Lab Manager/Research and Development (R&D) Manager

Team CATHEXIS elevates the government contracting experience through rapid response, deep skill, and thoughtful problem-solving and communication. Our core capabilities are our top-tier program and project management, data analytics, and audit services, the backbone of which is our integrated approach to operational excellence.

 You worked hard to get to where you are. You strive to make every day better than the day before. So do we. Team CATHEXIS operates with an all-in mindset. We are working together to create a company that supports our shared values and individual goals. Our values are centered around Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, and Excellence in everything we do for our employees, clients, partners, and communities. We believe success is best when we listen and lead with empathy; model high standards of ethics to provide a rewarding candidate experience; work hard, have fun, and appreciate the strengths we all bring to the team; and empower our employees to create innovative and trusted results.

We are looking for a dynamic Lab Manager to join our team! The Lab Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating CATHEXIS Labs’ operations across Solutions Delivery, Solutions Engineering, Research and Development, and Solutions Enablement. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer for executive sponsorship, the Lab Manager executes the strategic goals set by the corporate Solutions Working Group, ensuring lab activities deliver measurable business value.

 Responsibilities:

• Translate strategic goals from the Solutions Working Group into actionable plans across lab focus areas.
• Lead and manage rotational teams working within the lab for defined periods, ensuring effective onboarding, task allocation, and delivery.
• Financial management of the lab budget and return on investment reporting.
• Oversee lab operations, including:
• Solutions Delivery: Program enablement, team supplementation, capability deployment.
• Solutions Engineering: Proposal support, solution architecture, SME integration.
• Research and Development: Concept development, prototyping, capability creation.
• Solutions Enablement: Training materials, advisory support.
• Manage the lab’s technical environment, including compute, storage, networking, and software.
• Perform as the primary point of contact for [JD1] [MC2] vendor relationships and manage those relationships to the benefit of CATHEXIS. Will negotiate contracts to optimize cost, capability, and impact.
• Track and report on KPI targets, including On Contract Revenue Growth, New Contract Revenue Growth, Trademarks Awarded, RFI/RFP Contributions, and New Agency Penetration.
• Ensure effective knowledge transfer and documentation to support continuity as rotational team members transition.
• Maintain a secure, efficient, and cost-effective lab infrastructure aligned with corporate standards.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship is required for this position to meet eligibility for a National Agency Check (NAC) with no negative findings
• 10 years of combined software engineering and infrastructure experience required
• 3 years of Project Management experience with budget management responsibilities required
• Must have experience working within an Agile framework; Scrum Master certification is a plus
• Proven experience in federal program environments; knowledge of government-specific constraints and delivery expectations is required
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing technical teams or labs, especially in rotational staffing models
• Deep understanding of solution delivery lifecycles and engineering best practices
• Strong background in research and development methodologies, including prototyping and POC development
• Expertise in designing and managing technical environments (compute, storage, networking, software)
• Proven ability to manage vendor relationships and control operational costs
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience reporting to executive leadership
• Ability to translate strategic goals into tactical work plans and measurable outcomes
• Knowledge of IP management, including trademarks
• If not local to Tysons VA area, travel will be required up to 15%

Additional Skills:

• Experience with multi-cloud environments, including AWS, Azure, and open-source solutions
• Hands-on experience with Kubernetes, Docker, or other similar tools/platforms and microservices architectures
• Skilled in development using Pyt