Laboratory Manager

Applus+ Laboratories; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative working environment

Job summary

Applus+ Laboratories in Durham, North Carolina is looking for a Lab Manager to lead the Product Safety laboratory's daily operations. This role involves ensuring compliance with safety standards and supervising lab personnel to maintain a culture of quality and safety.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering, have significant experience in Product Safety testing, and demonstrate strong leadership skills. This opportunity includes competitive compensation and professional development within the growing Applus+ organization.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in Product Safety testing.
• Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025–accredited laboratory.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting product safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations of the Product Safety laboratory.
• Ensure compliance with ISO/IEC 17025.
• Supervise and mentor laboratory personnel.

Skills

Leadership

Technical writing

Attention to detail

Customer focus

Interpreting safety standards

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Position Summary

Applus+ Keystone Compliance, a regulatory compliance test, is currently seeking candidates for a Lab Manager position. The successful candidate will possess a strong work ethic, excellent character, and a commitment to producing high-quality work. We are looking for someone who can work independently, is self‑motivated, and can manage their time effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day operations of the Product Safety laboratory, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant execution of testing activities.
• Ensure accurate application and interpretation of applicable product safety standards (e.g., IEC, UL, EN, CSA, and other national/international safety standards).
• Review and approve test plans, test setups, and final test reports to ensure technical accuracy and consistency.
• Oversee equipment utilization, maintenance, calibration status, and capital planning for Product Safety test systems.

Quality & Accreditation

• Ensure ongoing compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements as they apply to Product Safety testing activities.
• Support internal and external audits, including accreditation body assessments and customer audits.
• Collaborate with the Quality Manager to address nonconformances, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain technical documentation, procedures, and work instructions related to Product Safety testing.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop Product Safety technicians and engineers.
• Assign workloads, manage priorities, and ensure adequate staffing to meet customer commitments.
• Identify training needs and support technical competency development for laboratory personnel.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within the laboratory.

Customer & Business Support

• Serve as a technical escalation point for customers regarding Product Safety testing requirements, results, and compliance pathways.
• Support Sales and Project Management teams by providing technical input during quoting, test planning, and customer consultations.
• Participate in customer meetings to clarify requirements, explain test outcomes, and support mitigation strategies when issues arise.
• Contribute to service development and process improvements that enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure laboratory safety procedures are followed at all times, including proper handling of test samples, high‑voltage equipment, and environmental hazards.
• Promote and enforce Keystone Compliance’s safety policies and best practices.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in Product Safety testing or a related compliance laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying product safety standards (IEC, UL, EN, CSA, etc.).
• Prior experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025–accredited laboratory.
• Proven leadership or supervisory experience in a technical or laboratory setting.
• Strong technical writing skills with experience reviewing and approving formal test reports.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience serving as a Technical Manager or acting technical authority under ISO/IEC 17025.
• Familiarity with combined Product Safety and EMC testing environments.
• Experience supporting customer product mitigations and design consultations.
• Exposure to multiple industries such as industrial equipment, laboratory instruments, household/commercial appliances, or similar regulated products.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical judgment and attention to detail.
• Effective people leadership and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced lab environment.
• Customer‑focused mindset with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead a critical technical function within a growing compliance and testing organization.
• Collaborative environment with cross‑functional exposure to Sales, Quality, and Engineering teams.
• Competitive compensation and benefits.
• Professional development and advancement opportunities within Keystone Compliance and the broader Applus+ organization.

Applus+ Laboratories is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and provide accommodations at all hiring stages. If you require accommodations, please let us know in advance.