Lab Manager, Sensor R&D

CTI - Gas Detection Specialists; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

CTI - Gas Detection Specialists in Missouri seeks a Lab Manager to lead development of next-generation electrochemical gas sensors and oversee daily sensor production. The role requires a strong technical background and proven management experience.

You will guide sensor R&D, supervise lab testing and calibration, ensure safety and regulatory compliance, support manufacturing, and mentor staff while managing budgets and supplier relationships.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in a technical field (chemistry, physics, materials science, EE) required.
• 3–5 years of laboratory management experience, preferably with instrumentation or sensors.
• Familiarity with gas distribution systems, sensor testing and QC standards.
• Experience in ISO-style quality systems and safety compliance.
• Strong leadership, communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead sensor R&D and develop new specifications with Product Manager and commercial team.
• Supervise lab operations, testing, calibration, and data integrity for sensors.
• Enforce safety standards for hazardous gases and OSHA/EPA compliance.
• Support daily manufacturing processes and drive process improvements.
• Lead staff development, performance reviews, and prioritize daily work.
• Manage equipment, gas inventories and operational budgets with leadership.
• Disposition marginal cells, vendor qualification with QA and Purchasing.

Skills

Lab leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety & compliance

Project budgeting

Strong communication

Education

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Tools

Data acquisition software

Sensor testing equipment

Job description

We are seeking a Lab Manager to lead the development of our next-generation electrochemical gas sensor and support daily sensor production. This position requires a strong technical background and management experience.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Sensor Research and Development: Develop new sensor specifications in collaboration with the Product Manager and commercial team. Create development timelines, project budgets and estimated sensor costs. Perform testing and reverse engineering of competitive sensors.
• Lab Operations & Testing: Supervise the testing and calibration of gas sensors, monitoring equipment, and specialty gas testing protocols. Ensure high precision and reliability of analytical equipment, and sensor testing chambers. Oversee data collection integrity, track experimental results, and report findings to project stakeholders or upper management.
• Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict safety standards for handling hazardous gases, maintaining compliance with OSHA, EPA, and internal chemical hygiene plans.
• Sensor Manufacturing Support: Directly support the daily sensor manufacturing process to monitor quality and support process improvements.
• Lead transfer of new or changed cell processes into Production through a formal release, and serve as the sustaining technical authority for released cell processes.
• Own cell chemistry, materials, and build recipes, including critical process parameters and the technical content of cell work instructions.
• Define and maintain cell acceptance limits for cell-level testing (e.g., sensitivity, response time, baseline, noise, and response-curve shape), including a marginal band for engineering review.
• Disposition marginal and out-of-family cells referred by Production and lead root-cause investigations into cell performance, yield, and drift issues.
• Qualify raw materials, suppliers, and new material lots for cell production, in coordination with Quality and Purchasing.
• Staff Management: Lead, train, and mentor research staff, lab technicians, and students, assigning daily priorities and scheduling. Perform annual performance reviews, discipline and termination in accordance with company policy.
• Inventory & Budgeting: Manage equipment procurement, specialty gas supply inventories, and operational budgets in collaboration with the Director of Product Development.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Education: Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience: 3 to 5 years of laboratory management experience, preferably involving instrumentation, gas analysis, or electronic/chemical sensor testing.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with gas distribution systems, sensor response validation, data acquisition software, and quality control standards.
• Leadership: Strong communication, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Regulatory Familiarity: Experience in working in a ISO-style Quality System.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to remain stationary or sit for extended periods while performing computer-based work.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to operate a computer, tools, and testing equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with team members and external partners.
• Ability to occasionally move about laboratory, manufacturing, and office environments.
• Ability to lift and/or move equipment up to 25 pounds on an occasional basis.
• Ability to inspect and handle small components and instrumentation used in sensor testing and prototyping.
• Ability to travel occasionally (typically <10–20%) for supplier visits, testing, or industry engagement.

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in a combination of office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
• Regular exposure to electronic equipment, prototype systems, and test instrumentation.
• Occasional exposure to industrial environments, including noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures.
• Potential exposure to low levels of gases or chemicals in controlled testing environments (with appropriate safety measures and PPE).
• May require participation in field testing or validation activities.
• Work may involve simultaneous priorities, deadlines, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Use of standard personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in lab or production areas.

Calibration Technologies is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or accommodation, please contact Human Resources.