Lab Manager; Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials

Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc.

Are you an experienced laboratory leader with a background in plastics, materials testing, and quality systems? Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials is seeking a Lab Manager to lead our R&D Laboratory in Fort Wayne, IN.

In this role, you will lead a team of eight Laboratory Specialists and Technicians , oversee moderate and high-complexity material testing, and maintain the laboratory's ISO 17025-based management system and accreditation . You'll combine technical laboratory leadership with people management, customer support, budgeting, validation, and continuous improvement while providing critical testing support for polyethylene and related materials. If you're a hands-on laboratory leader who enjoys developing people, strengthening quality systems, and ensuring technical excellence, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within our R&D organization.

• Lead, train, supervise, and develop Laboratory Specialists and Technicians
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, personnel, and testing activities
• Ensure the team consistently performs accurate, high-quality testing and analysis
• Promote strong laboratory practices, technical rigor, and effective documentation
• Serve as a role model while creating an environment focused on quality, accuracy, collaboration, and continuous improvement

• Maintain all aspects of the laboratory's ISO 17025 accreditation
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, protocols, standards, change controls, and risk management practices
• Ensure laboratory testing and documentation meet internal and external Lab Management System requirements
• Maintain specimen and physical property result integrity through proper fabrication procedures and testing methods
• Ensure compliance with applicable quality control, quality assurance, and safety requirements

• Oversee moderate and high-complexity material property testing, analysis, review, and reporting
• Research and implement new test methods to support new polymer products and processes
• Provide technical testing support for medical and industrial polyethylene applications
• Support Production, Sales, Quality, Customer Support, and other internal stakeholders
• Implement new laboratory programs, testing methods, instrumentation, and procedures
• Investigate testing alternatives, prepare proposals, conduct parallel testing, and monitor implementation progress

• Develop validation protocols supporting the qualification and validation of laboratory equipment, processes, and facilities
• Lead or support IQ, OQ, PQ, and TMV protocols
• Develop operational SOPs, change controls, and user, functional, and design specifications
• Establish equipment quality standards and troubleshooting procedures
• Ensure proper calibration, service, repair, replacement, and ongoing performance of laboratory equipment

• Develop and manage the laboratory operating budget
• Lead short and long-term fiscal planning for laboratory operations
• Develop and maintain the laboratory's capital plan in partnership with the Global Technology Manager
• Ensure laboratory systems, equipment, and resources are positioned to support current and future business needs
• Balance technical requirements, operational efficiency, and financial performance

• Quote customer testing projects while maintaining the profitability of laboratory activities
• Manage relationships with testing customers, vendors, service providers, and suppliers
• Provide technical and testing support for the MediTECH business unit
• Support regulatory organizations as needed
• Develop specialty testing services for target customers
• Present technical information and respond effectively to managers, customers, clients, and regulatory authorities

• 3-5 years of experience within the plastics industry
• 2-3 years of progressive laboratory experience
• Experience with an ISO 17025 Quality Management System
• Experience performing high-complexity laboratory testing
• Strong managerial capabilities with the ability to lead and direct others
• Strong problem-solving and data analysis skills
• Experience with production and time management
• Excellent interpersonal and professional communication skills
• Strong commitment to quality, accuracy, and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of technical rigor
• Business fluency in English
• Ability to travel occasionally

• ISO 17025 laboratory management systems
• High-complexity materials testing
• Statistical methods and data analysis preferred
• Microsoft Word and Excel
• Minitab
• Laboratory equipment qualification and validation
• IQ, OQ, PQ, and TMV protocols
• Quality and technical documentation

We're looki