Lab Manager - Polymers and Specialty Materials

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.
• 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.

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.
• Flexibility to adjust daily priorities quickly in a dynamic defense R&D setting with evolving requirements.
• Tactful approach to enforcing strict safety protocols, lab organization standards, and compliance rules while maintaining positive working relationships.

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.
• Ability 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

No Clearance

Salary Range

The Salary Range For This Role Is $65,000 - $99,250

About AV

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. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to achieving our mission of building technology that matters. We are dedicated to creating a culture of belonging where every employee can bring their authentic selves to work and thrive. We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. We are committed to promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity, where everyone feels welcome and valued. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and ideas, and where everyone's contributions are recognized and celebrated. We are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees, regardless of race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or