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Development Lab Manager Jobs in Castro Valley, CA

Lab Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$120K - $170K/yr

Summary We are seeking an experienced Lab Manager to serve as the backbone of our hardware development environment. You will wear many hats, including help set up lab spaces, navigating EHS ...

Bring the rigor of a professional analytical chemistry lab to our R&D facility. Our machine ... Manage procurement for all lab consumables, reagents, specialty gases, and calibration standards ...

Reports to: Director, IT R&D * Location: Newark, CA (onsite) * Salary: $150,000-$200,000 annually ... Demonstrated leadership in lab modernization, system lifecycle management, and cross-functional ...

R&D Technician

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-moving lab environment ... Experience working in a startup, R&D lab, product development, or manufacturing environment.

Setup and maintain lab space, tools, and materials of a hardware R&D lab; Responsible for inventory management of prototype devices. Assist engineers for the test scripting and executing test ...

Own US R&D lab budgeting, forecasting, project-level cost tracking, and capex planning * Lead revenue management for Hyperscaler customers - pricing, contract economics, deal review, revenue ...

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Showing results 1-20

Development Lab Manager information

See Castro Valley, CA salary details

$12.7K

$93.1K

$181.7K

How much do development lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for development lab manager in Castro Valley, CA is $93,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,300.00 and $121,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a Development Lab Manager might face in ensuring smooth lab operations?

A Development Lab Manager often encounters challenges such as balancing multiple project timelines, maintaining equipment calibration and safety standards, and adapting to shifting priorities from research and development teams. Effective communication and coordination among scientists, engineers, and technical staff are crucial, as the lab manager must ensure that resources are allocated efficiently without disrupting ongoing experiments. Staying up-to-date with regulatory compliance and implementing best practices for lab safety and data management are also essential components of the role.

What is the difference between Development Lab Manager vs Research Scientist?

AspectDevelopment Lab ManagerResearch Scientist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, Science, or related field; often requires project management experienceMaster's or Ph.D. in a scientific discipline; strong research background and publications
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, project teamsResearch labs, academic institutions, corporate R&D
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, technology, biotech companiesUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&D departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding management roles in labs, overseeing projectsScientific research, experimental work, publications

The Development Lab Manager primarily oversees laboratory operations, manages projects, and ensures product development timelines are met. In contrast, a Research Scientist focuses on conducting experiments, generating new scientific knowledge, and publishing findings. While both roles require scientific credentials, the manager role emphasizes leadership and project coordination, whereas the scientist role emphasizes research expertise.

What does a Development Lab Manager do?

A Development Lab Manager oversees the daily operations of research and development laboratories, ensuring that experiments and projects are conducted efficiently and safely. They manage lab personnel, maintain equipment, oversee budgets, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Additionally, they often coordinate with other departments, manage inventory, and support the implementation of new technologies or procedures. Their role is crucial in maintaining a productive and innovative laboratory environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Lab Manager, and why are they important?

A Development Lab Manager typically requires a strong background in engineering or science, experience in laboratory operations, and often a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with lab management software, safety compliance systems, and technical equipment such as testing instruments is essential. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing teams and coordinating projects. These competencies ensure efficient lab operations, safety compliance, and successful project outcomes in a fast-paced R&D environment.
What cities near Castro Valley, CA are hiring for Development Lab Manager jobs? Cities near Castro Valley, CA with the most Development Lab Manager job openings:
Lead Technician / SSF R&D Lab Manager

Lead Technician / SSF R&D Lab Manager

Lightship

South San Francisco, CA

$50 - $57/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Overview
Lightship is the first American all-electric recreational vehicle manufacturer currently developing an aerodynamic, battery-powered trailer for the electric age. As the macro transition to an all-electric transportation ecosystem accelerates, Lightship is bringing the increased convenience and superior performance that electrification offers to a pastime enjoyed by over 11 million American families.
 
Honoring Diverse Perspectives
Lightship is committed to hiring and developing top talent from diverse backgrounds. We believe representing and supporting diverse groups is key to the success of our team members, customers, shareholders and the achievement of our mission and vision. We operate in a collaborative environment with a flat organizational structure and expect a high degree of integrity, autonomy and creativity from all members of the team.

About the Role
As our lab manager, you will be responsible for running a safe, effective, and flexible R&D lab in our South San Francisco facility. This includes managing a small team of technicians, ensuring the lab has all the needed safety gear, equipment, and tools needed to develop the technologies in the most advanced RV on the market. You will also have individual responsibilities to build, troubleshoot, and test hardware and software in the lab from vehicle, power systems, and controls engineering teams.
Responsibilities
  • Manage and mentor a small team of technicians in an R&D lab environment.
  • Fill the role of a site safety lead to ensure safe operation of the lab and the South SF facility. Implement safety protocols, proper training, and precautionary activities to ensure the lab runs safely and smoothly.
  • Work with engineering leadership to set priorities for the lab and the technician team. 
  • Create training and usage protocols for the lab to facilitate accessible and functional use for all members of the engineering and design staff.
  • Maintain all tools and equipment in the lab and continue to acquire and install new equipment to increase lab capabilities.
  • Support and coordinate the fabrication and assembly of engineering test assets, vehicle bucks and prototypes including electronics assemblies (wire harnesses, PCBAs, power distribution modules), thermal systems and control modules.  
  • Set up and run engineering experiments, including safety tests, characterization tests, field tests, durability tests, and functional tests.
  • Support sales and marketing activities by ensuring marketing vehicles are in functional condition.
  • Maintain test assets (vehicles, bucks, mules and test rigs) and prepare them for testing, evaluation and demonstration. Travel (including occasional weekend travel) will be required at times.
  • Help with troubleshooting and failure analysis of components.
  • Instrument test articles with sensors, such as strain gauges, thermocouples, accelerometers and aid engineering with data acquisition.
  • Support tests in the field and at outside tracks by towing test vehicles.
  • Occasionally support development vehicle builds and testing in our CO facility.
  • Manage company vehicles and maintenance.
  • Interface with contractors for building and lab upgrades.
Minimum Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience as a lab manager and/or leading teams of technicians
  • 10+ yrs experience working as a technician in the automotive/EV, cleantech, or aerospace industries
  • Experience with data acquisition systems
  • Experience creating test fixtures and instrumenting test articles with sensors such as accelerometers, thermocouples, electrical sensors, etc
  • Experience creating custom wire harnesses
  • Experience towing trailers
  • Experience with one or more of the following systems is required: batteries, power electronics, power distribution and switchgear, electric motors, gearboxes or solar arrays
Preferred Qualifications
  • Familiarity with 5S methodology a plus
  • Experience troubleshooting software, CAN messaging and calibration testing of control algorithms
  • Metal fabrication experience including machining using a knee mill, sheet metal fabrication, and MIG/TIG welding
  • Experience using Deweysoft DAQs
  • Experience soldering and instrumenting circuit boards
  • Forklift operator experience
  • Experience with RVs
Equity
Lightship compensation consists of the stated base pay range plus equity, which gives you a stake in the company.
Employee Benefits & Philosophy - Applies to Full Time Employees only
- Healthcare, Dental, Vision
- 401k
- Flexible Paid Time Off - that we actually want you to use!
- 13 Company Holidays: 8 throughout the year + the company observes a week of scheduled downtime during the end of the year, allowing all employees to enjoy a break
- 12 weeks paid parental leave
- Yearly LightTrip stipend for an RV trip &/or professional development opportunities 
 
Lightship offers all of its full time employees and their dependents full benefits including health, dental and vision insurance. We are on a mission to create a more healthful all-electric experience for a pastime that millions of families enjoy and believe strongly that our team should not have to worry about quality healthcare for themselves or their loved ones along the way.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.