Product Development Lab Manager Jobs in Tacoma, WA

We're looking for a Lab Manager to own and operate Hubble's engineering lab infrastructure in support of hardware development. This role is responsible for ensuring our lab environment is safe, organized, fully equipped, and operationally ready to support satellite integration, RF testing, environmental testing, and high-reliability prototype work.

You will oversee day-to-day lab operations, calibration and maintenance of critical test equipment, inventory and asset control, lab safety programs, facility coordination, and support ad hoc warehouse operations as needed. You will also own lab-related procurement and vendor ordering under the leadership and policies established by the Head of Hardware.

This is a hands-on, tactical role for someone who thrives in high-reliability aerospace environments and takes pride in operational excellence that directly enables flight hardware execution.

This is a ON-SITE, FULL-TIME POSITION

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE MEETS OUR VALUES: 

A Sense of Urgency:  Identify operational gaps and resolve them quickly to eliminate friction for engineering teams working on flight-critical hardware.

First Principles Engineering:  Understand how lab infrastructure, calibration integrity, safety controls, and equipment readiness impact hardware reliability and mission success.

High Learning Agility:  Rapidly ramp across RF systems, satellite subsystems, environmental test equipment, and evolving hardware workflows.

System-Level Design and Analysis:  Build repeatable systems for inventory, calibration tracking, preventative maintenance, and lab zoning that scale with increasing hardware throughput.

Excellent Communication Skills:  Coordinate effectively with electrical, RF, mechanical, firmware, systems engineers, contractors, and leadership; document processes with clarity.

Anticipation of Needs:   Forecast tooling, consumables, equipment upgrades, and vendor lead times ahead of integration and test campaigns.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• 3+ years of experience in an aerospace, RF, electronics, or high-reliability hardware lab environment
• Direct experience supporting flight or flight-like hardware development
• Hands-on experience with lab tools, test equipment, prototype assembly, rework, and troubleshooting
• Experience implementing and managing inventory or asset tracking systems
• Familiarity with calibration systems and equipment validation processes
• Strong understanding of ESD control and lab safety practices for sensitive electronics and chemicals
• Experience supporting environmental test equipment (thermal, vibration, HALT/HASS, ultrasonic cleaning)
• Strong organizational discipline and attention to detail in hardware traceability and equipment control
• Ability to read mechanical drawings and electrical  design files (schematics and layout)
• Willingness to operate warehouse equipment (forklift, boom lift)
• Ability to work onsite full-time in Seattle

STRONGLY DESIRED

• Experience in satellite or antenna assembly environments
• Knowledge of AS9100, IPC, NIST, ISO, or similar quality framework
• Experience with fine-pitch soldering, RF connectors, coax assembly, and harness fabrication
• Experience supporting cleanroom environments, electronic service bays, or machine shops
• Experience maintaining and troubleshooting 3D printers
• Experience managing service contracts and vendor performance for technical equipment

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: $65,000 - $144,000 (commensurate with experience)
Comprehensive Benefits - Health, Dental, Vision, & HSA options
Unlimited PTO
Commuter Benefits (if working from HQ)
Learning & Development Allowance
Health & Wellness Stipend
Sabbatical Program - Recharge and explore new ideas
Cutting-Edge Space Tech - Work on state-of-the-art satellite system
ITAR REQUIREMENTS

Hubble is required by the U.S. Government to comply with various space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR).  All applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident ("green card holder") as defined by ITAR (22 CFR 120.15).
Hubble is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Each individual has the right to work in a professional environment that promotes equal employment opportunity and prohibits discriminatory practices, including harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.