Job Title: Analytical and Laboratory Instrumentation Engineer

Job Summary:

The Manager of Analytical and Laboratory Instrumentation is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, optimization, and maintenance of all laboratory instrumentation and analytical systems within an organization. This role is responsible for ensuring that laboratory equipment, including chromatographs, spectrometers, analyzers, and other diagnostic tools, operate efficiently, reliably, and in compliance with regulatory standards. The Manager will lead a team of engineers, technicians, and support staff, driving improvements in laboratory instrumentation systems, ensuring quality data output, and maintaining high standards of safety and compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Team Management:

   • Lead and manage a team of engineers, technicians, and support staff in the operation and maintenance of laboratory instrumentation.
   • Provide mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities for team members, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to operate and maintain laboratory instruments effectively.
   • Set team objectives, monitor progress, and conduct performance reviews to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
   • Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the team.

2. System Design, Implementation, and Optimization:

   • Oversee the design, implementation, and integration of laboratory instrumentation systems, including chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers, and other advanced analytical instruments.
   • Work with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of laboratory systems with existing equipment and business processes.
   • Lead efforts to optimize laboratory instrumentation to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and ensure accurate and reliable results.
   • Develop strategies for instrument upgrades, system improvements, and cost-effective solutions.

3. Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance:

   • Ensure that all laboratory instrumentation systems comply with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 9001, GMP, FDA, EPA).
   • Oversee audits, inspections, and quality control procedures to ensure the laboratory maintains high standards of accuracy, precision, and safety.
   • Develop and enforce protocols for maintaining the calibration, maintenance, and documentation of laboratory instruments to meet regulatory standards.
   • Ensure that all instrumentation procedures and reports are in compliance with internal quality control requirements and external regulatory bodies.

4. Project Management and Execution:

   • Manage large-scale instrumentation projects, including system installations, upgrades, and optimizations, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and technical specifications.
   • Coordinate with other departments (e.g., R&D, quality assurance, production) to ensure laboratory instrumentation aligns with broader business goals and operational needs.
   • Monitor project timelines, resources, and budgets, identifying and addressing any issues or risks that may affect project completion.

5. Troubleshooting and Technical Support:

   • Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex issues with laboratory instruments, ensuring problems are resolved promptly to minimize operational disruptions.
   • Oversee the diagnostic and repair processes for malfunctioning instrumentation systems, and provide technical support to laboratory staff.
   • Ensure that any issues that may affect the integrity of data or the safety of operations are handled swiftly and appropriately.

6. Data Management and Performance Monitoring:

   • Implement and maintain systems for monitoring and managing data from laboratory instruments, ensuring that data is accurate, reliable, and accessible.
   • Develop performance monitoring systems for laboratory instruments, tracking key metrics such as uptime, energy consumption, and system reliability.
   • Utilize data analysis and reporting tools to evaluate instrumentation performance and identify areas for continuous improvement.

7. Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:

   • Work closely with cross-functional teams, including research and development, operations, and regulatory affairs, to ensure the laboratory instrumentation systems meet organizational needs and regulatory requirements.
   • Act as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders on all matters related to laboratory instrumentation, providing expertise and guidance on system capabilities and improvements.
   • Collaborate with external vendors, service providers, and manufacturers to procure instruments and services, ensuring that products meet organizational standards.

8. Continuous Improvement and Innovation:

   • Drive initiatives for continuous improvement in laboratory instrumentation systems, implementing new technologies, methodologies, and best practices to enhance performance.
   • Lead the evaluation and integration of new instrumentation technologies, ensuring the laboratory stays ahead of industry advancements.
   • Establish long-term strategies for maintaining the highest quality standards in instrumentation systems while maximizing efficiency and minimizing costs.

9. Budget and Resource Management:

   • Develop and manage the budget for laboratory instrumentation systems, including the procurement of instruments, maintenance, and upgrades.
   • Monitor spending and ensure that all purchases, repairs, and upgrades are in line with budgetary constraints while meeting operational needs.
   • Manage resources and equipment to ensure that laboratory operations run smoothly and cost-effectively.

Skills and Knowledge Required:

• Extensive experience with laboratory instrumentation systems, including chromatographs, mass spectrometers, spectrophotometers, and other analytical tools.
• Strong understanding of regulatory requirements, such as ISO 9001, GMP, FDA, EPA, and other relevant standards.
• Expertise in calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments.
• Proven experience in managing complex projects, including planning, resource allocation, and execution.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and guide a diverse team.
• Ability to analyze performance data and generate reports to track system efficiency and identify areas for improvement.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to address complex technical issues effectively.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to interact with senior management, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of data management and performance monitoring tools for laboratory instrumentation.

Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Instrumentation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Professional certifications related to analytical instrumentation, laboratory practices, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance (e.g., Six Sigma, ISO 9001) are highly desirable.

Experience:

• 7+ years of experience in analytical instrumentation, laboratory systems, or a related field, with at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role.
• Proven track record of managing laboratory instrumentation systems, optimizing performance, and ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Experience with project management, including overseeing budgets, timelines, and resources for large-scale instrumentation projects.
• Hands-on experience with troubleshooting, system integration, and data analysis for laboratory instruments is essential.

Tools and Technologies:

• Proficiency in laboratory instruments such as gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and UV-Vis spectrophotometers.
• Familiarity with SCADA systems, PLCs, and data management tools for performance monitoring and data analysis.
• Experience with data analysis software (e.g., Excel, Minitab, Power BI) for reporting and decision-making.

Other Requirements:

• Strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage a team, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and balance technical tasks with leadership responsibilities.
• A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and operational excellence.
• Willingness to travel to various laboratory sites or partner locations for system implementation, training, and troubleshooting as needed.