Technical Lab Manager

Mazama Energy is seeking an experienced and innovative Technical Lab Manager to lead research, technology development, and laboratory operations supporting the company's growth and innovation strategy.

Research, Innovation & Technology Strategy

• Lead and manage research and technology development initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Identify, evaluate, and advance emerging technologies aligned with business objectives.
• Develop experimental programs, testing methodologies, and proof-of-concept investigations.
• Contribute to the organization's technology roadmap and innovation strategy.
• Evaluate opportunities for strategic partnerships, collaborative research, and technology commercialization.
• Support intellectual property development, including patents, publications, and invention disclosures.
• Translate technical findings into actionable engineering, operational, and business recommendations.

Laboratory Leadership & Operations

• Direct daily laboratory operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of research activities.
• Develop and maintain laboratory procedures, protocols, standards, and best practices.
• Ensure laboratory facilities, equipment, and resources support of evolving business objectives. Establish performance metrics and laboratory operating plans.
• Manage laboratory budgets, resource allocation, and capital equipment investments.

Technical Strategy & Innovation

• Contribute to the organization’s technology roadmap and long-term innovation strategy.
• Monitor industry trends, scientific advancements, and competitive technologies.
• Evaluate opportunities for strategic partnerships, collaborative research, and technology commercialization.
• Support intellectual property development, invention disclosures, patents, and technical publications.
• Provide technical leadership for high-priority projects and strategic initiatives.

Scientific Excellence & Quality Systems

• Maintain robust quality management systems and laboratory best practices.
• Ensure accuracy, integrity, traceability, and reliability of laboratory data.
• Review, interpret, and validate technical results and recommendations.
• Establish standards for experimental design, data management, and reporting.
• Support internal and external technical reviews, audits, and compliance activities.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate with engineering, operations, product development, business development, and executive leadership teams.
• Serve as a technical resource for internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Present technical findings to management, customers, research partners, and regulatory organizations.
• Contribute to proposal development, research funding opportunities, and strategic business initiatives.

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, mentor, develop scientists, engineers, laboratory professionals, and technical staff.
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Establish individual and team performance objectives aligned with company goals.
• Recruit, train, and retain high-performing technical talent.

Safety, Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Promote a strong laboratory safety culture and operational discipline.
• Implement risk assessment and hazard mitigation practices for laboratory operations.
• Oversee proper management of laboratory materials, equipment, and documentation.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Materials Science, Environmental Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in research, technology development, laboratory operations, engineering, or applied scientific environments.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience leading technical teams, research programs, or laboratory operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary technical projects from concept to execution.
• Strong understanding of experimental methods, data analysis, and scientific problem solving.
• Experience developing technical strategies, research programs, or innovation initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools, technical reporting, and laboratory information systems.

Required Skills

• Strong understanding of experimental methods, data analysis, and scientific problem solving.
• Experience developing technical strategies, research programs, or innovation initiatives.
• Excellent communication, leadership, project management, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with data analysis tools, technical reporting, and laboratory information systems.

Preferred Skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Engineering, Physical Sciences, Energy Systems, Materials Science, Geoscience, or related field.
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:
• Energy technologies
• Advanced materials
• Geothermal systems
• Carbon management and storage
• Environmental technologies
• Advanced manufacturing
• Artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies
• Demonstrated experience supporting government-funded research, proposal development, or externally sponsored R&D programs.
• Record of technical publications, patents, technology commercialization, or innovation leadership.
• Experience establishing new laboratory capabilities, testing programs, or research organizations.
• Knowledge of ISO quality systems and laboratory accreditation standards.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in industrial and laboratory environments.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Capability to stand, walk, and perform laboratory tasks for extended periods.
• Ability to wear