Lab Operations Manager

Inertia; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision plans

Company-paid holidays

Matching 401k

Job summary

A fusion energy research company in Livermore, CA, is seeking a Laboratory Operations Manager to oversee daily lab operations involving high power lasers and precision systems. Responsibilities include ensuring safety compliance, coordinating equipment maintenance, and leading lab staff. The ideal candidate will have a relevant Bachelor’s degree and over 5 years of experience in a technical environment. This role offers a competitive salary range of $110,000 to $150,000 along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing or similar technical environment.
• Proficiency in EHS compliance and writing SOPs for hazardous equipment.
• Ability to lead and coordinate work across multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Oversee lab operations and ensure safety protocols are followed.
• Coordinate maintenance and calibration of lab equipment.
• Develop and implement work planning and control systems.

Skills

Safety oversight

Laser safety

Strong organizational skills

Communication skills

Hands-on lab skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a scientific/engineering/technical discipline

Tools

Metrology tools

Vacuum systems

Laser systems

Calibration equipment

Job description

Overview:

Inertia Enterprises is developing the technologies to build the world’s first fusion energy power plant. At our 48,000 sq.ft. facility in Livermore CA, we are seeking a Laboratory Operations Manager to oversee the safe and effective running of a suite of research labs involving high power lasers, vacuum systems and pressure systems, precision metrology, materials processing systems and more.

Working closely with the science and engineering teams and the building & facilities manager, this role has the responsibility for planning and overseeing day-to-day lab operations, providing the logistic and technical support needed to ensure the labs are “science ready” - and that all staff and contractors work in a well-controlled, well planned, highly communicative and organized environment This role has oversight of relevant specialist safety functions including laser safety, chemicals safety, and pressure systems safety.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Oversee lab operations on a day-to-day basis, with authority for work authorization and release, responsive to the priorities of the scientific teams.

• Coordinate the installation, maintenance, calibration and storage of specialist equipment.

• Develop and deploy work planning and control systems to ensure effective identification and mitigation of job hazards, with appropriate readiness reviews and safety oversight to ensure rigorous and timely execution of work.

• Documentation of the required standard operating procedures, materials safety database, chemical inventories, and associated training.

• Ensure scientific consumables, chemical inventories, and spare parts are available when needed, adopting a proactive approach to planning and stockroom controls.

• Oversee the work of technicians, contractors, and other staff associated with the labs, including lab cleanliness and good housekeeping, equipment setup, and lab schedule.

• Responsible Safety Officer for the labs’ safety systems for lasers, pressure vessels, chemical processes, and other specialist activities.

• Promote a culture of personal and collective responsibility for the health and safety of all, and for the protection of the environment.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific/engineering/technical discipline (or equivalent practical experience).

• 5+ years of experience in advanced manufacturing, national lab, or similar technical environment, covering a range of areas, including:

  • Implementation of Cal-OSHA programs, including laser safety for Class 3B/4 lasers, chemical hygiene, pressure safety, and contractor safety oversight and work authorization.

  • Maintenance, calibration, installation, commissioning, and lifecycle management of scientific/engineering equipment.

  • Handling of precision optics: Storage, cleaning and installation of mirrors, lenses, diffraction gratings, etc.

  • Maintaining and troubleshooting vacuum systems (pumps, chambers), chillers, and cleanroom infrastructure (HVAC monitoring, particle counters).

  • Installation and maintenance of metrology tools such as SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope), Optical Microscopy, Ultrafast sensors and detectors, etc.

• EHS Compliance: Proficiency in writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for hazardous equipment, managing chemical inventories (SDS management) and developing Job Hazard Analyses (JHA).

• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate work across multiple stakeholders including scientists, engineers, technicians, facilities, vendors, and contractors, often under tight schedules.

• Strong organizational and communication skills, including the ability to maintain clear lab status visibility and execute priorities in a fast-moving environment.

• Ability to work hands-on in an active lab environment, including use of appropriate PPE and the ability to safely perform physical tasks such as equipment handling, inspections, and lab walkdowns.

Salary & Benefits:

• The base salary range for this role is $110,000 - $150,000; The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.

• We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!

About Inertia:

Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.