Lab Operations and Safety Manager

Atomcomputing; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Unlimited PTO

401K matching

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Drinks & catered team lunches

Job summary

Atom Computing, a quantum technology company, seeks a Lab Safety Manager to oversee the daily operations of its physics research facility in Colorado. You will bridge technical research needs with administrative excellence, ensuring a safe, organized environment for scientists and engineers to perform at their best.

You will lead Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) programs, manage inventory and facility maintenance, and collaborate closely with the Facilities Operations Manager and researchers

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field related to physics, engineering, or safety.
• 5+ years in a physics/engineering/research environment with safety program experience.
• Specialized certifications (e.g., CHO, CSP, CIH) are a plus.
• Proven ability to develop and implement laboratory safety programs.
• Working knowledge of OSHA and regulatory audit processes.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate lab space planning and infrastructure improvements with engineers and facilities teams.
• Lead lab inventory management for chemicals, optics, tools, and gas cylinders.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and handling of hazardous materials.
• Negotiate vendor contracts and manage service agreements for equipment.
• Coordinate maintenance and calibration schedules for lab equipment.
• Serve as primary EHS point of contact ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Develop and maintain safety protocols, SOPs, hazard assessments, and emergency plans.
• Conduct safety audits, inspections, and incident investigations; drive corrective actions.
• Oversee training programs for lab personnel, onboarding, and safety certifications.
• Maintain documentation for OSHA, EPA, and external audits.

Skills

OSHA compliance

Lab safety program development

Vendor management

Regulatory audits

Facility Operations

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or related field

Tools

Inventory management systems

Maintenance scheduling tools

Job description

At Atom Computing, we build quantum computers using arrays of optically trapped neutral atoms that will achieve unprecedented computational breakthroughs. Join an incredible team of scientists, engineers, and business professionals to advance the state of the art in quantum technologies that will transform computing performance.

We are seeking a Lab Safety Manager to oversee the daily operations of our high-performance physics research facility. You will serve as the operational backbone of the laboratory, bridging the gap between technical research needs and administrative excellence. This role is responsible for ensuring a safe, organized, and efficient environment that enables scientists and engineers to perform at their best.

The Lab & Safety Manager is responsible for leading Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) programs while overseeing laboratory operations, inventory systems, and facility maintenance coordination. You will partner closely with our Facilities Operations Manager, Quantum Engineers, and Optical Engineers to maintain a facility that meets the highest standards of safety and reliability.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate space planning, lab layout optimization, and infrastructure upgrades in collaboration with engineers and facilities teams.
• Lead all aspects of laboratory inventory, including chemicals, optical components, tools, and gas cylinders.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, and handling of chemicals, compressed gases, and other hazardous materials.
• Negotiate with vendors to secure competitive pricing and manage service contracts for high value equipment.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance and calibration schedules for laboratory equipment through internal stakeholders and external service providers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all EHS matters, ensuring full compliance with federal, state, and institutional regulations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain safety protocols, lab safety manual, SOPs, hazard assessments, and emergency response procedures.
• Conduct regular safety audits, inspections, and incident investigations; track corrective actions to completion.
• Oversee training programs for laboratory personnel, including onboarding, annual refreshers, and specialized safety certifications.
• Maintain accurate documentation for regulatory bodies (OSHA, EPA, etc.) and support external audits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Occupational Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or a related technical field.
• 5+ years of experience working in a physics, engineering, photonics, semiconductor, aerospace, national laboratory, or comparable advanced research environment.
• Specialized certifications (e.g., CHO, CSP, CIH), a plus.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing laboratory safety programs.
• Working knowledge of OSHA regulations, regulatory compliance requirements, and audit processes.
• Proficiency with laboratory inventory management systems and inventory control best practices.
• Ability to effectively manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers.
• Familiarity with cryogenics, vacuum systems, lasers, and other complex research equipment.
• Exceptional organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to identify operational risks and implement practical, scalable solutions.
• Collaborative approach and ability to build effective partnerships across technical and operational teams.
• Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• 401K company matching.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• FSA and dependent care benefits.
• Life insurance.
• Drinks, snacks, and catered team lunches in our offices daily.

The base salary range for this position is between $125,000 - $165,000, commensurate with experience. In addition to salary, we offer an annual bonus and equity in the company.