Laboratory Manager (Atlanta)

Laboratory Manager – Polymer Materials Greater Atlanta Area | On-Site A rapidly growing polymer building materials manufacturer is launching a new high-capacity manufacturing facility in the Greater Atlanta area and building its laboratory operations from the ground up. This is a hands-on leadership opportunity to establish Quality Control capabilities at plant startup and scale into a fully integrated analytical and physical testing laboratory. You will be the first laboratory hire at the site.

What You’ll Own Lead greenfield laboratory build-out (layout, equipment install, commissioning, validation) Establish ASTM-aligned testing methods, SOPs, data integrity, and SPC systems Oversee polymer characterization: FTIR, DSC, TGA, DMA, rheology, tensile, impact, melt flow Support recycled polyolefin composite development and production startup Hire and develop laboratory technicians (2 in Year 1; 3–4 long term) Partner closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, R&D, and Quality What We’re Looking For BS+ in Materials Science, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or related field (Advanced degree preferred) 5+ years laboratory experience in polymers, thermoplastics, composites, or building materials 2+ years leadership experience in a laboratory environment Strong thermoplastics background required; polyolefin experience preferred Hands-on experience with analytical and mechanical testing of plastics Experience building or scaling lab operations strongly preferred Comfortable in a fast-paced, startup-like manufacturing environment No visa sponsorship available Compensation & Benefits Base Salary: $100,000 – $140,000 Bonus eligible Relocation assistance available (case-by-case reimbursement) Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with match, PTO and holidays On-site role in the Greater Atlanta area