R&D Laboratory Facilities Manager
Location
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Employment Type
Full-Time
Location Type
Onsite
Compensation
$140,000+ (negotiable with the right experience)
Anticipated Start Date
March 2026
How to Apply
If you’re a hands-on engineer or technician ready to help build something extraordinary — from the ground up — we’d love to hear from you.
The recruitment process is being managed by STEM Boomerang New Mexico, a local firm bridging innovation with skilled talent. Connect with Us!
Email your resume and brief bio to jobs@stemboomerang.org
Subject Line: FacilitiesManager_Name
Purpose
Mantis Space is seeking a R&D Laboratory Facilities Manager to design, commission, and maintain the advanced R&D infrastructure powering our aerospace innovations in directed energy, optics, and space systems. You’ll play a key role in transforming our Albuquerque facility into a world-class lab for prototyping and testing next-generation space and advanced energy technologies.
About Us
Mantis Space is a venture-backed aerospace company pioneering breakthrough technologies to build the first energy infrastructure in space! Headquartered in New Mexico — the cornerstone of U.S. defense R&D and central to the nation’s Space Valley — we’re building from the ground up to accelerate the next generation of satellite and orbital energy infrastructure.
Our veteran-led team brings decades of leadership in space, defense, and advanced R&D, with experience at AeroVironment/BlueHalo, Terran Orbital, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the Space Telescope Science Institute, and Apple. With deep technical expertise in optics, photonics, and space systems, we are designing and delivering the infrastructure to power the future of orbital energy and advanced aerospace operations. Backed by Montauk Capital, we combine the agility of a start-up with the precision and reliability of decades in national security, research, and commercial innovation.
Why Join Us:
- Build from the ground up: Directly shape our Albuquerque lab and R&D test environment.
- Make an impact: Your systems will enable critical research in optics, lasers, and energy systems for space.
- Grow with us: Work alongside leading engineers, operators, and investors in a mission-driven environment.
- Competitive pay, full benefits, and equity in a company shaping the future of energy and space.
About The Role
As our Facilities Manager, you’ll build and sustain the critical infrastructure that enables our optical, laser, and aerospace R&D programs. You’ll report directly to the Chief Engineer and have ownership of lab systems — from HVAC and vacuum infrastructure to cleanrooms and laser labs — ensuring our teams have safe, stable, and high-performance environments to innovate in.
This is a hands-on, high-impact role for an engineer who thrives on technical ownership and has extensive experience building R&D systems from the ground up.
What You’ll Do:
Cleanroom & Environmental Control
- Support cleanroom certification, contamination control, and environmental monitoring.
- Maintain documentation and coordinate with EHS and quality teams to ensure compliance.
- Oversee vendor services, calibrations, and corrective maintenance activities.
Laboratory & Utility Systems
- Design, install, and maintain HVAC, CDA, nitrogen, vacuum, and process cooling systems.
- Lead preventive maintenance and reliability programs to ensure continuous uptime.
- Partner with vendors and internal teams to manage infrastructure projects.
Optics & Laser Lab Enablement
- Collaborate with engineers and the Laser Safety Officer (LSO) to establish safe, high-performance optical labs.
- Maintain safety interlocks, signage, and administrative controls.
- Support setup, calibration, and operation of optical benches and experimental systems.
Thermal-Vacuum Systems
- Install and maintain thermal-vacuum chambers, pumps, and gauges.
- Track calibrations, spares, and preventive maintenance schedules.
- Ensure system reliability and readiness for environmental testing.
Monitoring & Safety Systems
- Drive compliance with EHS and safety programs, inspections, and audits.
- Operate and maintain Building/Facility Management Systems (BMS/FMS) and CMMS.
- Implement environmental sensors, alarms, and digital maintenance workflows.
What you Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- 7+ years of experience in facilities or laboratory engineering in aerospace, semiconductor, or advanced R&D environments.
- Hands-on experience with vacuum systems, cleanrooms, utilities distribution, and safety protocols.
- Skilled in BMS/FMS/CMMS systems, vendor management, and preventive maintenance.
- Strong organizational skills; comfortable coordinating across disciplines.
- Excitement for early-stage environments where adaptability and ownership matter.
- Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.