Position: Lab Manager (R&D Technician)

Location: Irvine, CA (In-Person)

Travel Required: Yes (20%)

Our client  is looking for a hands-on, bilingual Lab Manager to oversee testing, certification, and materials compliance for their innovative packaging solutions. This is a fast-paced, in-person role requiring exceptional organizational skills, a proactive mindset, and the ability to work cross-functionally with internal teams, suppliers, and customers. Fluency in Chinese (Mandarin) and English is required, as this role involves direct communication with their main production partner in China to coordinate testing, certifications, and materials compliance.

Why Join Us?

• This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable packaging innovation, working with a team that values impact, execution, and creativity.
• You’ll have direct influence on how our materials are tested, certified, and brought to market while working closely with industry leaders and pioneering new solutions.
• $100,000 base salary or DOE
• Extremely well funded startup backed by some of the most famous and successful businessmen on the planet
• Have won several industry awards and media including the New York Times, CNN, Bloomberg, Forbes, TIME Top US Greentech Companies, FastCo World Changing Ideas, and Plastic-Free Innovation of The Year.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform shelf-life, material, and package testing to ensure performance and regulatory compliance our lab or coordinate and oversee the testing at external labs.
• Manage sample preparation and shipping for testing and customer evaluations.
• Coordinate testing and certification processes, ensuring all products meet required industry standards.
• Maintain lab space, ensuring an organized and efficient working environment.
• Coordinate the shipping of materials and samples for internal testing, customer validation, and certification processes.
• Work closely with R&D and internal teams to support testing needs and product development.
• Join customer calls to provide technical insights and assist with project management.
• Communicate directly with our main Chinese production partner to ensure seamless coordination and execution of projects.

Requirements & What We’re Looking For:

• 3+ years of experience in packaging, materials science, or related fields.
• Background in engineering, materials science, or a related discipline.
• Bilingual in Chinese & English (Required) – Ability to communicate technically with manufacturing partners.
• Strong understanding of test method fundamentals (experience in testing of packaging or sustainable materials a plus).
• Experience in lab operations, testing coordination, or regulatory compliance within the packaging or materials industry.
• Comfortable with travel as needed for supplier visits, trade shows, and compliance checks.
• Hands-on, can-do attitude – willing to roll up your sleeves and ensure the lab operates efficiently.

Qualified applicants please send me your resume directly to danieln@noorstaffing.com