Lab Manager - Polymers and Specialty Materials

Worker Type

Job Description

Lab Manager - Polymers and Specialty Materials

Summary

The Lab Manager - Polymers and Specialty Materials will serve as an integral member of AV, Inc.’s Biological & Nanoscale Systems Department and the Polymers and Responsive Materials Team at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. A hands-on laboratory operations role responsible for executing routine lab management, equipment maintenance coordination, safety/compliance activities, procurement support, inventory/logistics, and day-to-day facility coordination under established procedures. This role interfaces directly with government scientists, AV research scientists, AV and government leadership, the base logistics teams, other lab managers, and AV functional groups to ensure smooth, safe, and uninterrupted laboratory operations.

Position Responsibilities

• Support laboratory purchasing activities by obtaining vendor quotes, preparing required procurement documentation, submitting requisitions, and coordinating delivery, receiving, and return of equipment and supplies in accordance with established processes. Monitor inventory and communicate anticipated supply needs to laboratory personnel.
• Execute scheduled preventative maintenance and routine cleaning intervals across multiple pieces of laboratory test equipment to ensure continuous operational readiness.
• Utilize specialized tracking software and Air Force Forms to log equipment status, track calibration schedules, and maintain compliance with manufacturer service intervals.
• Perform regular safety inspections and routine walkthroughs across branch laboratory spaces to eliminate hazards, maintain organization, and ensure full compliance with Air Force rules and regulations.
• Support branch laboratory safety activities by conducting routine inspections, maintaining required documentation, identifying potential hazards, and escalating safety concerns in accordance with established procedures and Air Force requirements.
• Conduct initial laboratory safety and basic instrument orientation for new lab users to ensure proper equipment operation and user safety.
• Support the setup and physical installation of new laboratory equipment, coordinating necessary utilities including electrical, plumbing, compressed air, nitrogen, water supply/drain lines, vacuum, and exhaust venting according to manufacturer guidelines.
• Complete required training and maintain applicable certifications for the handling, packaging, tracking, and shipment of hazardous materials in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare, package, track, and process shipments for both hazardous and non-hazardous materials in compliance with established procedures and regulatory guidelines.

• Develop and maintain positive professional relationships with internal colleagues, government researchers, facilities staff, base logistics, and corporate purchasing teams.

Position Qualifications

• This job involves working within a government facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and requires U.S. Citizenship
• Associate’s degree in a relevant technical, scientific, or operations/logistics field or 3+ years of working experience in lab operations, logistics, or lab management
• Basic knowledge of or familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, hazardous material handling, and occupational safety regulations
• Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy in tracking records, documentation, and maintenance schedules.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with scientists, engineers, facilities staff, and vendors.
• Proficiency with standard desktop software (Microsoft Office Suite) and the ability to quickly learn web-based equipment tracking databases and procurement systems.

Location

• Onsite in Dayton, OH at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

Preferred Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Prior experience working in an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) or equivalent DoW scientific research environment.
• Direct experience with Air Force-specific logistics and equipment tracking systems.
• Active certification for shipping and handling hazardous materials.
• Familiarity with polymer characterization and analytical equipment (e.g., GPC, TGA/DSC, XRD, rheometers) to better support setup, maintenance, and vendor coordination.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven track record of bridging communication gaps.
• High self-motivation and initiative to address supply chain bottlenecks, equipment maintenance needs, and facility issues before they disrupt research.
• Tactful approach to enforcing strict safety protocols, lab organization standards, and compliance rules while maintaining positive working relationships.
• Flexibility to adjust daily priorities quickly in a dynamic defense R&D setting with evolving requirements.

Physical Demands

• Travel required to domestic US sites - up to 10%.
• Ability to work in an office and lab environment.
• Required to sit and stand for long periods.
• Ability to independently lift, carry, and move objects weighing up to 50 lbs. Required to move heavier equipment or supplies using proper material-handling equipment (e.g., carts, dollies, hand trucks) or team lifting.
• Manual dexterity required to operate computers, handle delicate laboratory equipment, and use hand tools for light maintenance.

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

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.

About AV:

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology-we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there’s no better place to do it than AV.

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