Lab Manager – Environmental Monitoring Instrumentation
Company:American Ecotech / Ambilabs LLC
Location: Warren, Rhode Island
Position Type: Full-Time | On-Site
About Us
American Ecotech and Ambilabs provide environmental monitoring equipment and technical services to government agencies, research institutions, industrial facilities, and private organizations throughout North America and internationally.
We specialize in air quality and meteorological monitoring equipment, providing instrumentation sales, calibration, preventative maintenance, repairs, technical support, and custom monitoring systems.
About the Position
We are looking for an experienced Lab Manager to oversee our service laboratory in Warren, Rhode Island.
This is a hands-on management position. In addition to supervising and training laboratory technicians, the Lab Manager will be involved in troubleshooting, calibration, equipment repairs, scheduling, and customer support.
We need someone who can keep the lab organized, manage service priorities, and make sure work is completed accurately and on schedule. The position also involves working closely with our sales team, customers, and equipment manufacturers to coordinate repairs, resolve technical issues, and maintain service commitments.
The Lab Manager reports directly to management and is responsible for the overall performance and daily operation of the laboratory.
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations
- Oversee daily laboratory operations, including equipment testing, calibration, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs.
- Schedule and assign work to laboratory technicians, balancing customer deadlines, workload, and technical requirements.
- Manage RMAs, customer returns, and service orders from receipt through completion.
- Monitor service turnaround times, address delays, and keep customers and internal teams informed of equipment status.
- Coordinate annual calibration and preventative maintenance schedules.
- Maintain laboratory equipment, tools, calibration standards, and an organized work environment.
- Monitor parts and supply inventory and coordinate purchases as needed.
Technical Support & Quality
- Assist with hands-on troubleshooting, testing, calibration, and repair of environmental monitoring instrumentation.
- Provide technical guidance to laboratory technicians and assist with more complex equipment issues.
- Ensure repairs, calibrations, and testing follow manufacturer specifications, established procedures, and applicable ISO quality standards.
- Maintain laboratory safety practices and ensure technicians follow required procedures.
- Support internal equipment evaluations, production-related diagnostics, and quality control activities.
- Work with manufacturers on technical issues, warranty repairs, replacement parts, and service requirements.
Service Tracking & Documentation
- Maintain accurate service records in Zoho, including RMAs, work orders, technician assignments, repair status, and completion dates.
- Ensure calibration results, repair details, parts usage, and technician labor are properly documented.
- Review open service orders, follow up on outstanding work, and confirm documentation is complete before equipment is returned to customers.
- Maintain accurate service histories and identify opportunities to improve tracking and reporting.
Customer & Sales Support
- Communicate directly with customers regarding equipment issues, repair recommendations, service schedules, and technical questions.
- Work with the sales team to coordinate upcoming calibrations, preventative maintenance, and recurring service needs.
- Provide technical input on service quotations, including labor estimates, replacement parts, and recommended repairs.
- Participate in customer discussions when technical expertise is needed.
- Coordinate with suppliers and distributors regarding equipment support, parts availability, and service-related issues.
- Work with sales, engineering, and other departments to resolve customer concerns and support project requirements.
Team Management & Training
- Supervise laboratory technicians, including daily work assignments, training, and performance management.
- Provide hands-on training in equipment operation, troubleshooting, calibration, repair procedures, and proper use of laboratory tools.
- Work alongside technicians to resolve technical issues and help develop their skills and knowledge.
- Monitor work quality, technician productivity, and service turnaround times.
- Identify training needs and provide ongoing coaching and technical guidance.
- Address workflow issues and recommend changes to improve efficiency and service quality.
- Work with management to plan for staffing, equipment, and operational needs.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in instrumentation service, calibration, electronics repair, laboratory operations, or a related technical field.
- Previous experience supervising or leading technical staff.
- Comfortable providing hands-on training to laboratory technicians, including equipment operation, troubleshooting, calibration procedures, and proper use of tools.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting, testing, and repairing electronic instrumentation or precision measurement equipment.
- Strong organizational skills and experience managing technical workloads, schedules, and competing deadlines.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001 or similar quality management systems.
- Experience using service management software, ERP systems, or CRM applications. Experience with Zoho is preferred.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Ability to read and understand technical manuals, service procedures, and equipment documentation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience working directly with customers and vendors.
- Ability to work independently, solve problems, and manage daily operations with minimal supervision.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with ambient air quality monitoring or analytical instrumentation.
- Knowledge of gas analyzers, particulate matter monitors, calibration systems, and related technologies.
- Experience servicing equipment from manufacturers such as Teledyne API, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Acoem, Met One Instruments, or similar companies.
- Ability to read electrical schematics and use electronic testing and diagnostic equipment.
- Experience managing a calibration laboratory, technical service department, or instrumentation repair operation.
- Background in preventative maintenance programs, quality control, and process improvement.
- Associate's or bachelor's degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field. Equivalent industry experience will be considered.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 3 weeks of annual PTO, accrued throughout the year
- Paid holidays
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Life insurance
- Free gym membership
- Technical training and professional development opportunities
The Right Fit
We're looking for someone who enjoys technical work, is comfortable training and developing technicians, and knows how to keep a laboratory running smoothly.
This person should be willing to work alongside the team, share their technical knowledge, and provide guidance when needed. They should also be comfortable communicating with customers, managing service priorities, and making sure work is completed accurately and on schedule.
Most importantly, we want someone who takes ownership of the laboratory, holds the team accountable, and looks for practical ways to improve how work gets done.
This is a full-time, on-site position based in Warren, Rhode Island
