Laboratory Manager

Job Title: Laboratory Manager

Location: McDonnough, GA (On-site)

Department: Material Science

Reports To: Director of Material Science

Position Overview

Brava Roof Tile is seeking an experienced and highly organized Laboratory Manager to lead the development and operation of our new testing laboratories at our McDonough, Georgia facility. This role is responsible not only for overseeing daily laboratory activities but also for building and scaling the lab capabilities from the ground up to support R&D, production, quality control, and customer testing initiatives.

The Laboratory Manager will play a critical leadership role in establishing both the Physical Properties Testing and Analytical Testing laboratories, including laboratory layout and setup, equipment installation and commissioning, test method development and validation, and implementation of safe and efficient laboratory processes. This position will also lead the recruitment, hiring, and development of laboratory technicians and help build a high-performing technical team to support long-term business growth.

The role ensures the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all testing activities supporting R&D, product development, quality assurance, and certification programs. This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on leader with a strong technical background in plastics and building materials, excellent organizational and project management skills, and a passion for building laboratory excellence and a strong safety culture.

This position reports to the Director of Material Engineering and will lead a highly talented team of laboratory technicians and technical staff.

Key Responsibilities

40% Laboratory Build-Out & Operations Management

• Lead the establishment and day-to-day operation of the Physical Properties and Analytical Testing laboratories at the McDonough, GA facility.
• Drive the development of a state-of-the-art laboratory, including layout planning, equipment specification, procurement, installation, qualification, and commissioning.
• Supervise daily laboratory activities, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Improve laboratory throughput by identifying and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate complex laboratory projects to support R&D, production, and quality objectives.
• Develop optimal scheduling processes to ensure timely sample preparation and testing.
• Monitor laboratory KPIs, identify trends and potential roadblocks, and implement corrective actions.
• Track equipment performance and reliability using Statistical Process Control (SPC) and preventive maintenance strategies.
• Partner with R&D to evaluate and implement new analytical technologies and testing capabilities.
• Collaborate closely with R&D, Manufacturing, and Quality teams to understand evolving testing requirements and support business growth.

30% Sample Characterization & Data Integrity

• Support analysis of recycled polyolefins, elastomers, inorganic fillers, pigments, and additives used in roof tile and paver products.
• Ensure data accuracy, integrity, and traceability for all testing activities.
• Develop, review, and maintain technical documentation, including SOPs, work instructions, equipment manuals, and method validation protocols.
• Evaluate and align laboratory test methods with ASTM and industry standards; update procedures as needed.
• Review and approve test results, investigate discrepancies or outliers, and drive root-cause problem solving.
• Provide clear interpretation of data to support material selection, process optimization, and product development decisions.

30% Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Build, hire, and lead a high-performing team of laboratory technicians and technical staff.
• Train, mentor, and develop team members while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Establish strong laboratory workflows including sample traceability, raw data management, and reporting standards.
• Promote a collaborative, safety-focused work environment aligned with company values.
• Partner closely with R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Engineering, and Codes & Testing teams to align laboratory priorities with business objectives.
• Participate in cross-functional meetings and provide technical insight, test interpretations, and recommendations.
• Support preparation of internal reports and third-party certification testing documentation.

What We are Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Analytical Chemistry, Polymer Science, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry, or a related discipline required. Masters or PhD is preferred.
• Ph.D. with 3+ years, M.S. with 7+ years, or B.S. with 10+ years of laboratory testing experience in polymeric, composite, or building materials environments.
• Minimum 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience in a laboratory setting.
• Strong familiarity with ASTM testing standards, analytical instrumentation, and property evaluation of thermoplastics or building materials.
• Hands-on experience with analytical techniques such as FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, EDX, rheology, and related characterization methods.
• Experience with weathering and durability testing (e.g., Xenon Arc, accelerated aging).
• Experience with physical and mechanical testing of plastics, including tensile, impact, tear, and dimensional stability testing.
• Strong technical writing and reporting skills with the ability to communicate data clearly and concisely.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate testing activities across cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding of SOP compliance, data integrity, and quality systems.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Growth mindset and willingness to learn new technologies and disciplines.
• Ability to lift and carry equipment or materials up to 50 lbs.
• Strong safety-first mindset.

Nice to Have

• Experience building or scaling laboratory operations in a new or expanding facility.
• Strong understanding of structure–property relationships in thermoplastics.
• Knowledge of thermal, mechanical, chemical, and physical testing methods.
• Experience in residential roofing, construction materials, or building products industries.
• OSHA safety training or laboratory safety certification.
• Statistical experience (DOE, ANOVA, SPC).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Minitab, and data visualization tools.

Our Pay & Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and company holidays.
• Standard working hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Opportunity to work in a fast-growing, high-performing manufacturing environment.