Operations Generalist for Hardware Startup (SF)

Lightmill; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Growth & Leadership Opportunities

Paid holidays & Flexible time off

Meals provided

401(k) plan

Job summary

Lightmill is seeking an Operations Generalist to run and scale the day-to-day operations of a growing hardware startup in San Francisco. You will work closely with the founders and engineering team, taking ownership of a broad set of operational projects to keep the company organized, safe, and moving quickly.

This hands-on role requires resourcefulness, high ownership, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities across lab, workshop, and office environments as Lightmill scales.

Qualifications

• Strong written and verbal communication.
• High ownership and consistent follow-through.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Resourcefulness and comfort operating without an established playbook.
• Good judgment when handling sensitive, financial, safety, or customer-related matters.
• Comfort working in a hands-on engineering, laboratory, or workshop environment.
• Interest in startups, hardware, manufacturing, or emerging technology.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day office, lab, and workshop operations.
• Purchase equipment, supplies, and services.
• Coordinate vendors, deliveries, maintenance, and facility improvements.
• Maintain an organized, functional, and well-stocked workspace.
• Support employee onboarding, benefits, and internal company processes.
• Coordinate recruiting, interviews, candidate communication, and hiring logistics.
• Plan company events, team offsites, and other internal activities.
• Support facility safety programs, documentation, training, and compliance.
• Coordinate insurance applications, renewals, audits, and broker relationships.
• Interface with customers and pilot partners, including scheduling, communication, shipping, and follow-up.
• Support marketing, branding, events, website updates, and company communications.
• Build lightweight systems and processes that allow the company to operate more efficiently

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Ownership

Project management

Resourcefulness

Judgment in sensitive issues

Hands-on environment

Job description

Lightmill is seeking an Operations Generalist to run and scale the day-to-day operations of a growing hardware startup in San Francisco. You will work closely with the founders and engineering team, taking ownership of a broad set of operational projects to keep the company organized, safe, and moving quickly.

This hands-on role requires resourcefulness, high ownership, and the ability to juggle multiple priorities across lab, workshop, and office environments as Lightmill scales.