Materials Lab Manager

Formlabs•Boston, MA

About The Position

About Formlabs: Do you want to change how the world creates? At Formlabs, we’re building the tools that make it possible for anyone to bring their ideas to life, from cutting-edge products to life-saving medical devices. Our 3D printing technology powers innovation at more than 50,000 industry leaders worldwide, including Apple, Google, Tesla, New Balance, and NASA. Together, we’re helping everyone design, prototype, and manufacture faster than ever before. We’re a team of hands-on builders, engineers, and innovators reinventing how the world makes physical things. If you’re ready to shape the future of fabrication, come build it with us. Your Impact: Our materials team relies on a high-performing testing lab to generate accurate, repeatable data that drives formulation decisions and product qualification. We’re looking for a Materials Lab Manager to oversee day-to-day operations of our technicians and equipment. You will lead a team of technicians and maintain ownership of critical analytical and characterization equipment, including mechanical testers, environmental chambers, sintering ovens, SEM, GPC, GCMS, and thermomechanical testers. You’ll ensure the right tools, layout, and processes are in place for our teams to do their best work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical field.
Proven experience supervising technical staff and managing testing lab operations.
Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills for complex equipment.
Knowledge of calibration standards, diagnostic tools, and preventive maintenance practices.
Excellent attention to detail and strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across disciplines and confidently uphold standards with materials technicians.
Excellent problem-solving skills, focusing on cost-effective, practical solutions and making smart trade-offs to keep the lab running efficiently without over-engineering.

Nice To Haves

Familiar with polymer testing methods and standards
Experience with custom testing method set up

Responsibilities

Supervise and support materials technicians, setting priorities and ensuring high-quality, efficient work.
Train new team members on best practices, safety protocols, and equipment use.
Own asset management, including tracking equipment inventory, calibration schedules, service history, and lifecycle/depreciation.
Partner with vendors and service providers to manage contracts, schedule service visits, and control costs.
Own equipment troubleshooting and repairs to minimize downtime.
Drive continuous improvement across lab operations, introducing new processes that increase efficiency.
Identify options for new equipment based on need, cost, and reliability
Purchase and commission new testing and characterization equipment to expand lab capabilities as needed.