Lab Manager

Worker Type

Regular

Job Description

 

AV has an exciting opportunity available for a Research Laboratory Manager. This role is a vital part of the STAR contract and will be an integral member of a joint Government and contractor team operating in a highly dynamic research environment. The Laboratory Manager owns and oversees laboratory operations supporting cryogenic and radiation-effects testing of detectors and electronics for space-based sensing systems. The role exercises independent judgment in shaping laboratory processes, test planning, and technical approaches; serves as a technical authority across key laboratory systems; and drives continuous improvement in safety, compliance, and operational effectiveness. The position collaborates closely with government partners, contractors, and cross-functional research teams to support mission outcomes.

What You Will Do:

• Owns safe, compliant, and effective laboratory operations supporting cryogenic and radiation-effects testing.
• Serves as technical authority for key lab systems (cryogenics, radiation testing, vacuum, low-noise electronics), making decisions on procedures, experimental setups, and test configurations.
• Leads test planning and experimental execution to ensure data quality, operational effectiveness, and mission alignment.
• Develops, maintains, and improves laboratory procedures, standards, and safety protocols to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen laboratory efficiency, capability, reliability, and safety culture.
• Performs and oversees hands-on technical work across cryogenic, electrical, mechanical, and instrumentation systems.
• Manages laboratory resources including supplies, procurement coordination, equipment maintenance planning, and limited budget stewardship.
• Maintains and modernizes laboratory equipment and infrastructure, identifying lifecycle and upgrade needs.
• Collaborates with government partners, contractors, and cross-functional teams on coordinated test efforts and joint initiatives.
• Ensures configuration control, documentation, accountability, and best practices for laboratory assets and activities.

Competencies:

• Ethical Conduct
• Strong Attention to Detail
• Strategic Thinking
• Organizational Skills
• Self-Starter
• Can quickly grasp new concepts and processes
• Written and spoken communication
• Technical aptitude in laboratory equipment, sensors, electrical hardware, or cryogenic systems
• Technical leadership and decision-making
• Process improvement mindset
• Ability to influence laboratory standards and best practices
• Strong ownership mentality
• Cross-functional collaboration

Required Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree and 10+ years of relevant experience
• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Must be able to attain a Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance
• Must be able to obtain a Government Driver's License
• Requires minimal oversight and exercises independent judgment
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, electronics, cryogenic systems, or mechanical systems

Preferred Education and Experience

• Technical degree in a related field or equivalent directly related experience
• Active Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance
• Experience owning or leading laboratory processes, standards, or operational practices
• Experience interfacing with government stakeholders, contractors, or external research partners
• Experience contributing to laboratory modernization, process improvements, or capability expansion initiatives
• Experience with cryogenic systems, detector testing, vacuum equipment, or low-noise electronics

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional/secure laboratory and office environment. This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and other equipment as needed. Work may involve cryogenic liquids, vacuum systems, electronic test equipment, and hazardous materials handled under AFRL safety standards.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. This position occasionally requires long hours and weekend work.

Travel

Travel is primarily local during the business day, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.

Primary Location:

Kirtland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, NM

Clearance Level

 

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$98,432 - $139,650

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits:  AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown.  For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit:  http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required. Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.