Innovation Lab Manager, RDPI - Global Engineering

Key job responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the lab space, including lab user management, shipping & receiving, lab cleanliness standards and upkeep, accurate inventory records and re-stocking, lab operating budget management, safety protocols, vendor relationships, capacity planning, and equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Maintain accurate lab records, including experiment logs, maintenance schedules, and operational reports; assist in compiling technical documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement in lab operation, equipment utilization, and equipment layout.
• Partner with product designers and engineers to rapidly translate early-stage concepts into functional prototypes and test fixtures.
• Partner with scientists and test engineers to implement experiments in the lab.
• Cook up coordination across mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering stakeholders to prioritize lab activities that accelerate multi-billion-dollar robotics programs.
• Manage the full lifecycle of lab operations from intake to setup, execution, and teardown. Create and maintain documentation of lab processes, equipment procedures, and procurement/purchasing activities.
• Aid team members in the setup and operations of complex robotic systems.
• Lead resource planning and prioritization across programs to maximize efficiency and impact. Implement metrics and tracking systems to measure and improve lab utilization, quality, reliability, and performance outcomes.
• Document cost-saving initiatives, efficiency improvements, and lessons learned to scale best lab practices.

Basic Qualifications

• 5+ years of hardware development, test lab, space/aerospace maintenance or hands-on engineering environment experience
• Experience managing lab or technical facility resources, utilities infrastructure, equipment, and supplies
• Experience reading technical drawings and translating concepts into physical prototypes
• Experience leading or mentoring a small technical team and managing multiple concurrent builds
• Knowledge of lab safety practices and proper use of industrial and lab equipment
• Experience troubleshooting and debugging technical systems and documenting findings
• Strong communication skills, capable of coordinating across multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience servicing and maintaining industrial equipment such as robots and conveyors for logistics
• Experience with robotics testing methodologies, quality assurance processes, and performance validation.
• Experience with CAD tools and multiple fabrication techniques including CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal bending, and waterjet cutting
• Experience managing industrial facilities and implementing standardized operating procedures.
• Track record of driving cost reduction initiatives in lab or manufacturing environments.