Laboratory Operations Manager

GroundWork Renewables; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

GroundWork Renewables in Albuquerque, NM is seeking a seasoned Laboratory Operations Manager to lead daily lab activities, supervise technicians, and ensure data quality and traceability across testing workflows. The role emphasizes ensuring accuracy, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.

You will manage KPI tracking, calibration programs, safety practices, and cross-functional collaboration with Lab Engineering and QA teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, quality management, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in lab, manufacturing, or production operations; renewable energy experience preferred.
• Experience managing teams of 3+ for 5+ years.
• Strong analytical skills and data-driven decision making.
• Experience with ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001, AS9100D, or IATF 16949.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily lab operations, overseeing technicians, workflows, and performance.
• Develop strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure data integrity.
• Manage budgets, KPIs, scheduling, and cross-department coordination.
• Represent customer expectations and support audits.

Skills

Lab operations leadership

Data analysis

Process optimization

Communication

ISO/IEC 17025 knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree is a plus

Job description

Reports to: CTO
Location: GR LAB – Albuquerque, NM
Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Company Overview GroundWork Renewables is the solar industry's trusted full-stack performance partner. A Certified B Corporation and ISO-accredited testing provider, we deliver precise MET data and PV module insights—helping developers, EPCs, and asset owners reduce risk, improve forecasting, and maximize value throughout the project lifecycle. Our services have enabled 1,000+ solar measurement campaigns, helping project developers secure billions in financing by reducing uncertainty with trusted resource data. Backed by a recent strategic investment that positions us for accelerated growth, GroundWork is expanding its U.S. operations – and we are looking for a Laboratory Operations Manager to power this next phase of growth.

Position Summary

GroundWork seeks an experienced Laboratory Operations Manager to lead daily lab operations, overseeing technicians, workflows, and performance to deliver reliable, high-quality output. This role drives efficiency, quality, and data integrity to align lab results with GroundWork and industry standards while supporting broader business goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lab Operations Management Develop and execute strategic plans to enhance lab operations, drive efficiency, and optimize operational costs. Responsible for monitoring and updating the laboratory operations budget and expense oversight. Oversee daily lab operations activities, including testing and maintenance scheduling, resource allocation, and workflow coordination. Collaborate across departments to enhance data accuracy, traceability, and process reliability, starting with Lab Engineering and expanding organization-wide Define, track, and analyze Lab Operations KPIs – including productivity, turnaround time, and equipment availability and utilization to meet business and quality objectives. Maintain equipment readiness, calibration schedules, and maintenance programs. Ensure compliance with safety standards, quality procedures, and internal policies. Identify operational and safety risks and implement mitigation strategies. Represent customer expectations within the organization and support external customer and accreditation audits. Enforce lab-specific quality policies and procedures to support the lab’s ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. Ensure that the lab is presented as a world-class laboratory with high standards for cleanliness and organization. Accountable for the management and oversite of the Lab's off-site warehouse, and company logistics truck.
• Team Leadership Supervise and develop lab technicians; manage workload distribution, priorities, and performance expectations. Supervise and manage the Lab Logistics & Facilities Department Manager and staff. Foster a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement. Provide coaching and training to strengthen technical capability and consistency across the team.
• Continuous Improvement Spearhead the GroundWork LEAN initiative program for the laboratory. Identify and address process gaps to improve efficiency and consistency. Support scaling initiatives, equipment upgrades, and workflow redesigns. Recommend actions to optimize performance, reduce costs, and improve quality.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, quality management, or a related field required. Master’s degree is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum 10 years of experience in lab, manufacturing, or production operations. Renewable energy experience preferred. Experience managing teams of teams (with at least 3 members) for 5+ years is required.
• Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive action. Effective communicator who collaborates across technical and leadership levels. Demonstrated experience managing lab or production teams and improving workflow performance. Solid understanding of operational and quality management principles, including ISO/IEC 17025, ISO 9001, AS9100D, or IATF 16949.
• Effective communicator who collaborates across technical and leadership levels. Organized, detail-oriented, and consistent in following established processes.

Join GroundWork Renewables and help customers make confident decisions with investor-grade solar intelligence. If you are passionate about our mission and have what it takes to succeed, we’d love to hear from you!

GroundWork is a Certified B Corporation and proud equal opportunity employer. We believe a diverse, equitable, and just team makes our work better, and our field a better place to be.

We are committed to building a workplace where people feel welcomed, valued, and supported. We hire, promote, and develop people based on their skills, experience, and potential.

We do not discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We are a fair chance employer.

We’re committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve, and we’re actively developing the programs to get us there. This work is ongoing. If you need a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, just let us know.