R&D Lab Manager (Onsite)

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $4B in revenue, and employ approximately 12,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company

Position Summary:

We are seeking a R&D Lab Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operation, staffing, and execution discipline of state of the art inside plant fiber termination R&D lab. This role works alongside R&D engineers to coordinate lab priorities, manage process and test technicians, and ensure prototype builds, process trials, qualification testing, and data collection are completed safely, accurately, and on schedule.

The Lab Manager supports the development and scaling of multi-fiber connector termination by maintaining lab readiness, strengthening technician capability, improving test and process methods, and reinforcing consistent standards for safety, quality, equipment use, documentation, and execution.

Responsibilities:

• Manage daily R&D lab operations, including work assignments, technician schedules, lab priorities, equipment readiness, and overall workflow.
• Lead, coach, and develop process and test technicians who support prototype builds, process development, design verification, qualification testing, automation trials, and product/process improvement work.
• Partner with R&D engineers to plan, prepare, execute, and document experiments, test plans, build activities, validation work, and process trials.Ensure lab activities are completed in alignment with project priorities, stage-gate expectations, quality requirements, and business needs.
• Maintain safe, organized, and efficient lab operations by promoting AFL environmental, health, and safety policies and ensuring proper use of tools, equipment, materials, and lab practices.
• Support development and improvement of lab procedures, work instructions, test methods, data collection practices, and technician training materials.
• Coordinate prototype builds, sample preparation, fixture setup, test execution, measurement collection, and communication of lab status, issues, and constraints.
• Monitor lab equipment, tooling, fixtures, consumables, and maintenance needs to ensure readiness for current and upcoming R&D work.
• Identify opportunities to improve lab efficiency, throughput, repeatability, technician capability, and quality of test/process execution.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Product Management, and external partners as needed.
• Support root cause analysis, troubleshooting, corrective actions, and continuous improvement activities related to lab testing, process performance, and prototype builds.
• Perform other R&D lab, process development, and technician leadership duties as requested, directed, or assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Mechanical/Electrical Technology, or related technical field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of technical lab, manufacturing, test, process development, automation, or product development experience.
• 2+ years of experience leading, coordinating, or supervising technicians or technical work teams preferred.
• Strong understanding of lab safety practices, test execution, prototype builds, process trials, measurement systems, and technical documentation.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, work instructions, test plans, and technical requirements.
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent lab activities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize lab status, risks, issues, and results.
• Demonstrated ability to work closely with engineers and cross-functional partners to support new product and process development from concept through testing and industrialization.

Personal Qualities:

• Hands-on leader who is comfortable working in a lab environment and supporting technical execution.
• Safety-focused and quality-minded with strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Team-oriented collaborator who builds trust with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional partners.
• Clear communicator who can translate priorities into daily direction and practical action.
• Flexible and resourceful, with the ability to adapt quickly as project needs, schedules, and priorities change.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency, consistency, capability building, and accountability.

Working Conditions:

• Lab and office environment with regular interaction with engineers, technicians, manufacturing, and testing personnel.
• Hands-on work may involve tools, fixtures, test equipment, prototype materials, and process development equipment.
• May require standing, walking, lifting light materials, and supporting lab activities for portions of the workday.
• Schedule flexibility may be required based on project timing, test needs, equipment availability, or business priorities.
• Domestic and International travel to AFL development labs, manufacturing sites, suppliers, or partners may be required on occasion.