What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chemistry Laboratory Manager position at ProPlate®?
Company Description ProPlate® is a specialized provider of engineered metal coating and metallization solutions with over 40 years of experience, serving the medical device industry and other mission-critical sectors such as aerospace, electronics, energy, and advanced manufacturing. The company partners closely with customers from early prototype development through full-scale production to deliver custom plating solutions tailored to specific performance and design requirements. ProPlate® has pioneered innovations including selective metallization of balloon catheters and low-profile electroplated radiopaque markers. The organization is recognized as an industry-leading electroplater and metallizer for precision, high-performance components used in demanding applications where reliability, accuracy, and manufacturability are essential.
Role Description The Chemistry Laboratory Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Minneapolis, MN. This role oversees daily operations of the chemistry laboratory, including planning, coordinating, and monitoring plating baths, chemical processes, and testing activities to support production and R&D projects. The manager establishes and maintains quality control protocols, ensures proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, and enforces safety and regulatory compliance standards. Responsibilities include supervising and mentoring laboratory staff, developing and updating standard operating procedures, analyzing test data to optimize processes, and collaborating with engineering, production, and quality teams. The role also involves supporting innovation initiatives, managing laboratory inventory, and driving continuous improvement in laboratory efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.
Qualifications
Role Description The Chemistry Laboratory Manager is a full-time, on-site role based in Minneapolis, MN. This role oversees daily operations of the chemistry laboratory, including planning, coordinating, and monitoring plating baths, chemical processes, and testing activities to support production and R&D projects. The manager establishes and maintains quality control protocols, ensures proper use and maintenance of laboratory equipment, and enforces safety and regulatory compliance standards. Responsibilities include supervising and mentoring laboratory staff, developing and updating standard operating procedures, analyzing test data to optimize processes, and collaborating with engineering, production, and quality teams. The role also involves supporting innovation initiatives, managing laboratory inventory, and driving continuous improvement in laboratory efficiency, accuracy, and reliability.
Qualifications
- Candidates should possess strong laboratory skills, including hands-on experience with wet chemistry techniques and laboratory operations.
- Candidates should possess proficiency with laboratory equipment, including calibration, routine maintenance, and troubleshooting of analytical instruments.
- Candidates should possess advanced analytical skills, including data interpretation, problem-solving, and process optimization in chemical and metallurgical contexts.
- Candidates should possess experience in quality control, including developing and executing testing protocols, documenting results, and supporting compliance with industry standards.
- Candidates should possess research and development (R&D) experience, including designing experiments, evaluating new materials or processes, and supporting technology transfer to production.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or a closely related field.
- Experience in electroplating, surface engineering, or metal finishing in medical device or other regulated industries is beneficial.
- Strong leadership and team management abilities, with effective communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams.
- Commitment to laboratory safety practices, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) is an advantage.