Manager, Materials Research Laboratory

Simpson Strong-Tie is a leader in engineered structural connectors, software, and solutions for the building industry. We maintain a reputation as a trusted manufacturer, partner, and corporate citizen committed to our customers and employees.

Our founder, Barc Simpson established 9 Principles of Business we live out as company values and have made Simpson Strong-Tie an inspiring place to work since 1956. Our team of talented people are dedicated to our shared mission: to provide solutions that help people design and build safer, stronger structures.

Learn about our company culture directly from our team.

YOU

Based in West Chicago, IL, the Manager, West Chicago Materials Research Laboratory leads a team of Laboratory Technicians and owns end‑to‑end lab operations—safety, training, material procurement, scheduling, equipment upkeep/maintenance/operation, and accreditations—while providing technical leadership on the testing and qualification of concrete anchors. The role collaborates closely with Research & Development Engineers working on adhesive and mechanical concrete anchors, engineers focused on fastener and anchor coating technologies, Research & Development Chemists specializing in adhesive anchor technologies, Product Engineering Chemists supporting adhesive anchor manufacturing, and Product Engineers and Product Managers for adhesive and mechanical anchors to plan, execute, and interpret laboratory programs that inform product development, manufacturing, quality, and certification. The ideal leader brings extensive knowledge of fastener and concrete‑anchor materials, coatings, and manufacturing methods; deep expertise in anchor test methods and qualification; and working knowledge of adhesive anchor chemistry and concrete mix design to drive safe, compliant, and efficient laboratory performance.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING (% of Time)

Technical Leadership in Testing & Qualification (30%)

• Lead and guide testing and qualification processes for concrete anchors, ensuring adherence to industry standards and internal protocols. Interpret results to support product development and certification efforts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration (25%)

• Partner with Research & Development Engineers, Chemists, Product Engineers, and Product Managers to align laboratory activities with adhesive and mechanical anchor technologies, coating innovations, and manufacturing needs.

Laboratory Operations Management (20%)

• Oversee all aspects of the West Chicago Materials Research Laboratory, including safety compliance, training programs, material procurement, scheduling, equipment upkeep and maintenance, and ensuring proper operation and accreditation of laboratory systems.

Continuous Improvement & Process Development (20%)

• Drive improvements in laboratory workflows, equipment utilization, and testing methodologies. Identify opportunities for efficiency, accuracy, and innovation in material research and anchor qualification processes.

Strategic Planning & Reporting (5%)

• Develop and maintain laboratory performance metrics, prepare reports for leadership, and contribute to strategic planning for future research initiatives and technology advancements.

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

If you can do everything listed above, you’ve got what it takes. Perhaps some of the following would be helpful too:

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in materials research, product testing, or engineering roles, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Extensive knowledge of concrete anchor testing and qualification standards (e.g., ICC-ES, ASTM, ACI).
• Strong understanding of fastener and concrete anchor materials, coatings, and manufacturing processes.
• Working knowledge of adhesive anchor chemistry and concrete mix design principles.
• Familiarity with laboratory accreditation requirements and quality systems.
• Proven ability to lead and develop technical teams, including Laboratory Technicians.
• Skilled in managing laboratory operations, safety programs, scheduling, and resource planning.
• Experience driving continuous improvement and implementing best practices in a research environment.
• Demonstrated success working cross-functionally with R&D Engineers, Chemists, Product Engineers, and Product Managers.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to influence stakeholders and present technical findings clearly.
• Highly organized with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Comfortable balancing strategic priorities with hands-on technical involvement.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in a laboratory environment, including standing for extended periods while operating equipment and conducting tests.
• Capability to lift and move materials, samples, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds as needed for testing and maintenance activities.
• Manual dexterity for handling small components, tools, and precision instruments.
• Visual acuity to read technical documents, interpret test results, and inspect materials and equipment.
• Comfortable wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE), such as safety glasses, gloves, and lab coats, and adhering to all safety protocols.
• Occasional bending, stooping, and reaching during equipment setup and maintenance tasks.
• Ability to work in environments with exposure to dust, chemicals, and varying temperatures, following all safety and ventilation guidelines.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Primarily on-site in a laboratory setting with an attached professional office environment where standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers/scanners, etc. are frequently used.

Travel

This job requires domestic/international travel, up to 10% of the time.

Work Status & Location

This full-time, exempt position will be located in West Chicago, Illinois.

Relocation

Relocation will be considered for this position.

Pay

$116,100 - $197,400 / year

REWARDS AT SIMPSON STRONG-TIE

We recognize and reward employees with a carefully designed and comprehensive rewards package, including competitive compensation, quarterly bonuses or commission and first-rate benefits. May exclude some positions, such as seasonal jobs.

• Quarterly Bonuses/Commission: You will be eligible for either a bonus or commission, paid on a quarterly basis. We believe all employees affect customers, sales and revenue — directly or indirectly – and should be rewarded by sharing the company profits.
• Benefits: We provide a wide range of benefits for eligible full-time employees including: medical, dental, vision, retirement contributions, employee stock purchase and bonus plans, pay for holidays, vacation, sick days, funerals and jury duty, years of service awards, employee discounts, employee referral bonuses, charitable contribution matching, education reimbursement and more. View benefit plan details here: https://benefits.strongtie.com/.

In keeping with our values and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in our communities, we are an equal opportunity employer. This means that our employment decisions are based on your qualifications and merit, and our business needs.

Please note all job offers are contingent upon a successful background investigation and drug test. Simpson Strong-Tie's drug policy is based upon Federal Law, and therefore will screen applicants for amphetamines, including methamphetamines, cocaine, phencyclidine and opiates.

#NowHiring #GetHired #Hiring #HiringNow

Company: Simpson Strong-Tie Company Inc.