Lab Manager: Polymer Testing & ISO 17025 Leadership

Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc.; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. in Fort Wayne, IN seeks an experienced Lab Manager to lead our R&D Laboratory.

You will manage a eight‑person team, oversee high‑complexity material testing, maintain ISO 17025 accreditation, and drive continuous improvement across testing methods and procedures for polyethylene applications. You will balance technical leadership with people management, budgeting, and stakeholder collaboration, ensuring quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance in a

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience within the plastics industry.
• 2–3 years of progressive laboratory experience.
• Experience with an ISO 17025 Quality Management System.
• Experience performing high‑complexity laboratory testing.
• Strong managerial capabilities with the ability to lead and direct others.
• Strong problem‑solving and data analysis skills.
• Experience with production and time management.
• Excellent interpersonal and professional communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead & Develop the Laboratory Team
• Lead, train, supervise, and develop Laboratory Specialists and Technicians
• Oversee day‑to‑day laboratory operations, personnel, and testing activities
• Ensure the team consistently performs accurate, high‑quality testing and analysis
• Promote strong laboratory practices, technical rigor, and effective documentation
• Own ISO 17025 & Laboratory Quality
• Maintain all aspects of the laboratory’s ISO 17025 accreditation
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, protocols, standards, change controls, and risk management practices
• Ensure laboratory testing and documentation meet internal and external Lab Management System requirements
• Maintain specimen and physical property result integrity through proper fabrication procedures and testing methods
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality control, quality assurance, and safety requirements
• Drive Testing & Technical Excellence
• Oversee moderate and high‑complexity material property testing, analysis, review, and reporting
• Research and implement new test methods to support new polymer products and processes
• Provide technical testing support for medical and industrial polyethylene applications
• Support Production, Sales, Quality, Customer Support, and other internal stakeholders
• Implement new laboratory programs, testing methods, instrumentation, and procedures
• Investigate testing alternatives, prepare proposals, conduct parallel testing, and monitor implementation progress
• Lead Validation & Equipment Qualification
• Develop validation protocols supporting the qualification and validation of laboratory equipment, processes, and facilities
• Lead or support IQ, OQ, PQ, and TMV protocols
• Develop operational SOPs, change controls, and user, functional, and design specifications
• Establish equipment quality standards and troubleshooting procedures
• Ensure proper calibration, service, repair, replacement, and ongoing performance of laboratory equipment
• Manage Laboratory Operations & Investment
• Develop and manage the laboratory operating budget
• Lead short and long‑term fiscal planning for laboratory operations
• Develop and maintain the laboratory’s capital plan in partnership with the Global Technology Manager
• Ensure laboratory systems, equipment, and resources are positioned to support current and future business needs
• Balance technical requirements, operational efficiency, and financial performance
• Partner with Customers & the Business
• Quote customer testing projects while maintaining the profitability of laboratory activities
• Manage relationships with testing customers, vendors, service providers, and suppliers
• Provide technical and testing support for the MediTECH business unit
• Support regulatory organizations as needed
• Develop specialty testing services for target customers
• Present technical information and respond effectively to managers, customers, clients, and regulatory authorities

Skills

Management

Data analysis

Problem solving

English communication

Microsoft Word/Excel

Tools

ISO 17025 laboratory management system

Job description

Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. in Fort Wayne, IN seeks an experienced Lab Manager to lead our R&D Laboratory.

You will manage a eight‑person team, oversee high‑complexity material testing, maintain ISO 17025 accreditation, and drive continuous improvement across testing methods and procedures for polyethylene applications. You will balance technical leadership with people management, budgeting, and stakeholder collaboration, ensuring quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance in a