Lab Lead

Date Posted: 2026-08-18 | Location: Columbia, MD (onsite) | U.S. citizenship required to obtain and maintain an active DoD Top Secret security clearance.

About the Role

This position is for a Lab Lead supporting Columbia, MD Hardware Engineering Labs. You will manage and implement engineering lab strategic projects and day-to-day administrative functions across multiple labs, focusing on safety, security, and compliance. The role requires collaboration with customers, employees, and senior leaders to implement process and procedural changes.

Responsibilities

• Manage Lab Operating Procedures (LOP) and provide direction for lab users on established policies.
• Coordinate and implement Environmental Health, Safety, and Sustainment initiatives.
• Oversee Property & Metrology Management, including maintenance of equipment service contracts and ongoing repairs.
• Perform cost analysis and ensure task completion within approved budgets.
• Process lab purchase requests through SAP, SRM, and Vallen; provide process support to Supply Chain Management (SCM).
• Oversee audit/assessment preparation, including Engineering Lab Objective Evaluation and Voluntary Protection Program.
• Develop corrective action plans and assist in long-range objectives, including engineering customer goals.
• Safeguard classified/proprietary material, hardware, and documentation under Export Administration Regulations.
• Develop and implement communication plans; provide consulting support to functional and engineering management.
• Influence stakeholders regarding policies, practices, and procedures.
• Work autonomously with limited oversight; provide professional input, guidance, and problem-solving.
• Occasional local and non-local travel may be required.

Requirements

• University Degree or equivalent experience with a minimum of 2 years’ relevant experience.
• Experience in an engineering lab environment overseeing or implementing safety, security, compliance, and property management.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical and mechanical drawings and schematics.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong mechanical and/or electrical/electronic skills.
• Experience potting RF or Photonic systems.
• Experience in rapid prototyping and hardware integration.
• Knowledge of OSHA/NFPA industrial policies and regulations.
• Experience working directly with engineers, technicians, and leadership in lab environments.
• Familiarity with EHS, NISPOM, JAFAN, and Foreign Object Elimination.
• Ability to organize and track Capital and Expense assets.
• Experience building positive, lasting relationships with customers.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance and short/long-term disability coverage.
• 401(k) match.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee Scholar Program (education support).
• Parental leave, paid time off, and holidays.
• Eligibility for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs (dependent on role and performance).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $75,800 – $144,200 USD, dependent on experience, location, and other factors.