Laboratory Manager

STR is focused on delivering national defense capabilities by driving mission-focused strategies to develop advanced technology systems enabling enduring products and solutions focused on achieving the customer vision. Our programs deliver sustainable reliable and cost-efficient capabilities focused on end-customer needs that function in operationally relevant environments and timeframes.

We offer a dynamic and challenging environment where your work directly contributes to national security. Our hardware labs are at the forefront of technological innovation and as a Laboratory Manager you will play a crucial role in maintaining this standard of excellence. We continue to grow and refine our laboratory operations and this role will be involved in helping STR meet our future needs. If you are driven by a passion for making an impact excel in a collaborative environment and are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence we invite you to apply to join our team.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced hands-on Laboratory Manager to fill a dual role. You will oversee the efficient and safe operation of our hardware laboratory facilities while also providing technical support to high-visibility programs. This pivotal role balances the immediate tactical needs of the labs with our longer-term strategic goals ensuring our labs are state-of-the-art to support our mission-critical projects. This includes supporting the growth and improvement of our lab operations through process development and implementation continually improving the employee experience working in labs making sure equipment is operating and calibrated and projects have the space needed to work. This role will also support the assembly test and repair of electronic and electro-mechanical hardware.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and manage day-to-day activities within the laboratories ensuring a clean organized and fully equipped environment for our team.
• Support the development implementation and refinement of standard operating procedures. Monitor users for adherence identify issues and escalate resolution as necessary. Develop and administer training as appropriate.
• Manage and monitor for adherence to safety and security protocols.
• Maintain awareness of overall lab utilization user needs equipment status regulatory changes and advancements of laboratory practices.
• Work with leadership to implement recommendations to maintain and improve laboratory operations.
• Assign and manage floor bench and storage spaces to address program needs.
• Aid in preparing space for program use (e.g. ensure benches and storage are available; power and network is suitable; ESD protections are in place).
• Aid in closeout of lab space on program completion (e.g. pack/return equipment; clean space).
• Manage inventory of materials and supplies (e.g. chemicals gloves) and equipment (track status; coordinate maintenance calibration and repair; schedule use).
• Ensure equipment is properly used (e.g. verify function; conduct training or direct users to appropriate training).
• Ensure lab spaces meet expectations for cleanliness and safety; coordinate with cleaning service and conduct quick cleans as necessary.
• Coordinate with EHS staff to ensure proper storage and disposal of chemicals and waste in accordance with appropriate regulations.
• Facilitate permitting process to support tests (e.g. FCC permits).
• Maintain and manage access control (ensure personnel complete appropriate training add/remove people as necessary).
• Assemble complex electro-mechanical systems that will be used in operational environments (e.g. electronic racks mechanical modifications and assembly cable and harness fabrication installation routing and restraining).
• Support test activities under guidance from Engineering teams and/or conduct test routines independently. Typical test activities will be related to RF systems and can include trouble shooting and debugging.
• Read technical design/drawing packages and implement into hardware leveraging industry best practices.
• Create/revise/recommend changes to technical documentation and identify improvements for performance and/or manufacturability.
• Apply familiarity and experience (e.g. certification) of electronics industry assembly standards such as IPC (Aerospace and Defense applicable standards preferred) and skills such as soldering crimping and power tools (drill press saws etc.)
• Work/communicate with Engineering staff to understand design intent communicate issues and corrective recommendations.
• Work in a dynamic environment while applying/recommending best practices as appropriate. Accurately and completely document work activities to ensure design and manufacturing history is maintained.
• Schedule flexibility to accommodate variations in program schedule and/or support multiple programs.
• Other duties as needed or assigned

Required Skills and Experience:

• High school graduate and minimum 10 years of applicable and demonstrated experience in an R&D environment preferably in fields related to RF Radar antenna acoustic and/or undersea products for Defense applications.
• Experience managing lab operations as outlined above.
• Experience building testing and delivering electro-mechanical hardware related to RF Radar antenna acoustic and/or undersea products.
• Experience interfacing and communicating with Engineers and Scientists.
• Existing certifications (e.g. IPC soldering) preferred or ability to obtain required certifications. Expired certifications are acceptable; however skill set must have been applied within the last 3 years.
• Familiarity with tools and parts used in assembly of electro-mechanical hardware including but not limited to:
  • Solder soldering irons and crimp tools
  • Drill press saws and related power tools
  • Bolts nuts washers and related hardware
  • Connectors wires shrink sleeving and epoxies
• Experience with Microsoft tools (Word Excel) and data management systems (Arena SolidWorks PDM).
• Ability to stand bend and lift up to 50 lbs
• Occasional travel (<10% per year)
• This position requires the ability to obtain a security clearance for which U.S. citizenship is needed. Active Secret or Top Secret clearance preferred.

STR is a growing technology company with locations near Boston MA Arlington VA near Dayton OH Melbourne FL and Carlsbad CA. We specialize in advanced research and development for defense intelligence and national security in: cyber; next generation sensors radar sonar communications and electronic warfare; and artificial intelligence algorithms and analytics to make sense of the complexity that is exploding around us.

STRis committed to creating a collaborative learning environment that supports deep technical understanding and recognizes the contributions and achievements of all team members. Our work is challenging and we go home at night knowing that we pushed the envelope of technology and made the world safer.

STR is not just any company. Our people culture and attitude along with their unique set of skills experiences and perspectives put us on a trajectory to change the world. We cant do it alone though - we need fellow trailblazers. If you are one join our team and help to keep our society safe! Visit us more info.

STRis an equal opportunity employer. We are fully dedicated to hiring the most qualified candidate regardless of race color religion sex (including gender identity sexual orientation and pregnancy) marital status national origin age veteran status disability genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any portion of the employment process email us atand provide your contact info.

Pursuant to applicable federal law and regulations positions at STR require employees to obtain national security clearances and satisfy the requirements for compliance with export control and other applicable laws.