LNG Lab Manager in Port Arthur, Texas at SOUTHERN PETROLEUM LABS

At SPL, the work you do matters. Our teams provide trusted energy and environmental testing and measurement solutions that protect communities, support critical infrastructure, and safeguard the environment. With a nationwide footprint and opportunities for growth across multiple locations and disciplines, SPL is a place where you can build a career while making a real-world impact.

We’re seeking an experienced LNG Lab Manager to join our team and play a key leadership role in the commissioning and startup of an exciting new liquefied natural gas (LNG) laboratory operation in Port Arthur, TX.

This is a unique opportunity to help build and establish a laboratory operation from the ground up. You’ll lead critical startup activities including laboratory readiness, staffing, workflow implementation, equipment and instrumentation readiness, quality systems, operating procedures, and day-to-day operational planning. As the operation progresses, you’ll help shape the systems, processes, and standards that support safe, accurate, efficient, and reliable laboratory performance while leading the transition from commissioning and startup into a fully established 24/7/365 operating environment.

What You’ll Do

• Lead laboratory commissioning, startup, and operational readiness, including workflows, staffing, equipment readiness, procedures, and quality systems
• Provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for safe, efficient, compliant, and reliable laboratory operations
• Recruit, lead, develop, and evaluate laboratory personnel while building technical capability, accountability, and a high-performance culture
• Manage staffing, scheduling, equipment, materials, and operational resources to meet startup milestones, workload requirements, and budget objectives
• Oversee laboratory throughput, turnaround times, productivity, data quality, and service delivery
• Establish and maintain laboratory quality systems, QA/QC programs, data integrity practices, and regulatory readiness
• Ensure compliance with applicable analytical methods, industry standards, safety requirements, and regulatory requirements supporting LNG laboratory operations
• Develop and implement SOPs, workflows, work instructions, and related laboratory procedures
• Lead audits, investigations, corrective actions, and other quality and compliance initiatives
• Monitor laboratory performance and implement improvements that strengthen quality, efficiency, capacity, and reliability
• Partner with Quality Assurance, Operations, Project Management, Client Services, and other cross-functional teams to support operational alignment and customer needs
• Provide technical leadership on analytical methods, instrumentation, laboratory capabilities, and operational best practices
• Support cross-training, succession planning, and employee development to build long-term laboratory capability
• Perform other duties as assigned

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related scientific discipline
• 5+ years of progressive laboratory leadership or management experience, preferably within LNG, natural gas, hydrocarbon, petrochemical, or related energy laboratory environments
• Demonstrated experience commissioning, establishing, expanding, or improving laboratory operations, workflows, quality systems, or analytical capabilities strongly preferred
• Advanced knowledge of laboratory instrumentation, analytical methods, quality systems, and applicable industry and regulatory requirements
• Proven experience leading teams, audits, investigations, corrective actions, process improvements, and operational change
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and total compensation package
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, and disability insurance
• Paid time off, sick leave, and paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development support

Work Schedule & Travel

• Full-time, onsite position
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or other coverage periods as required to support business needs
• Occasional travel may be required to support business needs

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

At SPL, we believe that a diverse team is a strong team. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. We make all employment decisions based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities or for sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable laws. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please let us know.

Visa Sponsorship

At this time, SPL is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position. We sincerely appreciate your interest and understanding, and we encourage you to explore other opportunities with us that may be a fit in the future.