Lab Manager

Job Summary

The Lab Manager is responsible for the overall operation, leadership, and performance of DISA’s laboratories, overseeing Lab Technicians and ensuring safe, accurate, and efficient execution of sample preparation, testing, and analysis of ores, tailings, and bulk materials in support of mineral processing technology development and customer projects. This role serves as the technical and operational lead for the lab, with accountability for people management, workflow planning, quality control, equipment readiness, safety compliance, and continuous improvement.  They will collaborate closely with engineering, mineral processing, remediation, and project teams to ensure laboratory outputs meet project timelines, data quality requirements, and research objectives. The ideal candidate combines hands-on laboratory expertise with strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills. The successful candidate will thrive in a dynamic start-up environment, wearing multiple hats and contributing to many areas of business development.

Education/ Experience

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Geology, Materials Science, Metallurgy, Minerals Processing, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• 5+ years of laboratory experience in mineral processing, mining, metallurgical testing, or industrial materials characterization preferred.
• 2+ years of experience leading or supervising laboratory personnel strongly preferred.
• Experience with comminution testing, particle size analysis, slurry characterization, ICP-OES, and XRF highly desirable.

Supervisor

Process Engineering Manager, unless otherwise designated.

Typical Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Communicate laboratory results, limitations, and timelines clearly with engineering, mineral processing, remediation, and project teams.
• Support mineralogical and metallurgical testing programs using varying analyses including particle size distribution, elemental analysis, and materials characterization.         
• Support research, pilot testing, special projects, and limited field activities as needed.
• Track laboratory throughput, turnaround times, and quality metrics; recommend improvements to efficiency and scalability.
• Oversee all sample preparation activities, including receiving, labeling, crushing, splitting, grinding, and tracking of drill-core, ore, and tailings samples.
• Ensure strict adherence to chain-of-custody, sample traceability, and data integrity requirements.
• Review, validate, and approve laboratory data, logs, and reports prior to distribution.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve standard operating procedures to ensure consistent, reproducible results.
• Ensure safe operation, routine maintenance, calibration, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and compliant laboratory workspaces and storage areas.
• Identify hazards, address safety concerns, and promote a strong safety culture within the lab.
• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate Lab Technicians to ensure safe, accurate, and timely laboratory operations.
• Plan and assign daily and weekly laboratory workloads to meet project timelines and priorities.
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, and performance management of laboratory personnel.
• Abide by all policies and procedures established by DISA.
• Attend and participate in all required safety trainings.
• Assist with any task required by the direct supervisor. 

Requirements

Required Skills      

• Familiarity with mineral processing workflows, sample types, and testing objectives.
• Experience with analytical instrumentation such as XRF, particle size analyzers, and/or ICP strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership and supervisory skills in a technical or laboratory environment.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality and reproducibility.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude with laboratory and sample preparation equipment.
• Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
• Apply strong analytical and problem-solving skills to manage multiple projects effectively.
• Communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, to collaborate with colleagues, stakeholders, and clients.
• Organize and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines while managing multiple projects.
• Collaborate effectively as part of a team, supporting shared goals and fostering positive relationships.
• Adapt to dynamic environments and identify solutions to challenges with flexibility and problem-solving skills.
• Maintain professionalism with high attention to detail, reliability, accountability, and accuracy in all work deliverables.
• Uphold and demonstrate DISA’s Values of Dedication, Innovation, Sustainability, and Accelerate Change.
• Ability to follow safety protocols and maintain compliance with OSHA/MSHA and company safety standards.
• Be a valid U.S. citizen or legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to sit and/ or stand for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
• Must be able to interact with people and technology while either standing or sitting.
• To best service our customers, all employees must be able to communicate face-to-face and on the phone with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to travel up to 25%. 
• Must be able to perform repetitive tasks such as typing. 

Compensation Range

• Starting at $70,000 DOE

DISA Technologies provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. 

Benefits

• Bonus Pool
• 401(k) with matching up to 4%
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance 
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Professional Development