Lab Director - Sports & Goods

JLB is working with a fast‑growing sports‑equipment company (multiple brands in bats, protective gear and other hard goods) that is building an in‑house mechanical test lab in Baton Rouge. They want someone who genuinely wants to run a lab.

This is a hands‑on Lab Director role: you own the lab day‑to‑day, are the go‑to person for mechanical testing, and work directly with product so data drives what gets built.

The role:

• Set up and refine mechanical test methods and fixtures
• Plan and run tests on finished products and components (impact, durability, performance)
• Ensure data quality, documentation and equipment maintenance
• Turn data into clear reports and recommendations for product managers, designers and project managers
• Help design scalable ways to collect, store and share test data
• Over time, help define and grow a small lab team

What we're looking for:

Must‑haves:

• Solid mechanical testing experience (impact, durability, fatigue, performance) – not just chemistry/analytical
• Hands‑on lab work: setting up, running and troubleshooting tests; managing data
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work autonomously
• Clear motivation to be in a lab leadership role

Nice to have:

• Sporting goods / sports science testing experience
• Testing to governing‑body / regulatory standards
• Any prior lab leadership or mentoring responsibility

Location:

• On‑site in Baton Rouge only (no remote/hybrid)

Compensation:

• Base: $80,000–$110,000, depending on experience
• Relocation assistance