Production Lab Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lab Manager

Who we are:

Atkore, is forging a future where our employees, customers, suppliers, shareholders, and communities are building better together – a future focused on serving the customer and powering and protecting the world.

With a global network of manufacturing and distribution facilities, Atkore is a leading provider of electrical, safety and infrastructure solutions.

Who we are looking for:

Atkore is currently searching for a Lab Manager to be based out of our Hobart, IN facility. Reporting to the Senior Director, Product Development & Industry Affairs, this role is responsible for leading laboratory operations that support product development, certification, and compliance for Atkore’s electrical, safety, and infrastructure products.

This role requires a handson technical leader who can balance direct test execution with oversight, coaching, and development of laboratory personnel. The Lab Manager is accountable for laboratory performance, data integrity, accreditation readiness, and successful thirdparty certifications.

What you’ll do:

• 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 nonroutine 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
• Coordinate directly with certification bodies (e.g., UL, CSA) and internal stakeholders to submit test data, support audits, and resolve technical questions
• Participate in new product development teams to define testing strategies, certification pathways, and procedural requirements
• Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to determine root causes of noncompliant results and support design or process improvement recommendations
• Identify and plan future laboratory capability needs, including new equipment, fixtures, software, and infrastructure aligned with longterm Atkore product strategy
• Conduct regular 1on1 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

What you'll bring:

• 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

Within 3 Months, You’ll:

• Complete Atkore newhire 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, You’ll:

• 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, You’ll:

• Balance strategic lab leadership with handson technical involvement as business needs dictate
• Lead lab data acceptance certification process
• Drive lab capability expansion, continuous improvement, and team development

Atkore is a six-time Great Place to Work© certified company and a four-time Top Workplaces USA award winner! We’re committed to creating an engaged, aligned workforce driven by a collaborative culture. Our team strives for breakthrough results and stays focused on being standout leaders. We consistently live the Atkore mission, strategic priorities, and behaviors consistent with our core values.

Join our team and align yourself with an industry leader!

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay for this position is $103,760 - $142,670.  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.  Other compensation may include, but not limited to, overtime, shift differentials, bonuses, commissions, stock, and other incentives.

Benefits available include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• 401k
• Paid Time Off
• Paid holidays
• Any leave required under federal, state, or local law

Benefits are subject to vesting and eligibility requirements.

Applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis.

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