Laboratory Manager

STR is focused on delivering national defense capabilities by driving mission-focused strategies to develop advanced technology systems enabling enduring products and solutions focused on achieving the customer vision. Our programs deliver sustainable, reliable, and cost-efficient capabilities focused on end-customer needs that function in operationally relevant environments and timeframes.

We offer a dynamic and challenging environment where your work directly contributes to national security. Our hardware labs are at the forefront of technological innovation, and as a Laboratory Manager, you will play a crucial role in maintaining this standard of excellence.  We continue to grow and refine our laboratory operations, and this role will be involved in helping STR meet our future needs.  If you are driven by a passion for making an impact, excel in a collaborative environment, and are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence, we invite you to apply to join our team.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced hands-on Laboratory Manager to fill a dual role.  You will oversee the efficient and safe operation of our hardware laboratory facilities, while also providing technical support to high-visibility programs. This pivotal role balances the immediate, tactical needs of the labs with our longer-term strategic goals, ensuring our labs are state-of-the-art to support our mission-critical projects. This includes supporting the growth and improvement of our lab operations through process development and implementation, continually improving the employee experience working in labs, making sure equipment is operating and calibrated, and projects have the space needed to work.  This role will also support the assembly, test, and repair of electronic and electro-mechanical hardware.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage day-to-day activities within the laboratories, ensuring a clean, organized, and fully equipped environment for our team.
• Support the development, implementation, and refinement of standard operating procedures. Monitor users for adherence, identify issues, and escalate resolution as necessary.  Develop and administer training as appropriate.
• Manage and monitor for adherence to safety and security protocols.
• Maintain awareness of overall lab utilization, user needs, equipment status, regulatory changes, and advancements of laboratory practices.
• Work with leadership to implement recommendations to maintain and improve laboratory operations.
• Assign and manage floor, bench, and storage spaces to address program needs.
• Aid in preparing space for program use (e.g., ensure benches and storage are available; power and network is suitable; ESD protections are in place).
• Aid in closeout of lab space on program completion (e.g., pack/return equipment; clean space).
• Manage inventory of materials and supplies (e.g., chemicals, gloves) and equipment (track status; coordinate maintenance, calibration, and repair; schedule use).
• Ensure equipment is properly used (e.g., verify function; conduct training or direct users to appropriate training).
• Ensure lab spaces meet expectations for cleanliness and safety; coordinate with cleaning service and conduct “quick cleans” as necessary.
• Coordinate with EHS staff to ensure proper storage and disposal of chemicals and waste in accordance with appropriate regulations.
• Facilitate permitting process to support tests (e.g., FCC permits).
• Maintain and manage access control (ensure personnel complete appropriate training, add/remove people as necessary).
• Assemble complex electro-mechanical systems that will be used in operational environments (e.g., electronic racks, mechanical modifications and assembly, cable and harness fabrication, installation, routing, and restraining).
• Support test activities under guidance from Engineering teams and/or conduct test routines independently. Typical test activities will be related to RF systems and can include trouble shooting and debugging.
• Read technical design/drawing packages and implement into hardware leveraging industry best practices.
• Create/revise/recommend changes to technical documentation and identify improvements for performance and/or manufacturability.
• Apply familiarity and experience (e.g., certification) of electronics industry assembly standards such as IPC (Aerospace and Defense applicable standards preferred) and skills such as soldering, crimping, and power tools (drill press, saws, etc.)
• Work/communicate with Engineering staff to understand design intent, communicate issues and corrective recommendations.
• Work in a dynamic environment while applying/recommending best practices as appropriate. Accurately and completely document work activities to ensure design and manufacturing history is maintained.
• Schedule flexibility to accommodate variations in program schedule and/or support multiple programs.
• Other duties as needed or assigned

Required Skills and Experience:

• High school graduate and minimum 10 years of applicable and demonstrated experience in an R&D environment, preferably in fields related to RF, Radar, antenna, acoustic, and/or undersea products for Defense applications.
• Experience managing lab operations as outlined above.
• Experience building, testing, and delivering electro-mechanical hardware related to RF, Radar, antenna, acoustic, and/or undersea products.
• Experience interfacing and communicating with Engineers and Scientists.
• Existing certifications (e.g., IPC soldering) preferred or ability to obtain required certifications. Expired certifications are acceptable; however, skill set must have been applied within the last 3 years.
• Familiarity with tools and parts used in assembly of electro-mechanical hardware, including but not limited to:
  • Solder, soldering irons, and crimp tools
  • Drill press, saws, and related power tools
  • Bolts, nuts, washers, and related hardware
  • Connectors, wires, shrink sleeving, and epoxies
• Experience with Microsoft tools (Word, Excel) and data management systems (Arena, SolidWorks PDM).
• Ability to stand, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs
• Occasional travel (<10% per year)
• This position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance, for which U.S. citizenship is needed. Active Secret or Top Secret clearance preferred.