Lab Operations Engineer (Unified Communications & Pro Audio)

Shure; Niles (IL); On-site; USD 101,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Lab Operations Engineer to enhance lab efficiency and support audio product testing. This role involves designing user-centric lab environments, managing equipment inventory, and ensuring high standards of organization and cleanliness. You will collaborate with System Verification Engineers to optimize workflows and troubleshoot network issues. With a focus on continuous improvement, you will foster a culture of excellence and innovation. If you have a passion for audio technology and a proactive mindset, this is your chance to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare

Mental health support

Retirement savings plans

Generous paid time off

Employee discounts

Professional development opportunities

Work-life balance initiatives

Employee recognition programs

Volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in lab operations and management.
• Strong background in networking and troubleshooting.
• Experience with audio technology is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain efficient lab infrastructures for testing.
• Manage inventory and procurement of lab equipment.
• Ensure labs are tour-ready and comply with safety standards.

Skills

Lab infrastructure design

Network configuration

Troubleshooting skills

Cable management

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering

8 years of experience

5+ years managing technical labs

Tools

Wireshark

Job description

Overview

Shure is seeking aLeadLab Operations Engineer focused on Unified Communications & Pro Audio,to ensure our labs are designed, maintained, and presented at the highest professional level. This role focuses on creating an infrastructure where System Verification Engineers can efficiently conduct their tests, helping identify potential defects early and ultimately improving the quality of Shure’s products. While you will not be performing product testing yourself, your work will provide the optimal environment for SV teams to uncover issues quickly and effectively.

You will oversee labs used by our Audio Products, Conferencing, and Unified Communications teams. With an emphasis on neatness, user-centric layouts, and robust network configuration, you’ll ensure these labs remain highly efficient, tour-ready (for customers and executives), and conducive to thorough, reliable testing.

This position will be onsite in our Niles, IL HQ

Responsibilities

• Lab Infrastructure Design & Efficiency: Design and maintain user-centric lab infrastructures by collaborating with System Verification Engineers to optimize workflow, accessibility, and aesthetics while focusing on preventing defects to enhance product quality.
• Inventory Management/Equipment Planning: Oversee and manage the inventory of all System Verification equipment, ensuring accurate tracking and availability. Forecast, plan, and procure necessary lab equipment in alignment with development schedules, developing efficient processes for equipment requests and onboarding to ensure cost-effectiveness.
• Lab Installation: Oversee lab setup and ongoing maintenance, including hardware installation, cable management, and safety measures, while proactively addressing preventive maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure labs are always ready for testing or executive tours.
• Network Environment Management: Configure and maintain high-performance wired and wireless networks to support Shure’s audio and communication products, and troubleshoot network issues using tools like Wireshark to ensure System Verification Engineers can efficiently replicate real-world conditions.
• Lab Ticket Resolution/Compliance: Serve as the main contact for lab-related requests, including equipment installations, setup adjustments, and troubleshooting, prioritizing ticket resolution with a customer-service approach. Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for lab setups, equipment usage, and safety practices, ensuring adherence to regulations and company policies for safe and compliant lab operations.
• Professional Presentation/Tour Readiness: Maintain high standards of organization and cleanliness to ensure labs are always tour-ready for executives, customers, and visitors. Implement and uphold policies for labeling, cable routing, and storage to maintain a world-class environment reflective of Shure’s legacy of excellence.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education & Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field and 8 years of experience
• 5+ years of experience managing technical labs, facilities, or similar environments, preferably within electronics or hardware development.

Technical Skills

• Proven experience with lab infrastructure design, including cable management, rack layouts, and network configuration.
• Deep understanding of networking (routing, switching, VLANs, Wi-Fi) and advanced troubleshooting skills.
• Familiarity with audio equipment is a plus; passion for audio technology is highly valued.

Organization & Collaboration

• Meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a clean, systematic, and tour-ready workspace.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with cross-functional teams, particularly System Verification Engineers.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt priorities according to project timelines.

Continuous Improvement Mindset

• Proactive in seeking opportunities to optimize lab workflows and infrastructure, enhancing the ability of SV teams to detect issues early.
• Demonstrated success in updating processes to boost efficiency, cut downtime, and improve overall lab usability.

Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Shure will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.

WHO WE AREShure’s mission is to be the most trusted audio brand worldwide – and for nearly a century, our Core Values have aligned us to be just that. Founded in 1925, we are a leading global manufacturer of audio equipment known for quality, reliability, and durability. We engineer microphones, headphones, wireless audio systems, conferencing systems, and more. And quality doesn’t stop at our products. Our talented teams strive for perfection and innovate every chance they get. We offer an Associate-first culture, flexible work arrangements, and opportunity for all.Shure Incorporated is headquartered in Niles, Illinois, with remote and hybrid opportunities throughout the United States. We have more than 35 regional sales offices, engineering hubs, and manufacturing facilities throughout the Americas, EMEA, and Asia.THE MIX MATTERSDon’t check off every box in the job requirements? No problem! We recognize that every professional journey is unique and are committed to providing an equitable candidate experience for all prospective Shure Associates. If you’re excited about this role, believe you’ve got the skills to be successful, and share our passion for creating an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible work environment, then apply!PAY TRANSPARENCYShure offers a competitive compensation structure that is reviewed annually to attract, hire, and retain the industry’s top talent. Base salaries vary based on qualifications, geography, experience, and expertise in each respective discipline. The base salary range for this position is between $101,500 - $182,300. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target base salary for this opportunity. This position may also be eligible for our incentive pay program, which varies based on individual and Company performance in the year. If your salary expectations do not align, still apply as we are often flexible on the seniority of posted positions. All positions also include an award-winning benefits package.

WE GOT YOU - Our BenefitsAt Shure, we prioritize the well-being of our Associates. We offer competitive rewards packages to full-time and part-time Associates working 24 or more hours a week that address physical, mental, financial, and overall well-being. Our benefits include comprehensive healthcare, mental health and retirement savings plans, generous paid time off programs, employee discounts, professional development opportunities, work-life balance initiatives, employee recognition programs, and volunteering/community involvement opportunities. To learn more, check out our Benefits At A Glance 2025.

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