Lab Manager - Polymers and Specialty Materials

Job description

Worker Type Regular Job Description Lab Manager - Polymers and Specialty Materials Summary The Lab Manager – Polymers and Specialty Materials will serve as an integral member of AV, Inc.’s Biological & Nanoscale Systems Department and the Polymers and Responsive Materials Team at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. A hands-on laboratory operations role responsible for executing routine lab management, equipment maintenance coordination, safety/compliance activities, procurement support, inventory/logistics, and day-to-day facility coordination under established procedures. This role interfaces directly with government scientists, AV research scientists, AV and government leadership, the base logistics teams, other lab managers, and AV functional groups to ensure smooth, safe, and uninterrupted laboratory operations. Position Responsibilities • Support laboratory purchasing activities by obtaining vendor quotes, preparing required procurement documentation, submitting requisitions, and coordinating delivery, receiving, and return of equipment and supplies in accordance with established processes. Monitor inventory and communicate anticipated supply needs to laboratory personnel. • Execute scheduled preventative maintenance and routine cleaning intervals across multiple pieces of laboratory test equipment to ensure continuous operational readiness. • Utilize specialized tracking software and Air Force Forms to log equipment status, track calibration schedules, and maintain compliance with manufacturer service intervals. • Perform regular safety inspections and routine walkthroughs across branch laboratory spaces to eliminate hazards, maintain organization, and ensure full compliance with Air Force rules and regulations. • Support branch laboratory safety activities by conducting routine inspections, maintaining required documentation, identifying potential hazards, and escalating safety concerns in accordance with established procedures and Air Force requirements. • Conduct initial laboratory safety and basic instrument orientation for new lab users to ensure proper equipment operation and user safety. • Support the setup and physical installation of new laboratory equipment, coordinating necessary utilities including electrical, plumbing, compressed air, nitrogen, water supply/drain lines, vacuum, and exhaust venting according to manufacturer guidelines. • Complete required training and maintain applicable certifications for the handling, packaging, tracking, and shipment of hazardous materials in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements. • Prepare, package, track, and process shipments for both hazardous and non-hazardous materials in compliance with established procedures and regulatory guidelines. • Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with internal colleagues, government researchers, facilities staff, base logistics, and corporate purchasing teams. Position Qualifications • This job involves working within a government facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and requires U.S. Citizenship • Associate’s degree in a relevant technical, scientific, or operations/logistics field or 3+ years of working experience in lab operations, logistics, or lab management • Basic knowledge of or familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, hazardous material handling, and occupational safety regulations • Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy in tracking records, documentation, and maintenance schedules. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with scientists, engineers, facilities staff, and vendors. • Proficiency with standard desktop software (Microsoft Office Suite) and the ability to quickly learn web-based equipment tracking databases and procurement systems. Location • Onsite in Dayton, OH at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Preferred Qualifications & Desired Competencies • Prior experience working in an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) or equivalent DoW scientific research environment. • Direct experience with Air Force-specific logistics and equipment tracking systems. • Active certification for shipping and handling hazardous materials. • Familiarity with polymer characterization and analytical equipment (e.g., GPC, TGA/DSC, XRD, rheometers) to better support setup, maintenance, and vendor coordination. • Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven track record of bridging communication gaps. • High self-motivation and initiative to address supply chain bottlenecks, equipment maintenance needs, and facility issues before they disrupt research. • Tactful approach to enforcing strict safety protocols, lab organization standards, and compliance rules while maintaining positive working relationships. • Flexibility to adjust daily priorities quickly in a dynamic defense R&D setting with evolving requirements. Physical Demands • Travel required to domestic US sites – up to 10%. • Ability to work in an office and lab environment. • Required to sit and stand for long periods. • Ability to independently lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Required to move heavier equipment or supplies using proper material-handling equipment (e.g., carts, dollies, hand trucks) or team lifting. • Manual dexterity required to operate computers, handle delicate laboratory equipment, and use hand tools for light maintenance. Clearance Level No ClearanceThe salary range for this role is:$65,000 - $99,250AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations