Lab Manager

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

Description

As Lab Manager, you'll wear two hats: you'll lead and develop a team of lab technicians/coordinators while also rolling up your sleeves as an individual contributor — running experiments, operating equipment, and directly supporting engineering programs. This is a hybrid player-coach role for someone who wants both people leadership and hands‑on technical ownership. You'll ensure the lab runs safely and efficiently while also being a technical resource engineers can rely on day‑to‑day.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)
• 3+ years of hands‑on experience working in a technical/engineering lab environment, including direct execution of tests and equipment operation
• 1+ years of experience leading, mentoring, or managing a team (direct reports, project team, or informal lead role)
• Strong understanding of lab safety standards, hazardous materials handling, and regulatory compliance
• Experience with equipment maintenance, calibration procedures, and asset management systems
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to balance individual technical work with team management responsibilities
• Ability to lift and move lab equipment as needed
• Willingness to work on‑site 5 days a week; some roles may require flexibility for early/late hours around equipment deliveries, test schedules, or urgent repairs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a hardware development or R&D environment (consumer electronics preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to switch fluidly between hands‑on technical work and people leadership in a fast‑paced environment
• Familiarity with EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA) and chemical/electrical safety protocols
• Experience with inventory/asset management software and procurement systems
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work cross‑functionally with engineers, technicians, and vendors
• Project management experience or certification (PMP, Six Sigma, etc.)
• Experience supporting confidential or prototype‑stage hardware programs