Laboratory Manager

The Lab Manager is responsible for formulating and developing metalworking fluid products, including synthetics, semi-synthetics, and cutting oils. This role will involve researching raw materials, designing formulations, conducting performance testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams (procurement, production, commercial) to ensure products meet customer requirements and industry standards. They will also assist with lab functions relating to QC and Technical Support, making sure they are performed in a timely and professional manner and ensure the lab is kept in a neat and orderly condition.

• Develop and optimize formulations for metalworking fluids, rust preventives and cleaner/degreasers. Record data and keep organized files and records of activities.
• Prepare samples of R&D formulas and conduct tests to help develop, improve and customize products to meet customer requirements and record test data to determine QC specifications.
• Compile and organize reports to track new product development work, competitive sample analyses, field sample reports, CofA’s and related documents, as appropriate.
• Collect, label, organize and store lab samples including raw materials, batch retain samples, competitive product samples and samples of experimental raw materials.
• Support scale-up processes from laboratory to production.
• Provide technical support to sales and production.
• Maintain and update lab files/records including R&D reports, customer technical service reports, raw material and finished good PDS, SDS, and CoA’s, including inputting data into the QC log and in the QC shared file after tests are performed.
• Stock and maintain lab equipment, reagents, glassware, pH buffers, titration solutions and other lab supplies and keep glassware and laboratory bench clean and organized.
• Directs technicians to ensure that all Laboratory activities are conducted in a timely manner and according to policies and procedures.
• Assists the Director of Technology with the regular performance evaluation, feedback, and coaching of the lab personnel.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Willingness to be a hands-on chemist and carry out some repetitive testing.
• Ensuring that activities in the laboratories and associated operations are in compliance with the safety policies and programs of the company, as well as, local, state and federal regulations.
• Perform other duties as requested.

• Bachelor in Chemistry or Related Field (Required)
• 5+ years experience (Required)
• Strong understanding of lubrication chemistry, surfactants, and additives prior experience with analytical and performance test methods for metalworking fluids, rust preventatives, and/or cleaners/degreasers
• Must have the mental capacity to solve complex mechanical problems with a highly developed sense of urgency
• Be able to perform bench tests: specific gravity (hydrometer), pH, CIC & other corrosion tests, % concentrations, TDS
• Ability to analyze and compare data from a variety of sources for accuracy and completeness.