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AeroVironment

Robot type
Drone · Defense
Location
USA
Job type
Manufacturing
Posted
Aug 25, 2026
Salary
$65,000–$99,250 a year
Full-time

Lab Manager - Polymers and Specialty Materials

Job description

The Lab Manager – Polymers and Specialty Materials will serve as an integral member of AV, Inc.’s Biological & Nanoscale Systems Department and the Polymers and Responsive Materials Team at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, OH. A hands-on laboratory operations role responsible for executing routine lab management, equipment maintenance coordination, safety/compliance activities, procurement support, inventory/logistics, and day-to-day facility coordination under established procedures.

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine…

Job responsibilities

  • Support laboratory purchasing activities by obtaining vendor quotes, preparing required procurement documentation, submitting requisitions, and coordinating delivery, receiving, and return of equipment and supplies in…
  • Execute scheduled preventative maintenance and routine cleaning intervals across multiple pieces of laboratory test equipment to ensure continuous operational readiness.
  • Utilize specialized tracking software and Air Force Forms to log equipment status, track calibration schedules, and maintain compliance with manufacturer service intervals.
  • Perform regular safety inspections and routine walkthroughs across branch laboratory spaces to eliminate hazards, maintain organization, and ensure full compliance with Air Force rules and regulations.
  • Support branch laboratory safety activities by conducting routine inspections, maintaining required documentation, identifying potential hazards, and escalating safety concerns in accordance with established procedures…
  • Conduct initial laboratory safety and basic instrument orientation for new lab users to ensure proper equipment operation and user safety.
  • Support the setup and physical installation of new laboratory equipment, coordinating necessary utilities including electrical, plumbing, compressed air, nitrogen, water supply/drain lines, vacuum, and exhaust venting…
  • Complete required training and maintain applicable certifications for the handling, packaging, tracking, and shipment of hazardous materials in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements.

Job requirements

  • This job involves working within a government facility at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and requires U.S. Citizenship
  • Associate’s degree in a relevant technical, scientific, or operations/logistics field or 3+ years of working experience in lab operations, logistics, or lab management
  • Basic knowledge of or familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, hazardous material handling, and occupational safety regulations
  • Strong organizational skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy in tracking records, documentation, and maintenance schedules.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact professionally with scientists, engineers, facilities staff, and vendors.
  • Proficiency with standard desktop software (Microsoft Office Suite) and the ability to quickly learn web-based equipment tracking databases and procurement systems.
  • Prior experience working in an Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) or equivalent DoW scientific research environment.
  • Direct experience with Air Force-specific logistics and equipment tracking systems.

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