About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and proactive Laboratory Manager to oversee daily laboratory operations, optimize workflow efficiency, and expand our analytical capabilities. As a manufacturer of high-performance coatings and paints, our work relies heavily on precise formulations, rigorous analytical testing, and reliable equipment.
In this role, you will be the backbone of our lab operations—ensuring our instrumentation is in top working order, SOPs are updated and followed, and supplies are well-stocked. You will also collaborate directly with senior management to strategic plan, source, and integrate new instruments, equipment, and materials to scale our testing and manufacturing capabilities.
Key Responsibilities1. Laboratory Operations & Maintenance
- Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations to ensure a safe, organized, and compliant work environment.
- Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot complex analytical instrumentation including spectrophotometers, automatic titrator, and chromatography equipment.
- Manage laboratory inventory, including raw chemical materials, solvents, specialized additives, reagents, and general lab supplies.
- Develop, implement, and periodically review Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all equipment and testing protocols to ensure data integrity and compliance with industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ISO).
2. Lab Capability Expansion & Procurement
- Partner closely with management to identify gaps in technical capabilities and formulate growth strategies for the lab.
- Research, evaluate, and source new analytical instruments, raw materials, and specialized lab supplies needed to build next-generation testing and formulation capacity.
- Liaise with equipment vendors, negotiate quotes, manage service contracts, and oversee instrument installation/qualification.
3. Technical Support & Analytical Testing
- Apply a deep understanding of organic and analytical chemistry to support formulation teams, troubleshoot product performance issues, and analyze raw materials or finished products.
- Ensure all chemical handling, storage, and waste disposal protocols comply with OSHA, EPA, and local environmental health and safety (EHS) regulations.
Key Qualifications & Experience
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, or a related field.
- Technical Expertise:
- Strong background in organic chemistry (polymers, resins, solvents, cross-linking mechanisms) and analytical chemistry.
- Proven hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting analytical instrumentation relevant to the coatings and paints industry.
- Lab Management Experience: 5+ years of experience in a industrial laboratory setting (coatings, polymers, adhesives, lubricants, foods, or chemical manufacturing preferred), with demonstrated success managing SOPs and chemical inventory.
- Skills: Excellent organizational and procurement skills, clear technical writing ability for SOP documentation, and strong communication skills when collaborating with management and vendors.
Working Hours & Flexibility
We believe in supporting a healthy work-life balance and empowering our team members to work when they are most productive. Working hours for this position are flexible and negotiable, provided core responsibilities, team support, and lab safety needs are consistently met.
Pay: $25.00 - $42.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
Work Location: In person
