Lab Manager

XPEL, Inc.; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

XPEL, Inc. seeks a Laboratory Manager to oversee its analytical laboratory supporting quality, R&D, and manufacturing across the product portfolio. You will drive efficiency, expand capabilities, and ensure compliance with OSHA, ISO 9001, and internal safety practices.

Lead testing, method development, and data integrity to meet OEM objectives in a fast-paced environment. Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing to generate reports, specifications, and validations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Nanoscience, Chemistry, Materials Sciences, or related field.
• 3 years of experience in a laboratory or quality assurance environment.
• Experience with ASTM/ISO testing standards for polymeric films.
• Experience with analytical instruments and data validation.
• Implementation of quality systems and Six Sigma/ DMAIC or similar.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on technical leadership for daily laboratory operations.
• Manage a multidisciplinary laboratory team with scheduling and prioritization.
• Ensure SOPs, calibration procedures, and test methods comply with standards.
• Maintain and analyze lab data using statistical tools; support cross-functional decisions.
• Design follow-up experiments to refine test methods and improve reliability.
• Prepare technical reports, specifications, and validation documents.
• Coordinate with suppliers for instrumentation needs and equipment upgrades.

Skills

Laboratory leadership

Statistical analysis

Cross-functional collaboration

Project planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Nanoscience, Chemistry, Materials Sciences or related

Tools

DHR

DSC

FTIR

TGA

Instron

Job description

Job Summary

This individual will be managing XPEL’s analytical laboratory supporting quality, R&D, and Manufacturing requirements across all of XPEL’s product portfolio and help drive efficiency and expand on current capability as appropriate to XPEL’s business needs.

Core Duties

• Provide hands‑on technical leadership for daily laboratory operations supporting product testing, method development, and qualification of multilayer polymeric films and coatings.
• Manage a multidisciplinary laboratory team by developing schedules, prioritizing testing workflows, and ensuring full compliance with OSHA regulations, ISO 9001 standards, and internal safety practices, including proper use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS).
• Ensure development, execution, and maintenance of SOPs, calibration procedures, and test methods compliant with ASTM, ISO, and OEM specifications.
• Maintain and analyze laboratory data using statistical tools to identify trends, validate test methodologies, and support cross‑functional decision‑making using Six‑Sigma‑level data integrity.
• Design and conduct follow‑up experiments based on generated data to refine test methods, improve product reliability, and meet OEM process objectives.
• Work closely with R&D, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to generate technical reports, specifications, and validation documents.
• Lead studies to evaluate existing manufacturing or testing processes and recommend improvements that increase efficiency or reduce variability.
• Prepare technical summaries and documentation for internal stakeholders, OEM customers, and regulatory submissions.
• Coordinate with suppliers regarding laboratory instrumentation needs and support project planning for equipment upgrades or capability expansion.

Qualifications

Requires a Bachelor’s degree or foreign equivalent in Nanoscience, Chemistry, Materials Sciences, or related field, and three years (36 months) of experience in a laboratory or quality assurance environment role. Also requires two (2) years of experience in each of the following:

1. Utilizing ASTM and ISO testing standards for evaluating the performance, durability, and regulatory compliance of polymeric based films.
2. Utilizing analytical instruments including Dynamic Hybrid Rheometer (DHR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA), and tensile testers (e.g., Instron) for characterizing the thermal, mechanical, and chemical properties of polymeric based films and adhesives.
3. Implementation of quality systems and statistical analysis methodologies (Six Sigma, DMAIC, or similar).
4. Implementing and monitoring laboratory safety programs and ensuring compliance with ISO 9001 quality management system standards.
5. Applying stage‑gate process by contributing laboratory testing, data validation, and method development aligned with R&D and OEM qualification milestones for polymeric‑based products in a fast‑paced environment.

Application

Send resume with cover letter to XPEL, Inc., Attention: L. Bentley. Ref: #JJAL2026. Email: [e-mail]. No calls.

Equal Opportunity Employer

EOE XPEL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.