Lab Manager

Quality Lab Manager at ULTRA

Ultra™ is already the #1 brand of nicotine-free pouches in the world and we only launched 10 months ago—we're just getting started. We're building a modern consumer brand around a simple idea: pouches should be good for you.

The market shift is massive: nicotine pouch sales are up 3,000% since 2019 and projected to reach $20B+ globally. Ultra is leading the next wave—nicotine-free, functional, and clean.

Backed by some of the best investors, founders and athletes in the world, including:

• Left Lane Capital (Blank Street, Olipop, Holy)
• Sugar Capital (Grüns, Feastables, Lucky Energy)
• Athletes & Creators: Joe Burrow, Dak Prescott, Henrik Lundqvist, Jakob Chychrun + more
• Founders & Operators: Chad Janis (Grüns), Harpreet Singh (Oura Ring), Jeff Rader (Harry's), Vinay Menda (Blank Street) + more

Learn more: takeultra.com

The Role

As Quality Lab Manager at ULTRA, you'll be the hands-on engine behind our lab operations—managing day-to-day laboratory activities, running pilot-scale batch production, and operating pouch machinery to push product development forward. You'll own lab equipment, ingredient inventory, and pilot manufacturing workflows while serving as a critical quality bridge between our internal R&D team and co-manufacturing partners.

This is a builder's role. You'll be on the floor, in the lab, and at co-man sites—ensuring every pouch meets the standard that makes Ultra the best in the category. If you thrive in fast-paced, hands-on environments and want to help shape quality at a brand that's redefining the pouch industry, this is your opportunity.

What You'll Own

Laboratory Operations & Equipment Management

• Own the daily operation, maintenance, calibration, and troubleshooting of all lab equipment—mixers, balances, moisture analyzers, particle size analyzers, and related instrumentation.
• Build and maintain equipment maintenance schedules, calibration logs, and service records in compliance with GMP requirements.
• Identify equipment malfunctions, coordinate repairs with vendors, and minimize downtime.
• Keep the lab environment maintained to strict cleanliness, safety, and organizational standards.

Ingredient Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory of raw materials, ingredients, and lab consumables.
• Coordinate purchasing requests for lab-scale raw materials in partnership with procurement.
• Run regular cycle counts and reconcile inventory records in tracking systems.
• Manage incoming material documentation—including COAs—and verify compliance against internal specs.

Pilot-Scale Batch Production

• Execute pilot-scale batch manufacturing per established formulas, batch records, and SOPs.
• Document all batch production activities, deviations, and observations in batch records.
• Collaborate with Product Development to iterate on formulations and translate bench-scale work into repeatable pilot-scale processes.
• Support scale-up activities by identifying process variables and optimization opportunities.

Pilot-Scale Pouch Machine Operation

• Operate and maintain pilot-scale oral pouch manufacturing equipment.
• Perform machine setup, changeovers, and adjustments to hit target fill weights, seal integrity, and pouch aesthetics.
• Document machine parameters and production data for each run.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and process issues and escalate as needed.

Quality Assurance — Co-Manufacturing Site Support

• Review and assess finished goods against product specifications, supporting pass/fail decisions.
• Support deviation investigations, CAPA development, and closure at co-man sites.
• Assist in developing co-man quality documentation—specifications, SOPs, and control plans.

Third-Party Analytical Testing

• Serve as the primary point of contact for third-party analytical labs, coordinating sample submissions for testing (nicotine content, moisture, pH, heavy metals, microbial limits, etc.).
• Review and interpret COAs and analytical reports, flagging out-of-spec results and initiating follow-up.
• Maintain a testing calendar to ensure timely submissions aligned with product launch timelines and market compliance.
• Collaborate with Product Development to establish analytical testing protocols and define acceptable spec ranges.
• Manage third-party lab vendor relationships, evaluate qualifications and accreditations (e.g., ISO 17025), and onboard new lab partners as needed.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain thorough records in accordance with GMP, FDA, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the development, revision, and training of SOPs for lab and quality operations.
• Support internal audits and assist with prep for third-party or regulatory inspections.

Why You're a Fit

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or a related technical field.
• 3–5 years of experience in a laboratory, quality, or manufacturing environment within CPG, nutraceutical, tobacco/nicotine, or pharma.
• You've got demonstrated hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting manufacturing or lab-scale equipment.
• You're fluent in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and quality systems documentation.
• You're detail-obsessed with excellent organizational and record-keeping skills.
• You're comfortable with travel to co-manufacturing sites (estimated 10–25%).
• Bonus: Experience with oral pouch, nicotine pouch, smokeless tobacco, or similar oral product manufacturing.
• Bonus: Familiarity with pouch filling/sealing machinery, co-manufacturer audits, CAPA systems, or ERP/inventory management systems.
• You embody ULTRA's values: Move fast. Be data-driven. Take ownership. Build with intention. Compete to win.

Why You Should Join ULTRA

• Hands-On Impact from Day One: You're not managing from a desk—you're in the lab, on the line, and at partner sites making the product better every single day.
• Category-Defining Brand: ULTRA is building the future of clean energy and focus—this is a chance to own quality for the brand setting the standard.
• Built for Builders: Shape lab systems, quality processes, and co-man relationships from the ground up in a fast-moving, high-growth environment.
• High-Performance Culture: Join a team that plays to win—resourceful, detail-obsessed, and relentlessly focused on results.
• Real Ownership: Full responsibility over lab operations, pilot production, and quality outcomes—your work directly impacts what ships to customers.
• Aligned Incentives: Competitive base salary, equity, and performance-based bonuses tied to outcomes that matter.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, HSA access, a 401(k), and Ultra pouches!

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during batch production and machine operation.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. as required for raw material handling.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with exposure to nicotine-containing materials and relevant PPE requirements.

Equal Employer Opportunity

Ultra is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status.

We comply with all applicable employment laws, including