Lab Manager

Park Electrochemical Corp; Newton (KS); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Park Aerospace is seeking a Lab Manager to oversee all laboratory operations, supervise lab supervisors, and ensure testing procedures meet quality and regulatory standards. You will report to the Quality Manager and drive testing development, personnel training, equipment performance, and continuous improvement in support of customer qualifications.

You will lead teams to execute chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical testing in alignment with AS9100, NADCAP, and ISO standards, while

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or related discipline preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a manufacturing or materials testing lab, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, ISO standards and QMS implementation.
• Experience with FTIR, DSC, DMA, EM load frames, and wet chemistry techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; statistical software experience preferred.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and technical writing skills.
• Aerospace or composite materials industry experience highly desired.
• SPC knowledge and experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor lab supervisors and technicians to ensure testing performance is accurate and timely.
• Oversee chemical, mechanical, thermal, and electrical testing operations to meet standards.
• Manage lab workflows, equipment utilization, and testing schedules to meet timelines.
• Develop and implement laboratory procedures and inspection criteria in coordination with the Quality Manager.
• Maintain readiness with proper inventory of chemicals, supplies, and calibrated equipment.
• Ensure compliance with QMS and regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement via statistical analysis and root cause investigations.
• Interface with internal teams and customers to resolve technical issues and communicate results.
• Maintain documentation of testing activities, training records, and quality data.
• Align lab operations with broader quality objectives and production goals.
• Provide technical and statistical expertise to support product reliability and process optimization.
• Design and deliver training programs for lab personnel.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Technical writing

Communication

Team management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or related

Tools

FTIR

DSC

DMA

EM load frames

Wet chemistry

Job description

Park Aerospace is entering an exciting phase of growth, innovation, and opportunity.

As we continue to strengthen our leadership in the aerospace and defense industries, our mission is to strive for Greatness in advanced composite materials and structures. We are searching for talented individuals to join our expanding team and help us shape the future of aerospace.

If you are driven by challenge and inspired by innovation, Park Aerospace offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact on the industry.

Join us to build your career, grow professionally, and be part of a team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in aerospace technology.

Job Summary

The Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing all laboratory operations, supervising lab supervisors, and ensuring testing procedures meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. Reporting directly to the Quality Manager, this role bridges technical execution and strategic quality initiatives. The Lab Manager will lead efforts in testing development, personnel training, equipment performance, and continuous improvement, while supporting customer qualifications and regulatory compliance.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead and mentor lab supervisors and technicians to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely testing performance.
• Oversee chemical, mechanical (coupon), thermal, and electrical testing operations, ensuring alignment with ASTM, MIL-HDBK-17, AS9100, and NADCAP standards.
• Manage and optimize lab 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 by ensuring proper inventory of chemicals, supplies, and calibrated equipment.
• Ensure compliance with internal Quality Management System (QMS) and external regulatory requirements.
• Support and drive continuous improvement initiatives, including statistical analysis, root cause investigations, and corrective actions.
• Interface with internal teams and external customers to resolve technical issues and communicate testing results.
• Maintain accurate documentation of testing activities, training records, and quality control data.
• Collaborate with the Quality Manager to align lab operations with broader quality objectives and production goals.
• Provide technical and statistical expertise to support product reliability and process optimization.
• Design and deliver training programs for lab personnel to ensure technical proficiency and regulatory compliance.

Other Job Duties

• Act as liaison between lab operations and quality assurance leadership.
• Participate in internal and external audits, customer visits, and vendor evaluations.
• Represent the lab in cross-functional meetings and continuous improvement teams.

Education/Experience/Skills Required

• Bachelor's Degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or related discipline preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in a manufacturing or materials testing lab, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong working knowledge of AS9100, NADCAP, ISO standards, and QMS implementation.
• Experience with FTIR, DSC, DMA, EM load frames, and wet chemistry techniques.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); statistical software experience preferred.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and technical writing skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage multiple projects, and drive results.
• Aerospace or composite materials industry experience highly desired.
• SPC knowledge and experience preferred.