Idea Labs Manager (Administrator I)

San Diego State University; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 118,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous leave benefits

Comprehensive health coverage

Educational opportunities reduced fees

Job summary

San Diego State University is seeking an Idea Labs Manager to oversee operations for the HG Fenton Company Idea Lab. This position combines design thinking and entrepreneurship, supporting students and faculty in transforming ideas into solutions.

Key responsibilities include managing lab operations, guiding prototyping projects, and delivering innovation workshops. The ideal candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree in an engineering field and have experience in prototype development and Design Thinking methodologies.

This full-time role offers comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary ranging from $108,000 to $118,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in prototype development.
• At least one year of experience with Design Thinking methodologies.
• Demonstrated proficiency with AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Oversee lab operations and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Develop and deliver workshops grounded in design thinking.
• Collaborate with campus partners to enhance entrepreneurship programs.

Skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Project management

Leadership and delegation

Understanding of safety in prototyping

Prototyping environments knowledge

AI tools proficiency

Public speaking skills

Lean Startup methodology

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Idea Labs Manager (Administrator I)

Job No: 557749
Work Type: Management (MPP)
Locations: Southern California: San Diego
Categories: Bargaining Unit: MPP, Appointment Type: At-Will, Time Basis: Full Time, Job Search Category/Discipline: Research, Workplace Type: On-site (work in-person at business location)

Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking an innovative and hands‑on Idea Labs Manager to lead operations for the HG Fenton Company Idea Lab within the ZIP Launchpad. This role blends design thinking, rapid prototyping, and entrepreneurship to support students, faculty, and researchers in transforming ideas into tangible solutions. Responsibilities include overseeing lab operations, guiding prototyping projects, and delivering programming that fosters creativity, experimentation, and startup development across campus.

Key Responsibilities

• Idea Lab Operations & Leadership
  • Oversee day‑to‑day operations of the rapid prototyping lab, including safety, training, equipment, and project tracking.
  • Recruit, train, and guide student interns supporting lab activities and prototyping projects.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, grant requirements, and operational best practices.
  • Foster a collaborative, customer‑focused environment that supports innovation and experimentation.
• Design Thinking & Innovation Programming
  • Develop and deliver workshops, tools, and resources grounded in design thinking methodology.
  • Support concept development and testing through integration of design thinking and rapid prototyping processes.
  • Lead presentations and outreach efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across campus.
• Entrepreneurship & Campus Collaboration
  • Contribute to the development and execution of ZIP Launchpad programming and initiatives.
  • Collaborate with campus partners to integrate innovation, prototyping, and AI tools into entrepreneurship programs.
  • Support cross‑campus initiatives that advance startup development and experiential learning.
• Technology, Tools & Continuous Improvement
  • Integrate emerging tools, including AI and no‑code technologies, into prototyping workflows and student learning.
  • Monitor lab usage, project outcomes, and performance metrics to continuously improve services and impact.
  • Stay current with trends in design thinking, prototyping technologies, and startup development.

Why Join Us?

• Build what's next – Help bring ideas to life by supporting prototyping, innovation, and startup development at SDSU.
• Hands‑on innovation – Work at the intersection of design thinking, prototyping, and entrepreneurship.
• Dynamic environment – Collaborate with founders (students and researchers) in a fast‑paced, creative setting.
• Make a real impact – Empower the next generation of innovators through experiential learning and cutting‑edge tools.

Position Information

• This is a full‑time, at‑will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. Ability to attend or work occasional evening events is preferred.
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Education and Experience

Must have a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in an engineering field or a related discipline, along with at least two years of experience working in prototype development environments. They must also have at least one year of experience applying Design Thinking methodologies and demonstrated proficiency in using AI tools for prototyping.

Key Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively present to and engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proven ability to lead, delegate, and develop team members in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to provide clear direction, guidance, and training to support team and project success.
• High level of knowledge in safety as it relates to rapid prototype development.
• Strong knowledge of prototyping environments.
• Knowledge of AI in prototyping environments.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Applied experience using Lean Startup methodology is preferred.
• Experience with launching/building a startup is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Generous Leave Benefits: 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, and retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost.
• Educational Opportunities: California State University system fee reduction program for self or qualifying dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $108,000 to $118,000 annually.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on protected status. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Supplemental Information

Apply by June 2, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as‑needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

Individuals hired into this role are mandated reporters under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and must comply with CSU Executive Order 1083. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis and will be required to undergo a background check. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities. The campus is smoke‑free. A statutory notice to all applicants is provided in the extended application materials.

To apply, visit https://careers.sdsu.edu/en-us/job/557749