R&D Operations Manager

NIC Industries•White City, OR

20h•Onsite

About The Position

NIC is seeking an R&D Operations Manager to lead the laboratory systems, infrastructure, and shared resource planning that supports a world-class R&D organization. This role owns safe, efficient, and reliable execution across shared lab activities, including scheduling and prioritization of production QC testing and standard R&D characterization. Joining NIC means helping build and run the operating backbone of a world-class R&D organization, creating leverage across the entire R&D team by improving flow, visibility, and execution discipline. This role works at the intersection of laboratory operations, product development, manufacturing, and quality, offering a career opportunity in the beautiful Rogue Valley with good work-life balance and excellent compensation.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a technical, operations, business, or engineering field.
5+ years of relevant experience in laboratory operations, R&D operations, technical operations, program operations, or similar environments.
Demonstrated success managing laboratory workflows, shared resources, schedules, or technical operations in a fast-paced setting.
Experience supporting production QC testing, laboratory characterization workflows, or shared technical-service environments.
Strong operational instincts and ability to improve process, laboratory execution, and visibility without adding unnecessary bureaucracy.
Successful coordination, installation, and setup of facilities, CAPEX equipment, and analytical instruments.
Ability to work effectively across scientists, technicians, EH&S, operations, supply chain, and leadership.
Familiarity with laboratory safety practices, documentation discipline, and operational controls.
Experience managing or directing technicians or laboratory support personnel.
Must be authorized to work in the United States and meet applicable export-control requirements, including qualification as a U.S. Person.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree is a plus.
Experience with project systems, capacity planning, KPI/dashboard design, or laboratory resource management.
Familiarity with characterization tools and standard testing workflows used in coatings, materials, or chemical development environments.
Experience supporting capital equipment planning, maintenance coordination, or lab expansion efforts.

Responsibilities

Lead day-to-day laboratory operations to support safe, efficient, and high-quality execution across R&D activities.
Own scheduling and coordination of shared laboratory resources, including production QC testing, standard R&D characterization, technician support, and instrument access.
Balance routine testing needs with development program demands in partnership with technical and operational stakeholders.
Maintain clear visibility into lab capacity, workload, priorities, and turnaround times.
Develop and improve systems for test request intake, prioritization, scheduling, and status communication.
Coordinate laboratory workflows to reduce bottlenecks and improve responsiveness across R&D, manufacturing, and quality.
Support planning, maintenance, calibration, and utilization of laboratory and characterization equipment.
Help ensure laboratory methods, documentation practices, sample flow, and operating procedures are organized, current, and consistently followed.
Partner with EH&S and laboratory leadership to maintain strong safety, chemical handling, and operational compliance practices.
Support inventory planning, material flow, and operational readiness for laboratory activities.
Coordinate with R&D and manufacturing leadership on resourcing needs, constraints, and tradeoffs.
Track operational metrics related to throughput, turnaround time, equipment utilization, and lab performance.
Support capital planning, equipment installation, and laboratory infrastructure improvements as needed.
Lead and develop technician staff as applicable, including workload balancing, training support, and performance accountability.
Help refine the operating systems, rhythms, and best practices that allow NIC’s R&D organization to scale effectively.