Hybrid Lab Lead - People Manager & Hands-On Engineer

Socket.dev; Cupertino (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev in Cupertino, CA seeks a Lab Manager who will lead a team of lab technicians while also performing hands-on experiments and equipment operation. This hybrid player-coach role emphasizes safe, efficient lab operation and technical ownership for engineers day-to-day.

You'll balance people leadership with direct testing, ensuring compliance with safety standards and timely support for hardware development programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 3+ years hands-on experience in a technical/engineering lab environment, including direct test execution and equipment operation.
• 1+ years of experience leading, mentoring, or managing a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of lab technicians/coordinators.
• Run experiments and operate lab equipment.
• Support engineering programs with hands-on technical ownership.
• Ensure the lab runs safely and efficiently.

Skills

Lab safety

Team leadership

Test execution

Equipment operation

Regulatory compliance

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Asset management systems

Calibration procedures

Inventory management software

Job description

Socket.dev in Cupertino, CA seeks a Lab Manager who will lead a team of lab technicians while also performing hands-on experiments and equipment operation. This hybrid player-coach role emphasizes safe, efficient lab operation and technical ownership for engineers day-to-day.

You'll balance people leadership with direct testing, ensuring compliance with safety standards and timely support for hardware development programs.