ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Development Lab Manager Jobs in Santa Clara, CA (NOW HIRING)

Santa Cruz

R&D Fabricator

Santa Cruz, CA

$45/hr

Reporting to the R&D Lab Manager, you will support the Engineering Department by fabricating the prototype frames and custom fixtures that define the next generation of mountain biking. You will ...

Santa Cruz Bicycles

R&D Fabricator

Santa Cruz, CA · On-site

Reporting to the R&D Lab Manager, you will support the Engineering Department by fabricating the prototype frames and custom fixtures that define the next generation of mountain biking. You will ...

Mainspring Energy

Embedded System Lab Manager

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$102K - $120K/yr

... development and field operations for leading Fortune 500 companies, data centers, and utilities ... If so, Mainspring Energy has an exciting opportunity for an Embedded System Lab Manager to enhance ...

Mainspring Energy

Embedded System Lab Manager

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$102K - $120K/yr

... development and field operations for leading Fortune 500 companies, data centers, and utilities ... If so, Mainspring Energy has an exciting opportunity for an Embedded System Lab Manager to enhance ...

Cisco

Laboratory Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$123K - $169K/yr

Meet the Team We are looking for an experienced Lab Engineer / Lab Administrator to manage and support our Hardware Development Lab, enabling the successful development, validation, and debugging of ...

Apex Informatics

Thermal Test Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

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 ...

Lumilens

Sr. Manager/Director FP&A

San Jose, CA · On-site

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 ...

Doist

Sr. Manager/Director FP&A

San Jose, CA · On-site

$150 - $210/hr

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 ...

Lumilens Inc.

Sr. Manager/Director FP&A

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130 - $160/hr

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 ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsDevelopment Lab JobsDevelopment Lab Manager JobsDevelopment Lab Manager Jobs in Santa Clara, CA

Development Lab Manager information

See Santa Clara, CA salary details

$12.9K

$94.7K

$185K

How much do development lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for development lab manager in Santa Clara, CA is $94,711.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $123,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Development Lab Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA?

For Development Lab Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Development Lab Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Development Lab Manager jobs in Santa Clara, CA are:

What cities near Santa Clara, CA are hiring for Development Lab Manager jobs?

Cities near Santa Clara, CA with the most Development Lab Manager job openings:

Development Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Lab Manager job openings in Santa Clara, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,711 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Optics Lab Manager & Test Engineer

Aetherflux

San Carlos, CA • On-site

$145K - $223K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect sunlight and enable a new class of capabilities-from powering on-orbit compute, to transmitting energy via infrared lasers (space-to-earth and space-to-space), powering on-orbit compute to delivering secure, high-bandwidth optical data. By rethinking how energy and data are generated and distributed in space, we're unlocking entirely new ways to operate both in orbit and on Earth.
Founded in 2024 by Baiju Bhatt (co-founder of Robinhood), Cowboy Space Corp. is backed by leading investors and built by a team from top aerospace and defense organizations. We're moving quickly to solve complex technical challenges and build a new category of space infrastructure.
About the Role:
The Integration & Test team is looking for an Optics Lab Manager & Test Engineer to own our optics lab and support the build and verification of our next generation laser communications system. This is a hands-on role at the center of our hardware development - you will work directly alongside optical and photonics engineers during complex builds, alignments, and verification campaigns. The ideal candidate is technically strong, highly organized, and at home in a high-power laser lab.
Responsibilities:
  • Own lab operations including equipment calibration schedules, inventory, and configuration management of test setups.
  • Maintain laser safety requirements including interlocks, PPE, and posted procedures in coordination with the Laser Safety Officer.
  • Assist engineers with setup and alignment of free-space optical assemblies, interferometric subassemblies, and fiber-optic components.
  • Support integration and alignment of deployable opto-mechanical assemblies.
  • Support field demonstration campaigns including ground station setup, fiber-optic system checkout, and pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) system validation.
  • Execute formal test procedures and record results accurately.
  • Operate test equipment including OSAs, optical power meters, oscilloscopes, BER testers, and beam profilers.
  • Maintain lab documentation including cable and fiber routing logs, component records, and test configurations.
  • Coordinate with facilities on lab infrastructure, power, and safety requirements.

Basic Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in an optical or photonics lab environment.
  • Experience operating standard optical test equipment (OSAs, power meters, oscilloscopes, beam profilers).
  • Ability to perform precision optical alignment on a bench.
  • Familiarity with Class 3B and Class 4 laser safety requirements.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with high-power fiber laser or amplifier systems.
  • Experience handling and assembling precision opto-mechanical hardware including interferometric or polarization-sensitive assemblies.
  • Experience supporting environmental test campaigns (thermal-vacuum, vibration) for optical hardware.
  • Experience managing a shared lab across multiple engineers and programs.
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Optical Technology, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $145,000 - $223,000 annually. The actual base salary offered will depend on factors such as job-related skills, experience, qualifications, and internal equity.
  • Equity in Cowboy Space Corp.
  • Employees and their eligible dependents may enroll in medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan
  • Paid time off
  • 10 paid holidays per calendar year
  • Paid parental leave
  • Relocation assistance if applicable
  • Daily lunch in the office and a fully stocked kitchen with beverages and snacks

ITAR Requirements
  • Export Control Requirement: To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR here.

Disclaimer
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Cowboy Space Corp.'s discretion.
Cowboy Space Corp. is an equal employment opportunity employer. We consider individuals for employment or promotion according to their skills, abilities and experience. Cowboy Space Corp. is committed to complying with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, physical, mental or developmental disability, sex (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and medical conditions relating to pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding), veteran status, military status, marital or registered domestic partnership status, medical condition (including cancer or genetic characteristics), genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, as well as any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.

Apply