Lab Manager

Lab Manager

We are looking for a resourceful, hands-on Lab Manager to own and operate our R&D lab at company headquarters, working alongside the engineering team to prototype, build, and test our next generation rail vehicle.

This role sits at the intersection of facilities operations, prototype fabrication, and engineering support. You will be the single point of accountability for lab readiness and safety — from receiving shipments and managing inventory to fabricating prototype components and establishing repeatable manufacturing processes that scale to contract production.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the R&D lab space at company HQ, including layout, organization, cleanliness, and day-to-day operational readiness
• Own all shipping and receiving activities; maintain accurate inventory of parts, materials, tools, and equipment and performing receiving inspections
• Maintain all tools and R&D equipment in safe, calibrated, and functional condition; coordinate repairs and procurement as needed
• Build, modify, and repair electrical harnesses, cable assemblies, and prototype wiring in support of vehicle and lab test programs
• Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical prototype issues alongside engineering, including root cause identification, rework, and validation of fixes
• Support rapid prototype development by turning early engineering concepts into functional lab or vehicle-ready assemblies, fixtures, and test setups
• Conduct hands-on fabrication and prototype efforts in support of the engineering department’s next-generation rail vehicle programs, giving feedback on system functionality and manufacturability
• Develop and document processes, work instructions, and standard operating procedures suitable for handoff to a contract manufacturer
• Serve as the responsible party for all lab safety at HQ, including hazard identification, PPE compliance, chemical handling, and incident reporting
• Source and evaluate tooling, fixtures, and equipment to expand lab capabilities in alignment with engineering roadmaps
• Travel (up to 25%) as needed to our test site and fabrication partners to troubleshoot, repair, or rework hardware in the field in coordination with Field Operations team.

What Success Looks Like:

• After 30 Days: You have developed a thorough understanding of the lab space and existing equipment.. You have conducted a thorough review of current inventory stock and procedures and are implementing corrective actions. You have met with each engineering team to understand active prototype programs and near-term support requirements. You have conducted a baseline safety audit and identified priority corrective actions.
• After 60 Days: You are independently managing all shipping, receiving, and inventory workflows. You have completed initial safety improvements and established a recurring inspection cadence. You are actively fabricating prototype components and supporting engineering builds with minimal direction.
• After 90 Days: You have implemented documented work procedures for key fabrication and assembly tasks that are ready for contract manufacturer review. You have established a reliable inventory management system and have measurably improved lab throughput and readiness for engineering teams. You have engaged heavily with engineering design to produce at least one working system on the prototype vehicle.

Basic Qualifications:

• 3 + years experience working in an R&D lab or prototype facility at a technical startup or early-stage hardware company
• Track record of independently managing a lab or shop environment end-to-end, with full ownership  of the physical workspace and all activities within it
• Direct experience with inventory management, parts receiving, or supply chain coordination in a hardware development environment
• Hands-on fabrication and assembly skills using common shop tools including drill presses, lathes, CNC machines, 3D printers, and PCB rework tools with a strong desire to work closely alongside engineering to produce fast results
• Familiarity with shop safety practices, including lockout/tagout, PPE requirements, and hazardous material handling
• Hands-on experience fabricating and troubleshooting electrical harnesses, cable assemblies, connectors, terminals, and related prototype hardware
• Strong practical troubleshooting skills across mechanical and electrical systems, with the ability to diagnose issues, propose fixes, and execute rework independently

Preferred Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience writing manufacturing work instructions or process documentation intended for external production partners
• Proficiency with manual and CNC machining, welding, soldering, or similar fabrication methods
• Experience managing lab or shop equipment maintenance schedules and vendor relationships
• Familiarity with ERP or inventory management software
• Experience supporting prototype builds in automotive, aerospace, rail, or robotics environments
• Familiarity with OSHA laboratory and general industry safety standards
• Experience supporting prototype vehicle, robotics, aerospace, or industrial hardware builds involving harness fabrication, sensor integration, and electromechanical system debugging
• Familiarity with reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and assembly documentation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs regularly
• Comfortable working in a lab/shop environment with exposure to noise, chemicals, and machinery
• Ability to wear required PPE including safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, hearing protection, and respirators as needed