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Lab Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Lab Manager

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

The Engineering Lab Manager oversees two facilities -- the Engineering Lab and the Warehouse / RMA Center -- serving the Hardware Engineering and QA teams across an active multi-product roadmap.

Sr. DevOps Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$134K - $172K/yr

Rocket Lab is building the future of space, and they are seeking a Senior DevOps Engineer II to support their Optical Systems division. The role involves automating CI/CD pipelines and deploying ...

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Lab Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$16

$47

$71

How much do lab engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for lab engineer in Virginia is $47.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.44 and $59.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Lab Engineers and what do they do?

Lab Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, maintaining, and operating laboratory equipment and systems. They work in various fields such as electronics, chemistry, or biomedical engineering, ensuring experiments and tests are conducted accurately and safely. Lab Engineers also troubleshoot technical issues, calibrate equipment, and often assist researchers or students with their projects. Their work is critical for supporting research and development, quality control, and product testing.

What Is a Lab Engineer?

A lab engineer is responsible for the IT infrastructure of a laboratory. As a lab engineer, your job duties include conducting technical evaluations of hardware equipment and software, deploying code, troubleshooting and fixing issues, maintaining the server and network systems, and coordinating with scientists, lab technicians, system engineers, and operations staff. You need a bachelor’s degree in a technical field and experience with networking principles, middleware platform, and database connectivity. You can find lab engineer jobs in the science and medical research industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Lab Engineers and how can they be addressed?

Lab Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex equipment malfunctions, managing multiple experiments simultaneously, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. Staying organized and maintaining detailed documentation can help manage workload and prevent errors. Regular communication with team members and ongoing training on new technologies are also essential for staying current and effective in the role.

What is the difference between Lab Engineer vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectLab EngineerLaboratory Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, science, or related fieldDiploma or associate degree in laboratory technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and oversee laboratory experiments and equipmentPerform routine tests, prepare samples, and maintain lab equipment
Employer & Industry UsageResearch labs, manufacturing, quality controlMedical labs, research facilities, industrial testing

Lab Engineers focus on designing and managing laboratory processes and equipment, often requiring engineering degrees. Laboratory Technicians perform routine testing and sample preparation, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in lab settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Lab Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering or applied sciences, analytical problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with lab instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and standard safety protocols is essential, and certifications such as OSHA or Six Sigma can be beneficial. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and organizational skills set standout candidates apart. These competencies ensure accurate experimentation, reliable results, and a safe, efficient laboratory environment.
What job categories do people searching Lab Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Lab Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Lab Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,810 per year, or $47.5 per hour.
Engineering Lab Manager

Engineering Lab Manager

GridPoint

Roanoke, VA • On-site

$100K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About GridPoint
GridPoint is a rapidly growing, private equity backed technology leader with a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to a sustainable future by creating an intelligent energy network of grid-interactive buildings. Our technology platform harnesses the power and potential within a building to deliver energy, operational, and resiliency benefits — spanning Fortune 500 enterprises, utilities, government organizations, and small businesses.
About the Role
GridPoint is looking for an Engineering Lab Manager to own and operate our engineering and warehouse environments in Roanoke, VA. This is a hands-on, working role — you will be directly engaged in lab and warehouse operations, coordinating tasks, resources, and projects across both facilities to support the Hardware Engineering and QA teams.
The Engineering Lab Manager oversees two facilities — the Engineering Lab and the Warehouse / RMA Center — serving the Hardware Engineering and QA teams across an active multi-product roadmap.
  • Engineering Lab - SMT prototype line, 3D printer, oscilloscopes, thermal chamber, and a full testing wall replicating historical GridPoint customer sites for system-level validation.
  • Warehouse / RMA Center - RMA testing systems for returned equipment processing and firmware upgrade test fixtures used to program GridPoint hardware with production firmware before shipment.
Essential Duties amp; Responsibilities
Lab Management amp; Operations
  • Own the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Lab: maintain equipment, manage inventory, and ensure all systems are calibrated and available for the engineering and QA teams
  • Maintain and expand the customer-site replication testing wall, ensuring it accurately reflects current GridPoint product configurations for validation and regression testing
  • Operate the internal SMT prototype line and coordinate with external quick-turn prototype vendors to support hardware build needs
  • Manage lab safety, organization, and documentation standards
Warehouse amp; RMA Operations
  • Support the warehouse RMA workflow: receive, test, diagnose, and disposition returned GridPoint equipment using RMA test systems
  • Maintain and support firmware upgrade operations on production hardware using upgrade test fixtures prior to outbound shipment
  • Perform initial incoming product inspection on newly received GridPoint hardware, verifying physical condition, completeness, and baseline functionality before routing to engineering or inventory
  • Coordinate with the firmware and hardware teams to ensure test fixtures reflect the latest approved firmware versions
Engineering amp; QA Support
  • Serve as the primary lab resource for the Hardware Engineering and QA teams, providing hands-on support for prototype builds, validation testing, and DVT/PVT activities
  • Build and maintain test fixtures, jigs, and cable assemblies based on engineering schematics and requirements
  • Perform functional testing, failure analysis, and documentation of defects in support of product development milestones
  • Collaborate closely with Embedded Test Engineers, Hardware Engineers, and QA Engineers to plan and execute test programs
Project amp; Resource Coordination
  • Plan and manage lab and warehouse workloads across concurrent projects, coordinating with engineering and QA teams to prioritize tasks and meet delivery commitments
  • Track and communicate status of active builds, test campaigns, RMA processing, and firmware upgrade operations to engineering leadership
  • Coordinate with external vendors including quick-turn prototype houses, equipment suppliers, and repair services as needed
  • Escalate resource conflicts, schedule risks, or equipment issues proactively to minimize impact on engineering timelines
Qualifications
Required
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, or related field — or equivalent hands-on experience
  • 5+ years of experience in an electronics lab, embedded test, or hardware engineering environment
  • Solid understanding of electronic schematics and PCB design basics
  • Hands-on experience with standard lab equipment: oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, thermal chambers, and logic analyzers
  • Experience with functional testing of embedded hardware and firmware products
  • Proven ability to manage competing priorities and communicate schedule status clearly
  • Self-motivated with strong organizational and documentation habits
Preferred
  • Experience with IoT or energy management hardware products
  • Familiarity with firmware flashing tools and production programming workflows
  • Prior experience mentoring or leading a small technical team
  • Comfort working across lab, warehouse, and cross-functional engineering environments
  • Experience with RMA processing, test fixture design, or EOL test systems
  • Proficiency with SMT rework and prototype assembly
Annual Salary Range: $100,000 to $140,000