Laboratory Manager, Combustion Testing

Laboratory Manager, Combustion Testing

Fike Corporation, a rapidly growing international manufacturer of pressure relief, explosion protection, fire suppression and detection equipment, has an opportunity for a Laboratory Manager, Combustion Testing position. Fike is a privately held business located in Blue Springs, MO with over 400 employees locally & over 1,200 employees worldwide.

Job Summary:

Provides leadership and day to day supervision of the combustion test lab. Responsible for independently planning and scheduling the required level of support according to customer orders and project plans. Provides timely, complete, and detailed reporting, data analyses, observations and conclusions concerning test programs. Maintains test equipment, instrumentation, and control systems with appropriate calibration and documentation to meet the applicable internal and/or industry standards. Provides technical support regarding combustion test samples, test offering, and test results to internal and external customers.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Establishes and maintains a clean, professional, compliant, and safe working environment.

2. Provides leadership and supervision of the combustion test lab and testing support staff.

3. Manages combustion test lab resources and activities.

4. Coordinates and communicates activities to meet internal and external customer requirements and expectations.

5. Provides technical support regarding combustion test samples, test offering, and test results to internal and external customers.

6. Establishes and monitors test lab and lab employee performance metrics.

7. Establishes and maintains operational and safety best practices. Coordinates and actively participates in testing tasks in the combustion test lab.

8. Manages and/or mentors less experienced test engineers and technicians to develop their technical and project planning skills.

9. Leads the development of new testing methods and offerings.

10. Prepares and approves test reports and analyses for internal and external customers.

11. Collaborates with and provides technical support for other testing and development projects/teams.

12. Understands the full range of current test capabilities and limitations.

13. Maintains test instrumentation and control systems with appropriate calibration and documentation to meet the applicable internal and/or industry standards.

14. Maintains awareness of and participates as assigned in relevant industry and regulatory codes and standards activities such as ASTM E1226, EN 14034, ISO/IEC 17025, etc.

15. Establishes requirements for personnel training and reviews training logs, conducts coaching, counseling, intervention and feedback.

16. Supports the performance management process, coordination of paid time off, leaves of employees, and corrective action issues.

17. Maintains the confidentiality of all information processed.


Performs related duties as assigned. Regular and consistent attendance is required.

Essential Skills:

Subject Matter Proficiency. Analytical. Computer Applications. Programming Language. Inspecting/Examining. Troubleshooting. Design. Presentation. Research. Project Management. Critical Thinking. Problem Solving. Decision Making. Relationship Building. Business Acumen. Change Management. Delegation.

Work Environment:

Work will be performed in an office environment or an industrial setting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, talk, hear, see, sit, and use hands. Some travel domestically and internationally as required. Occasionally, the employee will be exposed to workplace hazards such as high pressures, high temperatures, electrical hazards, fumes, and chemicals. The noise level in the area is generally moderate with intermittent loud noises during testing. Proper PPE will need to be worn. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to sit or stand for long periods. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.


Job Qualifications:

REQUIRED: Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related engineering discipline. Comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, concepts, practices and theories. Five years or more of testing or laboratory experience.

PREFERRED: Master's degree in Chemistry, Chemical, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering. Working expertise in an ISO 17025 laboratory. Instrumentation and data acquisition expertise. Prior management experience.

Compenation: The pay range for this position is $90,686 to $113,358 per year. May increase depending on the level of experience of the candidate.


Working at Fike


At Fike, our people are our strength. In order to fulfill our greatest potential, we are committed to attracting, growing and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. Better, Together as OneFike! Plus, at Fike, we offer benefits and perks to help make you smile and feel like family.


Check out our competitive benefits package which includes:

• Three Weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) pro-rated the first year & Paid Holidays
• Medical Plans with FSA & HSA, Vision & Dental Plan
• Paid Life and Long-term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) Plan with Company Match Fully Vested on Day One!
• Profit Sharing Bonus Program
• Education Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• On-Site Fitness Center & Award Winning Wellness Program
• Reimbursement for Safety Shoes & Glasses
• Service awards & Recognition Program
• Company Picnic, Quarterly Events and Holiday Lunch
• Free Coffee/Tea, Lunch Utensils, Lunch Room Mini-mart, Free Parking

Refer to Req ID 3865. Please visit our website at to fill out an application.


Fike is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.