis instrumentation to optimize operational efficiency and analytical accuracy
Conduct regular safety audits and training sessions focused on proper handling of environmental samples and volatile compounds to maintain a safe working environment
Prepare and review technical reports, documentation, quality control records, and environmental compliance documentation related to air sample analysis
Collaborate with environmental consultants, regulatory agencies, and other departments to support organizational goals and environmental project requirements
Monitor budget allocation and resource planning to maximize laboratory productivity and support volatiles analysis capabilities
Implement process improvements and best practices to enhance laboratory performance, efficiency, and environmental sample throughput
Ensure all laboratory activities meet organizational, EPA, state, and industry standards for environmental air testing and volatiles analysis
**Required Qualifications:**
5+ years of hands-on laboratory experience in a relevant scientific or technical field
2+ years of supervisory or team leadership experience in a laboratory setting
Strong knowledge of laboratory operations, analytical techniques, and quality control procedures
Proficiency in regulatory compliance and safety protocols (TNI,DOD, ISO standards, or equivalent)
Excellent organizational and time management skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop team members
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Proficiency with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and standard laboratory software
**Preferred Qualifications:**
Experience with budget management and resource allocation
Project management experience
Certification in laboratory management or relevant technical field
Experience training and developing laboratory staff
Familiarity with quality assurance and continuous improvement methodologies
Knowledge of industry-specific regulations and compliance requirements
Compensation
The expected salary range for this position is $25 - $30 hourly. This range represents the minimum and maximum base salary we reasonably expect to pay for this role. Actual compensation within the range will depend on skills, experience, and qualifications.
Our Benefits
We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role.
Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, employee assistance programs.
Wealth: In addition to base pay, we offer 401(k) with company match (immediate vesting upon enrollment).
Happiness:Professional Growth: Online training courses, virtual and classroom development experiences, tuition reimbursement program
Work-Life Balance: Paid-time off and family leave
In compliance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws, we provide clear and equitable compensation information for all applicants.
Position anticipated to close July 27, 2026.
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required.
This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts the company’s rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.