Engineering Lab Operations Manager

Matrix Research, Inc.•Beavercreek, OH

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Matrix Research is currently seeking an experienced Prototyping Labs & Fabrication Manager to lead our fabrication, electronics assembly, and unmanned flight-testing facilities in Dayton, Ohio. The mission is to unify, modernize, and expand Matrix Research's core hardware prototyping infrastructure, leading multi-lab operations, delivering hands-on mechanical and fabrication expertise, and driving business development to secure new internal and external prototyping contracts. This role involves supervising a dedicated team of engineers and technicians across the Mechanical Fabrication Lab, Electronics Assembly Lab, and Drone Flight/Testing Facility. The manager will balance and schedule laboratory utilization across existing multidisciplinary contract needs while actively marketing rapid prototyping, custom machining, and mechanical integration capabilities to external customers. Responsibilities include overseeing facility safety, equipment calibration, capital expenditure planning, and labor/service rates within a defense-compliant operational framework.

Requirements

10+ years of professional experience spanning mechanical design/fabrication, prototyping lab operations, and technical business development.
Hands-on background in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and rapid prototyping (e.g., CNC machining, subtractive/additive manufacturing, sheet metal, structural fixtures, and ruggedized enclosures).
Demonstrated success in technical capture and business development, specifically marketing fabrication, rapid-turn prototyping, or custom mechanical packaging services to external partners (DoD, defense primes, or commercial customers).
Experience managing laboratory or prototyping facility operations, including equipment maintenance/calibration, safety protocols, and capital expenditure (CapEx) planning.
Familiarity with tracking laboratory utilization, budgeting, and managing facility hourly rates (e.g., DCAA-compliant service centers).
Proven leadership ability to supervise a technical team (technicians, mechanical engineers, software specialists).
A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and industry certifications.
U.S. citizenship capable of obtaining and maintaining a U.S. DoD security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with CAD/CAM packages (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor) and design for manufacturing/assembly (DFM/DFA) principles.
Experience integrating mechanical structures with electronic subsystems, sensor payloads, or unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Understanding of defense contracting, SBIR/STTR proposals, Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), and DCAA rate structure compliance.
An active U.S. DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

Lead fabrication, electronics assembly, and unmanned flight-testing facilities.
Supervise a dedicated team of engineers and technicians.
Balance and schedule laboratory utilization across existing multidisciplinary contract needs.
Market rapid prototyping, custom machining, and mechanical integration capabilities to external customers.
Oversee facility safety, equipment calibration, capital expenditure planning, and labor/service rates.
Manage laboratory or prototyping facility operations, including equipment maintenance/calibration, safety protocols, and capital expenditure (CapEx) planning.
Track laboratory utilization, budgeting, and manage facility hourly rates.
Prioritize facility demand across multiple concurrent project commitments.