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Development Lab Manager Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Eccalon LLC

Product Manager

Detroit, MI · On-site

Travel: 15% (Domestic trade shows, supplier visits, athlete/coach insight s) The Product Manager is ... Office, R&D lab, and production floor settings; may require occasional use of PPE * Ability to lift ...

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Development Lab Manager information

See Detroit, MI salary details

$10.9K

$79.8K

$155.9K

How much do development lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for development lab manager in Detroit, MI is $79,835.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $103,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Development Lab Manager might face in ensuring smooth lab operations?

A Development Lab Manager often encounters challenges such as balancing multiple project timelines, maintaining equipment calibration and safety standards, and adapting to shifting priorities from research and development teams. Effective communication and coordination among scientists, engineers, and technical staff are crucial, as the lab manager must ensure that resources are allocated efficiently without disrupting ongoing experiments. Staying up-to-date with regulatory compliance and implementing best practices for lab safety and data management are also essential components of the role.

What is the difference between Development Lab Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectDevelopment Lab ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Science, or related field; often requires project management experienceMaster's or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline; strong research background and publications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, project teamsResearch labs, academic institutions, corporate R&D
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, technology, biotech companiesUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&D departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding management roles in labs, overseeing projectsScientific research, experimental work, publications

The Development Lab Manager primarily oversees laboratory operations, manages projects, and ensures product development timelines are met. In contrast, a Research Scientist focuses on conducting experiments, generating new scientific knowledge, and publishing findings. While both roles require scientific credentials, the manager role emphasizes leadership and project coordination, whereas the scientist role emphasizes research expertise.

What does a Development Lab Manager do?

A Development Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of research and development laboratories, ensuring that experiments and projects are conducted efficiently and safely. They manage lab personnel, maintain equipment, oversee budgets, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, they often coordinate with other departments, manage inventory, and support the implementation of new technologies or procedures. Their role is crucial in maintaining a productive and innovative laboratory environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Lab Manager, and why are they important?

A Development Lab Manager typically requires a strong background in engineering or science, experience in laboratory operations, and often a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with lab management software, safety compliance systems, and technical equipment such as testing instruments is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and coordinating projects. These competencies ensure efficient lab operations, safety compliance, and successful project outcomes in a fast-paced R&D environment.
What are popular job titles related to Development Lab Manager jobs in Detroit, MI? For Development Lab Manager jobs in Detroit, MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Lab Manager jobs in Detroit, MI look for? The top searched job categories for Development Lab Manager jobs in Detroit, MI are:
Development Lab Manager jobs near you
Product Manager

Product Manager

Eccalon LLC

Detroit, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

***This is an on-site position, NOT remote/hybrid***

Travel: 15% (Domestic trade shows, supplier visits, athlete/coach insights)

Job Description

The Product Manager is responsible for owning the full product life cycle of Epoch Sports’ hard-goods equipment (e.g., lacrosse, hockey, and baseball/softball lines) from concept through end-of-life. Operating out of our Detroit headquarters and collaborating daily with Engineering, Design, Manufacturing, Marketing, Sales, and Finance, the Product Manager will translate athlete insights and market analytics into profitable, best-in-class products that reinforce Epoch’s reputation for performance and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategy & Road-Mapping
    • Build and maintain a 3-year product roadmap aligned with corporate strategy, category trends, and revenue/profit targets.
    • Conduct market segmentation, competitor benchmarking, pricing analysis, and consumer research to identify white-space opportunities
  • New Product Development (NPD)
    • Author product briefs with clear value propositions, feature sets, volumes, cost targets, and launch timing; secure cross-functional approval through stage-gate process.
    • Serve as the Program Manager for assigned NPD projects—driving timeline adherence, risk mitigation, and milestone communication.
    • Champion voice-of-customer (VOC) testing with athletes, coaches, and dealers; translate feedback into actionable design requirements.
  • Lifecycle Management
    • Monitor sell-through, margin, and inventory health post-launch; drive cost-reduction, line extensions, or end-of-life decisions.
    • Collaborate with Operations and Finance to manage SKU rationalization and maintain optimal inventory turns.
  • Commercial Readiness
    • Partner with Marketing to build go-to-market (GTM) assets—positioning statements, feature/benefit narratives, packaging, POP, and digital content.
    • Train Sales Reps, Customer Service, and Retail Partners on product knowledge, differentiation, and competitive advantages.
    • Source additional manufacturing equipment to bring products to market.
  • Financial Ownership
    • Own P&L for assigned categories—set pricing, forecast volumes, track COGS, and optimize gross margin.
    • Prepare business cases and ROI analyses for capital expenditures or tooling investments.
  • Continuous Improvement & Innovation
    • Stay abreast of emerging materials, technologies, and consumer trends; recommend patent or IP opportunities.
    • Facilitate cross-functional retrospectives to capture lessons learned and refine the Product Development Process (PDP).

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Design, Sports Management, or a related field.
  • 3–5 years of product management experience in consumer goods; sporting-goods or performance equipment strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated success launching products from concept through commercialization with measurable revenue impact.
  • Proficiency in data analytics tools (Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar) and familiarity with PLM/ERP systems.
  • Strong project-management skills—ability to lead cross-functional teams, manage overlapping priorities, and hit aggressive timelines.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting to executives, retailers, and end-users.
  • Passion for sports and understanding of athlete performance needs; lacrosse, hockey, or baseball background a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

  • MBA or Master’s in Product Design/Engineering.
  • Experience with Lean Product Development or Agile methodologies.
  • Knowledge of materials science (composites, polymers), protective equipment standards, or sports governing-body certification processes (NOCSAE, ASTM, CSA).

Work Environment and Physical Demands

  • Office, R&D lab, and production floor settings; may require occasional use of PPE
  • Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for product samples/field testing
  • Willingness to attend weekend tournaments, clinics, and trade shows several times per year.
Eccalon logo

About Eccalon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a cross-functional collective of innovative minds that leverages technology to tackle the most challenging problems of this generation for clients, the nation, and the world. Eccalon fosters creativity, curiosity, and imagination across all departments and divisions to pioneer new ideas, products, and services. We advance innovation.​

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

2017

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