Job Title: Laboratory Manager – Physical & Analytical Testing
Location: Washington, IA (On-site)
Department: Material Science & Engineering
Reports To: Director of Material Engineering
Position Overview
Brava Roof Tile is seeking an experienced and highly organized Laboratory Manager to lead and oversee all operations of our in-house testing laboratories. This role will be responsible for managing both the Physical Properties Testing Lab (e.g., impact, flexural strength, dimensional stability, UV aging) and the Analytical Testing Lab (e.g., DMA, FTIR, TGA, DSC, MFI), ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all testing efforts to support R&D, product development, quality assurance, and certification activities.
This is a critical leadership position, ideal for a hands-on manager with a strong technical background in polymers or building materials, excellent organizational skills, and a commitment to laboratory excellence and safety.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations & Leadership
· Oversee daily operations of both physical and analytical testing laboratories.
· Supervise lab personnel including technicians and analysts, providing training, scheduling, and performance feedback.
· Ensure all testing protocols, procedures, and standards are executed accurately and efficiently.
Testing & Data Management
· Manage testing schedules to support internal R&D projects, quality control, and external certification requirements.
· Review and approve test results, ensure data integrity, and troubleshoot discrepancies or outliers.
· Maintain test method documentation (ASTM, ISO, UL, etc.) and ensure methods are up to date and aligned with certification needs.
Equipment & Facility Management
· Maintain, calibrate, and ensure readiness of lab equipment such as universal testing machines, melt flow indexers, weathering chambers, ovens, and analytical instruments (DMA, FTIR, MFI, Rheometer).
· Lead efforts in selecting and installing new lab equipment based on testing capability needs and CAPEX planning.
· Oversee lab safety protocols and compliance with EHS standards.
Collaboration & Communication
· Partner closely with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, and Codes & Testing teams to align lab operations with project goals.
· Participate in cross-functional meetings and provide technical insight and test data interpretations.
· Support the preparation of test reports for internal use and third-party certifications.
Documentation & Reporting
· Ensure proper record-keeping, including sample traceability, raw data archiving, and test reports.
· Contribute to SOP development and continuous improvement initiatives within lab operations.
Qualifications
· Education: Master’s degree in Analytical chemistry, Materials Science, Polymer science, Chemistry, or related field. PhD is preferred.
· Experience: 5+ years in a lab testing environment, preferably with polymeric or composite materials; at least 2 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
· Technical Expertise: Familiarity with ASTM testing standards, analytical instrumentation, and property evaluation of thermoplastics or building materials.
· Skills:
o Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
o Excellent communication and leadership skills.
o Proficiency in data analysis and lab information management systems (LIMS) is a plus.
· Certifications : OSHA safety training or laboratory safety certification preferred.
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