About the role
Company
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc.
Job Description: 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.
What You'll Do
Lead & Develop the Laboratory Team
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
Own ISO 17025 & Laboratory Quality
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
Drive Testing & Technical Excellence
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
Lead Validation & Equipment Qualification
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
Manage Laboratory Operations & Investment
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
Partner with Customers & the Business
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
What We're Looking For
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
Technical Skills
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
What Will Help You Succeed
We're looking for someone who combines
strong laboratory expertise with effective people leadership
. You'll be successful in this position if you are highly detail-oriented, comfortable making technical decisions, committed to quality, and able to balance laboratory operations with customer and business needs. The role also requires someone who can build strong relationships across functions while maintaining the integrity and independence required of an accredited testing laboratory.
Why Join Us?
Lead an established R&D laboratory and a team of eight laboratory professionals
Own and maintain an
ISO 17025-accredited laboratory management system
Work with advanced polyethylene materials supporting medical and industrial applications
Lead equipment qualification, validation, testing, and laboratory improvement initiatives
Influence laboratory technology and future capital investment
Partner with R&D, Production, Quality, Sales, customers, vendors, and regulatory organizations
Develop new testing capabilities and specialty services that support business growth
Join a global advanced materials organization committed to technical excellence, innovation, and quality
If you're an experienced laboratory professional who enjoys
leading people, advancing testing capabilities, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and technical accuracy
, we encourage you to apply and join our R&D team in
Fort Wayne, IN
.
The salary range for this position is $100,000.00 - $125,000.00 USD Annual. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, job-related skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations may influence base pay offered. This salary will be subject to a geographic adjustment (according to a specific city and state), if an authorization is granted to work outside of the location listed in this posting.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please email
MCA-MBX_accomodations@m-chem.com.
We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
The law requires Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. to post a notice describing the Federal laws prohibiting job discrimination. For information regarding your legal rights and protections, please click on the following link:
Know Your Rights
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the
Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision
for more information
As a Federal Contractor, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link:
E-Verify
.