QC Laboratory Manager

URBIX, INC.

The Company

We are a growing technology company based in Mesa, Arizona (greater Phoenix area) that offers its employees a dynamic entrepreneurial environment, the opportunity to participate in the unprecedented growth of EV battery markets and exposure to the largest automakers and battery OEMs in the world.

The Company: Urbix, Inc. is a U.S.-based developer of graphite processing technology. Our proprietary, sustainable process produces high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) and other electrification applications.

Job Summary: The QC Lab Manager is accountable for ensuring the efficient and effective execution of laboratory operations, meeting established safety, quality, and output targets while optimizing resource utilization. The QC Lab Manager will be responsible for optimizing and scaling lab operations to support the qualification and commercialization of anode materials as we transition to full-scale manufacturing. This role will lead electrochemical testing, material characterization, and process validation, ensuring that lab workflows are efficient, compliant, and aligned with customer requirements.

The QC Lab Manager will refine testing protocols, troubleshoot performance deviations, manage lab infrastructure, and collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, operations, and commercial teams implementing industry best practices. As the lab expands, they will mentor lab personnel and explore opportunities for external testing services.

While a strong technical foundation in battery materials testing and characterization is a plus, this role will have access to internal technical expertise and resources. The ideal candidate should bring exceptional leadership, operational management, and quality-driven mindset, ensuring the lab operates efficiently and supports both internal and customer needs, as Urbix scales from pilot operations in Mesa, Arizona toward construction and operation of its first greenfield commercial facility which will require relocation within the United States within the next 1 to 2 years.

Benefits:

- We offer medical, dental and vision insurance, as well as short-term and long-term disability insurance.

- 401k

- We also provide competitive Paid Time Off and Paid Sick Leave.

- STIP

Experience: Minimum 10 years of industry experience, with a strong preference for candidates with leadership roles and expertise in Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC).

Responsibilities:

· Laboratory Operations Management: Oversee laboratory processes to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality operations while meeting output and compliance targets.

· Health, Safety & Risk Leadership: Champion a safety-first culture by implementing proactive risk management, ensuring adherence to HSEQ systems, and conducting regular safety audits.

· Quality Assurance & Compliance: Establish and maintain robust quality control procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.

· Workforce Development & Leadership: Build and mentor high-performing laboratory teams by fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and professional growth.

· Workflow Efficiency & Automation – Implementing LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System), SOPs, and high-throughput testing strategies to improve lab efficiency.

· Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with operations, logistics, and commercial teams to align laboratory processes with production timelines, material validation, and customer expectations.

· Vendor & Supplier Management: Partner with suppliers and third-party laboratories to ensure raw material consistency, external testing accuracy, and supply chain alignment.

· Customer-Focused Laboratory Alignment: Ensure laboratory outputs meet customer quality requirements or replicating their testing protocols, troubleshooting deviations, supporting seamless product qualification and production processes.

· Financial & Performance Management: Monitor and optimize laboratory costs, leverage visual management tools, and align lab activities with long-term business objectives.

· Continuous Improvement & Data Driven Decisions: Drive process improvements through real-time feedback loops, data-driven decision-making, and collaboration with R&D/innovation teams.

· Reporting & Performance Summaries: Prepare reports and summaries on laboratory performance, quality metrics, and operational insights for internal and external stakeholders as needed.

· Lab Consolidation & Transition Support: Lead efforts to consolidate laboratory operations from a closed location, ensuring a seamless transition, knowledge transfer, and process integration.

· Equipment Qualification & Maintenance – Ensuring all instruments are properly calibrated, validated, and maintained to meet industrial standards.

· Inventory & Supply Chain Management – Overseeing lab consumables, reagents, and equipment procurement to avoid bottlenecks and maintain operational continuity.

· Opportunity Identification – Exploring new capabilities such as offering external cell testing services to generate additional business value.

Additional skills and experience that would make someone successful in this role:

- Data Analysis & Interpretation – Expertise in statistical analysis, DOE (Design of Experiments), and root cause analysis to ensure data-driven decision-making.

- Hands on experience supplying to the automotive industry

- Prior work in battery supply chain, raw material processing

- Leading QAQC teams or laboratory teams in large company related to materials science

- Material Characterization & Process Validation – Proficiency in BET, PSD, tap density, XRD, SEM, Raman, and ICP for validating anode materials.

- Method Development & Optimization – Ability to establish, refine, and validate testing protocols for anode material qualification.

- Scaling Lab Capabilities – Experience in expanding lab infrastructure, acquiring new instrumentation, and standardizing procedures as testing demand grows.

- Experience in reporting to C-level stakeholders and investors with clear technical insights.

Education and Certification Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Material Science, Chemistry, or a related field required; a Master’s degree is a plus.

Working Conditions:

- General work environment - sitting for long periods, standing, walking, typing, carrying, pushing, bending, and working in confined spaces or at heights.

- Shared workspace, no individual assigned office space.

- Work is conducted primarily indoors/warehouse with varying environmental conditions such as: dust, heat, and fluorescent lighting.

- Construction site conditions for current expansion project.

- Noise level is usually medium to high

- Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.

Work Schedule:

- 40 – 50 hours, per week

- Monday – Friday

- Occasional Weekends, if needed

The Location: In Person at Urbix’s Mesa Facility located at 3110 N. Greenfield Road, Suite 127

Mesa, Arizona 85215.

Job Type: Full-time

The list of job requirements above is not intended to be exhaustive or all-inclusive. The Company reserves the right to revise this job description as needed to comply with actual job requirements.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

- 401(k)

- Dental insurance

- Employee assistance program

- Health insurance

- Paid time off

- Vision insurance

Work Location: In person