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Engineer Lab Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Raytheon

Hardware Lab Lead

San Jose, CA

In this role, you will manage and implement engineering lab strategic projects and day-to-day administrative functions within multiple engineering labs, with specific focus on safety, security, and ...

Raytheon

Hardware Lab Lead

San Diego, CA

In this role, you will manage and implement engineering lab strategic projects and day-to-day administrative functions within multiple engineering labs, with specific focus on safety, security, and ...

Raytheon

Hardware Lab Lead

Los Angeles, CA

In this role, you will manage and implement engineering lab strategic projects and day-to-day administrative functions within multiple engineering labs, with specific focus on safety, security, and ...

K2 Pure Solutions LP

Lab Technician

Pittsburg, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

Deliver timely feedback to the operations department, engineers, and the lab manager. Support 24/7 manufacturing operation by working shift work and overtime. This may include graveyard, swing shift ...

K2 Pure Solutions LP

Lab Technician

Pittsburg, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

... engineers, and the lab manager. · Support 24/7 manufacturing operation by working shift work and overtime. This may include graveyard, swing shift, or a rotating shift schedule. · Highly motivated ...

K2 Pure Solutions

Lab Technician

Pittsburg, CA · On-site

$30 - $40/hr

... engineers, and the lab manager. • Support 24/7 manufacturing operation by working shift work and overtime. This may include graveyard, swing shift, or a rotating shift schedule. • Highly ...

Planet

Lab Manager, R&D

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We are looking for an R&D Lab Manager to lead our development workspace located directly adjacent ... Provide direct engineering test support by setting up boards and fixtures, collecting data, and ...

Planet

Lab Manager, R&D

San Francisco, CA · On-site

We are looking for an R&D Lab Manager to lead our development workspace located directly adjacent ... Provide direct engineering test support by setting up boards and fixtures, collecting data, and ...

Planet Labs PBC

Lab Manager, R&D

San Francisco, CA

We are looking for an R&D Lab Manager to lead our development workspace located directly adjacent ... Provide direct engineering test support by setting up boards and fixtures, collecting data, and ...

Intellectt INC

Lab Technician/Shipping

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$23 - $30.50/hr

This role works closely with Scientists, Research Associates, and the Lab Manager, providing hands-on exposure to next-generation sequencing, cell engineering, antibody discovery, and single-cell ...

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Engineer Lab Manager information

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

To thrive as an Engineer Lab Manager, you need a solid background in engineering principles, laboratory management experience, and usually a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with lab management software, safety protocols, and quality standards such as ISO/IEC 17025 is typically required. Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills help you manage teams, delegate tasks, and ensure smooth lab operations. These skills and qualifications are essential to maintain high-quality research, ensure safety compliance, and achieve project goals efficiently.

What are some common challenges faced by Engineer Lab Managers in maintaining efficient laboratory operations?

Engineer Lab Managers often encounter challenges such as balancing administrative duties with hands-on technical work, ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards, and coordinating equipment maintenance or calibration. They must also manage a diverse team of engineers and technicians, which requires strong communication and leadership skills. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing technologies and project priorities can be demanding, making effective organizational skills essential for success in this role.

What are Engineer Lab Managers?

Engineer Lab Managers are professionals who oversee the daily operations of engineering laboratories. They ensure that lab equipment is maintained, supervise staff and researchers, enforce safety protocols, and manage budgets and inventory. Their role often includes coordinating experiments, supporting research and development projects, and ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. Effective communication and organizational skills are essential, as they serve as a link between engineers, technicians, and management.

What is the difference between Engineer Lab Manager vs Engineer Laboratory Technician?

AspectEngineer Lab ManagerEngineer Laboratory Technician
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, management experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees lab operations, manages staff, ensures safetyPerforms testing, maintains equipment, records data
Industry UsageUsed in research labs, manufacturing, quality controlCommon in testing labs, quality assurance, product development

The Engineer Lab Manager focuses on overseeing lab operations, managing personnel, and ensuring safety compliance. In contrast, the Engineer Laboratory Technician handles hands-on testing, data collection, and equipment maintenance. Both roles require engineering knowledge, but the manager has additional responsibilities in leadership and administration.

What are popular job titles related to Engineer Lab Manager jobs in California? For Engineer Lab Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineer Lab Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Engineer Lab Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Engineer Lab Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Engineer Lab Manager job openings:
Engineer Lab Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineer Lab Manager job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.

Environmental Test Lab Manager

Varda Space Industries

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$130K - $160.05K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Varda
Low Earth orbit is open for business. Varda is accelerating the development of commercial space infrastructure, from in-orbit pharmaceutical processing to reliable and economical reentry capsules.
From life-saving pharmaceuticals to more powerful fiber optics, there is a world of products used on Earth today that can only be manufactured in space. Varda is accelerating innovation in the orbital economy by creating both the products and infrastructure needed so space can directly benefit life on Earth. Our mission is to expand the economic bounds of humankind.
Our team is uniquely suited to accomplishing this goal, with leadership and staff comprised of veterans from SpaceX, Blue Origin, major pharmaceutical companies and Silicon Valley. Varda was founded in January 2021 by Will Bruey and Delian Asparouhov with significant backing from world class investors including Khosla Ventures, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, Caffeinated Capital, General Catalyst, and Also Capital.
Varda is headquartered in El Segundo, California, where we have offices and a production facility where our vehicles, equipment, and materials are built, integrated, and tested. Varda also has offices in Washington, DC and Huntsville, AL.
Join Varda, and work to create a bustling in-space ecosystem.
About This Role
Varda is building the infrastructure for in-space manufacturing and routine return from orbit. As Environmental Test Lab Manager, you will lead the team and facilities responsible for proving our spacecraft can survive launch, spaceflight, and return to Earth. This is a hands-on leadership role focused on executing fast, rigorous environmental test campaigns that keep flight hardware moving and missions on track.
Responsibilities
  • Lead day-to-day environmental test lab operations for spacecraft and vehicle hardware
  • Plan and execute vibration, shock, thermal, and thermal vacuum test campaigns
  • Partner with design, production, integration, and mission teams to define test requirements and priorities
  • Build and improve lab processes, procedures, safety practices, and test readiness standards
  • Manage lab technicians and test engineers while driving high standards for execution and documentation
  • Own equipment readiness, calibration, maintenance, and lab capacity planning
  • Support anomaly resolution, failure investigations, and test report generation
  • Coordinate outside test support when needed

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical field
  • 5+ years of environmental test experience on aerospace or other high-reliability hardware
  • Experience with vibe, shock, thermal cycling, and TVAC testing
  • Strong leadership, organization, and cross-functional communication skills
  • Ability to move quickly and make sound decisions around flight hardware

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience testing spacecraft, reentry systems, or launch vehicle hardware
  • Familiarity with qualification and acceptance testing in aerospace
  • Background with additional test methods such as EMI/EMC, acoustics, leak, or pressure testing
  • Experience scaling lab operations in a fast-paced hardware company
    Pay Range
    • Salary Range: $130,000 - $160,050/per year
    • This role is on-sitein El Segundo, CA
    • Leveling and base salary is determined by job-related skills, education level, experience level, and job performance
    • You will be eligible for incentives in the form of stock options and/or long-term cash awards

ITAR Requirements
  • Varda, like all employers, must ensure that its employees working in the United States are lawfully authorized to work in the U.S. Additionally, our employees are exposed to and have access to certain export-controlled items. At present, some of our technology to which employees have access requires a license to be exported to individuals other than "U.S. Persons" as defined in U.S. export regulations. Because our employees are provided access to export-controlled items, our current policy is to only hire "U.S. persons" who are permitted to have access to our technology without an export license.
    "US person" means: U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) (i.e., individual admitted to the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum in the U.S.)
    Learn more about the ITAR here.
Benefits
  • Exciting team of professionals at the top of their field working by your side
  • Equity in a fully funded space startup with potential for significant growth (interns excluded)
  • 401(k) matching (interns excluded)
  • Unlimited PTO (interns excluded)
  • Health insurance, including Vision and Dental
  • Lunch and snacks provided on site every day. Dinners provided twice a week.
  • Maternity / Paternity leave (interns excluded)

Varda Space Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, martial status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.
E-Verify Statement
Varda Space Industries, Inc. participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-Verify program. The E-Verify program is an Internet-based employment eligibility verification system operated by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
E-Verify Notice Right To Work Notice
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