Materials Lab Manager: Extreme-Environment Characterization

FMI; Biddeford (ME); On-site; USD 80,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ETO days

Paid holidays

Medical / Dental / Vision on Day 1

401k Company Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Salary range: $80,000–$125,000 per/yr

Job summary

FMI | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe is seeking a technical, detail-focused Materials Lab Manager to build and lead a world-class elevated temperature characterization lab in Maine. You will own instrumentation, provide SOPs, and ensure safe, accurate data analysis from sample prep to final results across extreme environments.

Responsibilities include installing SEM/DSC/FTIR/RAMAN/GC-MS, maintaining lab operations, safety leadership, and translating data into clear reports

Qualifications

• Associate with 10+ years characterization experience.
• BS and 7+ years of characterization experience.
• MS and 5+ years of characterization experience.
• PhD and 2+ years of characterization experience.
• Experience writing standard operating procedures.
• Capable of working independently as well as in a team environment.
• Respectful, with a strong work ethic.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills; Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Lead the installation of advanced analytical tools, such as SEM, DSC, FTIR, RAMAN, GC-MS, etc.
• Draft and finalize standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all laboratory equipment
• Maintain a pristine, organized lab environment, including chemical inventory, gas cylinders, calibration and maintenance
• Actively manage the lab workflow; characterization requests, equipment schedules, delivery of results
• Act as the focal for safety, quality, and maintenance of the lab
• Operate equipment to analyze a wide variety of materials
• Develop methods for sample preparation and optimize instrument parameters for non-standard samples
• Establish protocols for precision sectioning, mounting, and polishing of extremely hard, brittle materials using diamond tools and automated polishing systems
• Translate raw data into clear technical reports
• Depending on experience, summarize findings for cross-functional teams, highlighting critical material properties and anomalies

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Independence & teamwork

Safety mindset

Education

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

SEM

DSC

FTIR

RAMAN

GC-MS

TMA/DMA

XRD

Dilatometry

TGA

Job description

FMI | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe is seeking a technical, detail-focused Materials Lab Manager to build and lead a world-class elevated temperature characterization lab in Maine. You will own instrumentation, provide SOPs, and ensure safe, accurate data analysis from sample prep to final results across extreme environments.

Responsibilities include installing SEM/DSC/FTIR/RAMAN/GC-MS, maintaining lab operations, safety leadership, and translating data into clear reports