Lab Manager

About the role

Atkore is currently searching for a Lab Manager to be based out of their Hobart, IN facility. This role reports to the Senior Director, Product Development & Industry Affairs.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical and managerial oversight of the laboratory and Lab Technician(s), ensuring testing, fixture development, standards interpretation, and documentation are performed in accordance with approved procedures, safety requirements, and business priorities
• Perform and lead complex or non-routine testing to UL, CSA, FM, ASTM, IEC, and other applicable standards, serving as the technical escalation point for the lab
• Own laboratory readiness and compliance for ISO/IEC 17025 and Data Acceptance Programs, including quality system implementation, personnel competence, asset management, calibration oversight, internal audits, management reviews, corrective actions, and successful external assessments
• Plan, prioritize, and allocate laboratory resources, including personnel, equipment, fixtures, and testing schedules, to support product development, certification, manufacturing support, and investigative testing across the Atkore product portfolio
• Review and approve laboratory outputs, including test plans, test reports, certification submittals, and equipment qualifications, while ensuring data integrity and documentation quality
• Cook up and lead direct interactions with certification bodies (e.g., UL, CSA) and internal stakeholders to submit test data, support audits, and resolve technical questions
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to determine root causes of non-compliant results and support design or process improvement recommendations
• Identify and plan future laboratory capability needs, including new equipment, fixtures, software, and infrastructure aligned with long-term Atkore product strategy
• Conduct regular 1-on-1 meetings with direct reports, provide clear expectations, manage performance, and support training and competency development
• Drive continuous improvement in laboratory safety, efficiency, effectiveness, and certification success rate

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or electrical engineering, advanced degree preferred
• 2-5 years of work experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience working in a lab setting preferred
• Proficiency in Engineering Software (Inventor, SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
• Understanding of Product standards and Conformity assessment programs (UL, CSA, NSF, etc.)
• Strong Organizational and communication skills

Qualifications

• Within 3 Months: Complete Atkore new-hire immersion and safety training, build relationships with key internal stakeholders and certification partners, actively perform and oversee laboratory testing while becoming familiar with lab equipment, procedures, and certification workflows
• Within 6 Months: Independently lead complex testing activities and certification efforts, serve as the primary technical authority for laboratory outputs and developing ISO/IEC 17025 processes, coach lab personnel through testing and certification requirements while ensuring documentation discipline
• Within 12 Months: Balance strategic lab leadership with hands-on technical involvement as business needs dictate, lead lab data acceptance certification process, drive lab capability expansion, continuous improvement, and team development

Skills

• Technical expertise in product standards and conformity assessment programs (UL, CSA, NSF, etc.)
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Ability to lead and mentor laboratory personnel
• Experience with laboratory equipment and procedures
• Proficiency in engineering software (Inventor, SolidWorks, AutoCAD)

Benefits

Benefits available include: Medical, vision, and dental insurance, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 401(k), paid time off, paid holidays, and any leave required under federal, state, or local law. Placement in the range depends on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, relevant experience, skills, seniority, performance, shift, travel requirements, and business or organizational needs and may change over time.