ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hardware Prototype Lab Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Whoop

Hardware Lab Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$140K - $195K/yr

WHOOP is hiring a Hardware Lab Manager to own and scale the hardware development lab that enables rapid product innovation from prototype through validation. In this role, you will lead the people ...

Droyd Robotics

Prototype Team Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$100K - $160K/yr

Because our hardware team moves quickly, the machine shop and prototype lab are core to how we ... About the role As the Prototype Team Lead at Droyd, you will manage day-to-day operations for the ...

Etched

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

About Etched Etched is building hardware for frontier intelligence. We co-design chips, racks ... Own the division budget (capex and opex), make build-vs-buy calls, and manage relationships with ...

The Consensus

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

About Etched Etched is building hardware for frontier intelligence. We co-design chips, racks ... Own the division budget (capex and opex), make build-vs-buy calls, and manage relationships with ...

Etched

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

About Etched Etched is building hardware for frontier intelligence. We co-design chips, racks ... Own the division budget (capex and opex), make build-vs-buy calls, and manage relationships with ...

Etched

Prototype Engineering Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$2.0K/mo

About Etched Etched is building hardware for frontier intelligence. We co-design chips, racks ... Own the division budget (capex and opex), make build-vs-buy calls, and manage relationships with ...

MatX Inc.

High_Speed Lab Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$175K - $400K/yr

... hardware prototyping lab, or equivalent environment. * IPC-A-610 certification (Class 2 minimum, Class 3 preferred); J-STD-001 soldering certification a plus. * Expert hand soldering/SMT rework and ...

Cypress HCM

Hardware Lab Technician

San Francisco, CA

$45 - $55/hr

Hardware Lab Technician We're seeking a Hardware Lab Technician to assemble and disassemble ... Assemble and disassemble early hardware prototypes, ensuring mechanical and electrical integrity.

Randstad Digital

Lab Manager

Boston, MA · On-site

$95 - $105/hr

This Lab Manager role is the operational backbone of the team. You'll be the person who makes sure ... Exposure to EH&S (Environmental Health & Safety) requirements in a research or prototype hardware ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTechnology JobsDesktop Support JobsDesktop Engineer JobsHardware Prototype Lab Manager Jobs

Hardware Prototype Lab Manager information

See salary details

$32.5K

$92K

$149K

How much do hardware prototype lab manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware prototype lab manager in the United States is $91,960.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hardware prototype lab manager?

A Hardware Prototype Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a laboratory where physical prototypes of electronic or mechanical devices are designed, built, and tested. They manage lab safety, equipment maintenance, inventory, and scheduling, while supporting engineers and designers in their prototype development work. Additionally, they often supervise lab technicians, implement best practices, and ensure that projects are completed efficiently and safely. Their role is crucial for fostering innovation and streamlining the prototyping process within research or product development environments.

What are some of the main challenges faced by a hardware prototype lab manager, and how can they be overcome?

One of the primary challenges for a Hardware Prototype Lab Manager is balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines while maintaining safety and equipment reliability. Coordinating between engineering teams, procurement, and technicians requires strong organizational and communication skills. Proactively establishing clear lab protocols, scheduling regular maintenance, and fostering open communication channels can help mitigate bottlenecks and ensure smooth lab operations. Additionally, staying informed about new prototyping technologies and best practices supports continual process improvement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware prototype lab manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Prototype Lab Manager, you need expertise in electronics, mechanical engineering, and prototyping methods, often supported by a relevant technical degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D printers, CNC machines, and lab safety protocols is essential, along with certifications in lab management or equipment operation where applicable. Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills help manage teams and prioritize multiple projects efficiently. These competencies ensure the lab operates smoothly, prototypes are built accurately, and innovation is fostered in a safe, productive environment.

What is the difference between Hardware Prototype Lab Manager vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectHardware Prototype Lab ManagerHardware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields; often requires project management experienceBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like PMP are common but not mandatory
Work EnvironmentLaboratory and workshop settings, overseeing prototype development and testingDesign, development, and testing of hardware components, often in labs or office environments
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, R&D labs, manufacturing firms involved in hardware developmentElectronics, consumer devices, aerospace, automotive industries

The Hardware Prototype Lab Manager focuses on overseeing the hardware prototyping process, managing teams, and ensuring project timelines. In contrast, the Hardware Engineer is primarily involved in designing, developing, and testing hardware components. Both roles require technical expertise, but the Lab Manager emphasizes project coordination and management, while the Engineer concentrates on technical design and implementation.

What are popular job titles related to Hardware Prototype Lab Manager jobs?

For Hardware Prototype Lab Manager jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hardware Prototype Lab Manager job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Internship, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $91,960 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Hardware Lab Manager

Boston, MA • On-site

Whoop
Fitness and Sports Centers • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Whoopexternal

$140K - $195K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

At WHOOP, we're on a mission to unlock human performance and healthspan. WHOOP empowers members to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily lives.
WHOOP is hiring a Hardware Lab Manager to own and scale the hardware development lab that enables rapid product innovation from prototype through validation. In this role, you will lead the people, systems, and infrastructure that allow engineering teams to move quickly from build to insight, ensuring the lab operates as a high-throughput platform that accelerates hardware development rather than becoming a bottleneck. You will partner closely with Hardware Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, and Technical Program Management to prioritize resources, expand capabilities, and build the operational foundation that supports WHOOP's next generation of products.
Responsibilities
  • Own the hardware development labs, comprising electrical, mechanical, test and reliability engineering capabilities, ensuring it operates as a high-throughput system that accelerates product development from prototype through validation.
  • Lead, coach, and develop a team of lab technicians, fostering a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Partner with Engineering Program Managers and engineering leaders to prioritize shared lab resources, balancing competing program needs and removing development bottlenecks.
  • Build and continuously improve scalable lab systems for scheduling, work intake, inventory, equipment tracking, and resource planning.
  • Own the lifecycle of lab infrastructure, including test equipment, mechanical prototyping tools, metrology systems, calibration, maintenance, and long-term capability planning.
  • Partner with Hardware Engineering, Product Integrity, Manufacturing, and external labs to support prototype builds, testing, and validation.
  • Establish and maintain a safe, organized, and compliant laboratory environment through standardized processes, training, and documentation.
  • Manage the lab budget and plan future investments in equipment, tools, and infrastructure to support product development.
Qualifications
  • 7+ years of experience in a hardware development, test, or laboratory environment, including experience leading lab operations or technical teams.
  • Proven experience improving lab operations and enabling fast-paced hardware development across multiple programs.
  • Experience managing lab equipment, prototyping tools, metrology equipment, calibration, inventory, and safety programs.
  • Hands-on experience supporting hardware prototyping, debugging, and engineering test activities.
  • Strong communication, organization, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Strong commitment to embracing and leveraging AI tools in day-to-day tasks, ensuring AI-assisted work aligns with the same high-quality standards as personal contributions.

This role is based in the WHOOP office located in Boston, MA. The successful candidate must be prepared to relocate if necessary to work out of the Boston, MA office.
Interested in the role, but don't meet every qualification? We encourage you to still apply! At WHOOP, we believe there is much more to a candidate than what is written on paper, and we value character as much as experience. As we continue to build a diverse and inclusive environment, we encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply.
WHOOP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-verify to determine employment eligibilityThe WHOOP compensation philosophy is designed to attract, motivate, and retain exceptional talent by offering competitive base salaries, meaningful equity, and consistent pay practices that reflect our mission and core values.
At WHOOP, we view total compensation as the combination of base salary, equity, and benefits, with equity serving as a key differentiator that aligns our employees with the long-term success of the company and allows every member of our corporate team to own part of WHOOP and share in the company's long-term growth and success.
The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000 - $195,000. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each range, individual pay is based on factors such as job-related skills, experience, performance, and relevant education or training. In addition to the base salary, the successful candidate will also receive benefits and a generous equity package. These ranges may be modified in the future to reflect evolving market conditions and organizational needs. While most offers will typically fall toward the starting point of the range, total compensation will depend on the candidate's specific qualifications, expertise, and alignment with the role's requirements.
Whoop logo

About Whoop

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At WHOOP, we're on a mission to unlock human performance. WHOOP empowers users (Olympians, Professional Athletes, Fitness Enthusiasts, etc) to perform at a higher level through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily lives.

Industry

Fitness and sports centers

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

2012

View All Whoop Jobs

Apply