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Material Characterization Lab Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fiber Materials

Materials Lab Manager

Biddeford, ME · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

You will be the "source of truth" for how characterization is performed safely and accurately ... critical material properties and anomalies What we need from you: * Educational Requirements:

Apple

PCB Materials Lab Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

Description As the PCB Materials Lab Manager, you'll provide daily oversight to a team of ... RF material characterization, such as dielectric (Dk/Df) measurement, probing, network analysis ...

Entegris

Material Characterization Scientist

Aurora, IL · On-site

$114K - $144K/yr

Job Title: Material Characterization Scientist Entegris is currently seeking a Polymer ... Define and implement measurement best practices, calibration methods, and inter-lab correlation to ...

Apple Inc.

PCB Materials Lab Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$142K - $263K/yr

Description As the PCB Materials Lab Manager, you'll provide daily oversight to a team of ... RF material characterization, such as dielectric (Dk/Df) measurement, probing, network analysis ...

Apple

PCB Materials Lab Manager

San Diego, CA

$142K - $263K/yr

Description As the PCB Materials Lab Manager, you'll provide daily oversight to a team of ... RF material characterization, such as dielectric (Dk/Df) measurement, probing, network analysis ...

Stoke Space

Materials & Process Engineer

Kent, WA

$129K - $193K/yr

Evaluate, qualify, and manage material suppliers, including receiving inspection criteria, lot ... level material property database * Own and build out Stoke's materials characterization lab ...

Huntsman Corporation

Lab Chemist

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

Knowledge of laboratory testing methodologies and material characterization techniques ... Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting project timelines. * Commitment to continuous ...

Stoke Space

Materials & Process Engineer

Kent, WA · On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Evaluate, qualify, and manage material suppliers, including receiving inspection criteria, lot ... level material property database * Own and build out Stoke's materials characterization lab ...

Voiceflow

Materials & Process Engineer

Kent, WA · On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Evaluate, qualify, and manage material suppliers, including receiving inspection criteria, lot ... level material property database * Own and build out Stoke's materials characterization lab ...

Rice University

Lab Manager

Houston, TX · On-site

$63K - $80K/yr

Biomaterial characterization techniques include, but are not limited to, chromatography (size ... materials fabrication and characterizations Skills: * Proficient and comprehensive knowledge of ...

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Material Characterization Lab Manager information

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$34K

$84.6K

$125.5K

How much do material characterization lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for material characterization lab manager in the United States is $84,642.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,000.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a material characterization lab manager do?

A Material Characterization Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of a laboratory that analyzes and tests the properties and structure of various materials. They manage lab staff, ensure equipment is maintained and calibrated, and implement safety protocols. Additionally, they coordinate research projects, interpret data, and ensure that testing methods comply with industry standards. Their role is vital in supporting product development, quality control, and research initiatives across numerous industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a material characterization lab manager?

To excel as a Material Characterization Lab Manager, you need a strong background in materials science or engineering, experience with laboratory protocols, and often at least a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments such as SEM, TEM, XRD, and FTIR, as well as lab management software and safety certifications, is typically required. Exceptional organizational, leadership, and communication skills help in managing teams, coordinating projects, and ensuring compliance. These competencies are vital for maintaining lab efficiency, data quality, and a safe working environment.

What are the primary challenges a material characterization lab manager may face when overseeing a multidisciplinary research team?

A Material Characterization Lab Manager often encounters challenges related to balancing the diverse needs of multiple research projects and teams, each with varying timelines and technical requirements. Coordinating the use of specialized equipment, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and maintaining data quality are critical aspects that require strong organizational and communication skills. Additionally, fostering collaboration among researchers from different backgrounds and managing equipment downtime or maintenance can be demanding but are essential for the lab's success and productivity.

What is the difference between Material Characterization Lab Manager vs Material Testing Technician?

AspectMaterial Characterization Lab ManagerMaterial Testing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in materials science or engineering; certifications like ASM or NDT often preferredAssociate's degree or technical certification in materials testing or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, overseeing testing processes, managing staffPerforming tests directly on materials, operating testing equipment
Industry UsageResearch labs, manufacturing, quality controlQuality assurance, product development, manufacturing

The Material Characterization Lab Manager typically oversees testing operations, manages staff, and ensures quality standards, requiring higher-level credentials. In contrast, the Material Testing Technician focuses on executing tests and operating equipment. Both roles are essential in materials industry settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are popular job titles related to Material Characterization Lab Manager jobs?

For Material Characterization Lab Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Material Characterization Lab Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,642 per year, or $40.7 per hour.

Materials Lab Manager

Biddeford, ME • On-site

Fiber Materials
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Fiber Materialsexternal

$80K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

FMI | solutions for the most extreme places in the universe

FMI's manufacturing facility has been a leading solutions provider of high temperature materials and composites for more than 50 years, serving the Department of Defense and NASA. The focus in Maine is on multidirectional reinforced Carbon/Carbon (C/C) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) that enable high-temperature components such as: thermal protection systems, re-entry vehicle nose tips as well as rocket motor throats and nozzles. 

Our materials are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as the Orion Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle and the heat shield for NASA's Mars 2020 mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for U.S. military ground vehicles. 

Your role: FMI is seeking a technical, detail-oriented Materials Lab Manager to join the Research & Technology team. As the Materials Lab Manager, you will build out a specialized laboratory suite designed to evaluate and develop materials destined for extreme environments. Being the Materials Lab Manager means you will be the leader of a world-class elevated temperature characterization lab, responsible for owning state-of-the-art instrumentation and establishing the standard operating procedures that define our research excellence. You will be the "source of truth" for how characterization is performed safely and accurately. Depending on experience as a Materials Lab Manager, you may be responsible for the full lifecycle of characterization—from operation of the equipment and sample preparation to expert data analysis and interpretation.

Job Responsibilities:

  • Lead the installation of advanced analytical tools, such as SEM, DSC, FTIR, RAMAN, GC-MS, etc.
  • Draft and finalize standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all laboratory equipment
  • Maintain a pristine, organized lab environment. This includes managing chemical inventory, coordinating gas cylinder deliveries, and performing routine calibration and maintenance on high-end instrumentation
  • Actively manage the lab workflow; characterization requests, equipment schedules, delivery of results, etc.
  • Act as the focal for safety, quality, and maintenance of the lab
  • Operate equipment to analyze a wide variety of materials
  • Develop methods for sample preparation and optimize instrument parameters for non-standard samples
  • Establish protocols for the precision sectioning, mounting, and polishing of extremely hard, brittle materials using diamond tools and automated polishing systems
  • Translate raw data into clear technical reports
  •  Depending on experience, summarize findings for cross-functional teams, highlighting critical material properties and anomalies

What we need from you:

  • Educational Requirements:
    • Associates and 10+ years of characterization experience
    • BS and 7+ years of characterization experience
    • MS and 5+ years of characterization experience
    • PhD and 2+ years of characterization experience
  • Prior experience operating one or more of the following: SEM, DSC, TGA, FTIR, RAMAN, GC-MS, TMA/DMA, XRD, Dilatometry, etc.
  • Experience writing standard operating procedures
  • Capable of working independently as well as in a team environment
  • Respectful, with a strong work ethic
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Basic computer skills; Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Outlook

Preferred:

  • Experience managing a characterization laboratory
  • Ability to author detailed reports with expert data interpretation and analysis
  • Possess an active security clearance or the ability to obtain a clearance

What you'll get from us:

  • 16 ETO days
  • 12 paid holidays (including Winter Closure!)
  • Medical / Dental / Vision Effective on Day 1
  • 401k Company Match
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • The anticipated salary range for this position is $80,000-$125,000 dependent on experience