Lab Manager – Robotics Operations

Braintrust; United States; Remote; USD 73,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

Joinkeywork in Paris is seeking a proactive Technical Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day lab operations, procurement, logistics, and facilities coordination for a growing robotics lab.

You will implement processes, manage assets, and plan expansions while collaborating with engineering teams. This on-site role requires hands-on problem solving and strong organizational skills.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in lab or hardware operations or related role.
• Ability to establish processes and systems for growing teams.
• Hands-on experience with procurement, inventory, logistics and vendor coordination.
• Familiar with shipping, customs documentation or clearance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily lab operations to keep equipment, workstations and spaces organized and ready.
• Build and improve operations processes, documentation and asset management.
• Coordinate maintenance, repairs, replacements and lifecycle of equipment.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement scalable processes for growth.
• Manage equipment sourcing, vendor relationships and purchasing records.
• Coordinate domestic and international shipping, receiving, returns and customs.

Skills

Lab operations

Procurement

Inventory management

Vendor coordination

International logistics

Project coordination

On-site work

Tools

Asset management software

Inventory software

Job description

Location: Paris / in office 3-4 days/week

About the Role

We're looking for a proactive, hands-on Technical Operations Manager to oversee and structure the day-to-day operations of a growing robotics lab in Paris.

You’ll own equipment management, procurement, logistics, facilities coordination, and operational processes, ensuring the lab runs efficiently as the team scales. Beyond managing daily activities, you’ll establish systems and processes, identify operational improvements, and help plan potential expansion or relocation to a larger facility.

This role is ideal for someone with experience in hardware operations, R&D labs, technical facilities, or other equipment-intensive environments who enjoys building structure in a fast-moving environment.

What You’ll DoLab Operations & Process Improvement

• Manage daily lab operations, ensuring equipment, workstations, and shared spaces remain organized, functional, and ready for use.
• Establish and improve operational processes, documentation, inventory tracking, and asset management systems.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, repairs, replacements, and lifecycle management.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement scalable processes to support a growing team.

Procurement, Logistics & Facilities

• Manage equipment sourcing, procurement, vendor relationships, and purchasing records.
• Coordinate domestic and international shipping, receiving, returns, and customs clearance, including required documentation.
• Oversee stock levels, deliveries, storage, and equipment tracking.
• Coordinate facilities operations, including building access, utilities, safety, workspace organization, and external service providers.

Space Planning & Expansion

• Assess current lab space utilization and recommend improvements to layouts and equipment configurations.
• Coordinate lab reconfigurations and setup of new robotics testing or data collection environments.
• Help define requirements and operational plans for a potential relocation or expansion to a larger facility.
• Coordinate vendors, timelines, equipment moves, and logistics associated with facility changes.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in lab operations, hardware operations, technical facilities management, or a related operational role.
• Proven ability to establish processes, implement operational systems, and bring structure to growing teams.
• Hands‑on experience with procurement, inventory management, equipment logistics, and vendor coordination.
• Experience with shipping, receiving, international logistics, and customs documentation or clearance procedures.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable working onsite in Paris3–4 days per week.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate with technical teams, vendors, and external partners.

Nice to Have

• Experience in robotics, hardware startups, engineering labs, or R&D environments.
• Experience planning or coordinating facility expansions, relocations, or lab buildouts.
• Familiarity with asset management, inventory, and procurement software.
• Experience managing specialized technical equipment and coordinating maintenance with engineering teams.
• Familiarity with French and EU shipping, import/export, and customs processes.