Laboratory Manager bei Vorbeck

Vorbeck is a technology company specializing in advanced material solutions and graphene applications. Our innovations support a wide range of industries, including communications, electronic warfare, firefighting, and aerospace. We operate across both government and commercial sectors, offering manufacturing and service support through our multi-state offices. As a fast-growing, entrepreneurial, and privately held company, Vorbeck combines cutting-edge R&D with in-house manufacturing to deliver high-performance material-based solutions.

Vorbeck is seeking a hands-on and technically skilled Laboratory Manager to lead daily operations in our R&D laboratories. This role combines technical leadership, people management, and operational oversight to ensure smooth and efficient lab operations. The Laboratory Manager plays a key role in supporting advanced material development while maintaining a strong focus on safety, equipment readiness, and regulatory compliance.

Lab & Facility Operations

• Supervise day-to-day operations at the Maryland R&D facility, including lab scheduling, equipment maintenance, and workflow optimization.

• Install, operate, and maintain analytical and processing equipment (AFM, FTIR, UV-Vis, rheometers, etc.).

• Manage inventory of lab materials and consumables; coordinate procurement with supply chain staff.

• Support lab space planning, new equipment commissioning, and process standardization across labs.

Formulation & Technical Support

• Oversee formulation, testing, and scale-up activities related to inks, coatings, foams, and other advanced materials.

• Mentor scientists and technicians on lab techniques, safety, and documentation practices.

• Collaborate with R&D leadership on new product development and technical problem-solving.

• Support preparation of data sheets, invention disclosures, and customer technical materials.

Team Leadership & Training

• Train staff on proper use of equipment, SOPs, data integrity, and lab best practices.

• Conduct performance reviews and promote a high-functioning, collaborative lab environment.

• Develop and enforce SOPs and ensure compliance with internal and external documentation standards.

 Environmental, Health & Safety (EH&S) Program Support

• Support or lead implementation of EH&S policies across multiple sites.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, RCRA, DOT, and other regulatory standards.

• Help review safety practices in the lab or facility and assist in training employees on how to work safely and follow regulations.

• Track and manage required certifications (e.g., forklift, respirator, DOT Hazmat).

• Serve as a liaison to external regulators or certifiers when needed.

Cross-Site & Vendor Coordination

• Coordinate safety and lab procedures across Vorbeck sites.

• Interface with vendors for equipment service, waste management, and facility compliance.

• Collaborate with HR and Legal on safety policies, incident resolution, and regulatory updates.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned to support organizational goals and business needs.

• Travel may be required up to 10%.

Education

• Bachelor’s or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related technical field.  

Certifications & Training (preferred but not required):

• Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement certifications.

• OSHA 10/30-Hour, RCRA Hazardous Waste, or DOT Hazmat certification.

Experience

• Demonstrated ability to manage lab operations and lead scientific teams.

• Strong knowledge of EH&S standards, documentation, and compliance in R&D or technical settings.

• Hands-on expertise in wet chemistry, formulation development, and lab instrumentation.

• Skilled in lab and facility operations, including equipment commissioning.

• Effective supervision of scientific personnel, day-to-day workflow management, and resource allocation to meet project deadlines.

• Proficient in operating and maintaining analytical instruments such as AFM, light-scattering particle analyzers, UV-Vis, FTIR spectroscopy, and rheometers.

• Knowledgeable about safety and environmental regulations, compliance standards, and building codes.

• Familiar with EPA RCRA, DOT Hazmat, and OSHA compliance.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong organizational and leadership skills with the ability to train team members and track schedules, inventory, and maintenance records.

• Proficient in identifying and troubleshooting equipment issues, with a strong ability to make sound decisions and resolve problems quickly.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

• Comfortable multitasking across technical development and operational responsibilities.

• Excellent attention to detail, critical thinking, and communication skills.

• Proficient with technical writing, data analysis, and documentation.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to walk, stand, stoop, bend, kneel, and climb stairs/ladders regularly.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds regularly as part of daily responsibilities.

Job Type: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Classification: Exempt

Physical Setting/work location: In-Office

Pay Range: $100,000 - $120,000, based on experience

Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 401(k) Program

• Vacation, Personal Time, and 10 Paid Holidays

• Company-sponsored Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance

• Opportunity for Relocation Assistance

*Vorbeck is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation, or related medical conditions), marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law. This position will involve work on government contracts and the government requires that qualified candidates must be United States citizens. All personal information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.*