Lab Manager

About CleanJoule Inc.

CleanJoule, Inc., is an innovative biomanufacturer of superior performance propellants for aviation, aerospace, and defense applications. Our proprietary manufacturing process enables us to convert local biomass feedstocks to full performance propellants for both current and next-generation propulsion as well as carbon negative, bio-rubber that can be used in various consumer and commercial products.

We are a passionate and driven group of engineers, scientists, and visionaries focused on advancing alternative domestic energy solutions, with the purpose of accelerating the global energy transition. CleanJoule, Inc. is a venture-funded, SAF development company based out of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Job Summary

CleanJoule is seeking a highly organized and technically skilled professional to manage lab operations. This role is critical to ensure the smooth, safe, and efficient functioning of our R&D facilities focused on synthesis development, project and material development, and process scale-up.

The ideal candidate will manage day-to-day lab operations, including, but not limited to, inventory, procurement, equipment maintenance while upholding the highest standards of safety, compliance, and documentation. This role will also be responsible for hazardous waste, dangerous goods shipping, and product QC and QA. In addition, the candidate will serve as a key liaison between scientists, technicians, vendors, and service providers, ensuring that laboratory systems and workflows align with CleanJoule’s research goals.

The Lab Manager plays a vital role in fostering a culture of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and regulatory readiness, while mentoring lab staff and enabling scientific productivity.

Responsibilities

Lab Operations & Technical Support

- Maintain adequate inventory of consumables, reagents, and equipment across all chemistry labs.

- Manage ordering, procurement, and vendor interactions to ensure timely delivery of lab supplies.

- Perform basic QA and QC operation on our product streams.

- Oversee routine calibration, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance of reactors, instruments and associated equipment.

- Implement scheduling systems for efficient use of reactors and shared instruments.

- Assist in sample shipping.

Safety & Compliance

- Enforce compliance with safety, chemical hygiene, and waste disposal protocols.

- Conduct safety checks for reactors, compressed gases, and hazardous materials.

- Maintain and update laboratory SOPs, SDS records, and safety documentation.

- Coordinate and deliver lab safety training for staff on chemical handling and equipment use.

- Coordinate the pollution control barrel installation, use and disposal.

Documentation & Quality

- Oversee inventory tracking and labeling systems (ELN/LIMS or equivalent).

- Keep logs of equipment performance, calibration, and service records.

- Keep accurate shipping logs for samples and testing material.

- Support audits by maintaining compliance-ready lab documentation.

Team & Vendor Coordination

- Serve as the primary contact for equipment vendors and service providers.

- Manage service contracts and coordinate maintenance visits.

- Train and mentor lab technicians in solution preparation, chemical handling, and standard lab practices.

- Facilitate communication between R&D scientists, facilities, and external partners.

Continuous Improvement

- Evaluate and recommend new lab technologies and workflow improvements.

- Monitor lab efficiency and propose changes to enhance safety, compliance, and productivity.

- Stay current with emerging best practices in synthetic and process chemistry lab management.

Other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field.

- 3-5 years of laboratory management experience in an industry or R&D setting.

- Hands-on experience with chemical reactors, pressurized gases, and flammable material.

- Strong knowledge of safety, chemical hygiene, and regulatory compliance preferred.

- Experience managing vendor relationships and service contracts.

- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Physical Demands

Frequent lifting and moving of items up to fifty (50) pounds, bending, reaching above shoulder level, climbing stairs, pulling, prolonged standing or sitting may be required. Must have safe work habits and perform all duties in accordance with company safety policies and practices.

This position may require the use of personal protective equipment that may include eye or face protection, gloves, masks, respirators, safety shoes, earplugs, coveralls and/or uniforms that are provided by the company and its use is mandatory. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to modification to accommodate individuals with disabilities.

General

This position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah with work performed on-site. CleanJoule is an At-Will, VEVRAA, Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, E-Verify, and Drug Free Workplace. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background verification and drug screen.

Benefits:

CleanJoule offers a competitive compensation and benefits package (health, dental, vision, employee and dependent life coverage(s) and accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401k matching, PTO, holiday pay, parental leave, and bonus potential).

EEO Statement:

CleanJoule is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. We are excited to work with talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. All employment decisions at CleanJoule are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

We’re looking for detail-oriented team members who pride themselves on solving problems while bringing positive energy and strong communication skills to the table. If this describes you, come join our team today and contribute to the success of our organization!

FLSA Classification: Exempt