Lab Manager

Park Aerospace•Newton, KS

About The Position

The Lab Manager oversees laboratory operations, supervises lab supervisors, and ensures testing procedures meet quality and compliance standards. Reporting directly to the Quality Manager, the role connects technical execution with strategic quality initiatives. The Lab Manager leads testing development, personnel training, equipment performance, and continuous improvement, while supporting customer qualifications and regulatory compliance. The position oversees chemical, mechanical (coupon), thermal, and electrical testing; manages workflows, equipment utilization, and schedules; and develops laboratory procedures and inspection criteria in coordination with the Quality Manager. It also maintains supplies and calibrated equipment, ensures compliance with the Quality Management System and external requirements, and supports product reliability and process optimization through technical and statistical expertise. The Lab Manager leads and trains laboratory personnel, maintains testing and quality documentation, and works with internal teams and external customers to resolve technical issues and communicate results. The role also participates in audits, customer visits, vendor evaluations, cross-functional meetings, and continuous improvement teams.

Requirements

Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a manufacturing or materials testing laboratory, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
Strong working knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, ISO standards, and Quality Management System implementation.
Experience with FTIR, DSC, DMA, EM load frames, and wet chemistry techniques.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Excellent communication, analytical, and technical writing skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple projects, and drive results.
Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a related discipline is preferred; equivalent experience is considered.

Nice To Haves

Statistical software experience.
Aerospace or composite materials industry experience.
SPC knowledge and experience.

Responsibilities

Lead and mentor laboratory supervisors and technicians to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely testing.
Oversee chemical, mechanical (coupon), thermal, and electrical testing in alignment with ASTM, MIL-HDBK-17, AS9100, and NADCAP standards.
Manage and optimize laboratory workflows, equipment utilization, and testing schedules to meet production and customer qualification timelines.
Develop and implement laboratory procedures and inspection criteria in coordination with the Quality Manager.
Maintain laboratory readiness, including adequate inventories of chemicals and supplies and properly calibrated equipment.
Ensure compliance with the internal Quality Management System and external regulatory requirements.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including statistical analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective actions.
Work with internal teams and external customers to resolve technical issues and communicate testing results.
Maintain accurate records of testing activities, personnel training, and quality control data.
Align laboratory operations with broader quality objectives and production goals in collaboration with the Quality Manager.
Provide technical and statistical expertise to support product reliability and process optimization.
Design and deliver training programs to ensure laboratory personnel's technical proficiency and regulatory compliance.
Act as liaison between laboratory operations and quality assurance leadership.
Participate in internal and external audits, customer visits, and vendor evaluations.
Represent the laboratory in cross-functional meetings and continuous improvement teams.