Lab Manager, Photonics and Semiconductors

The Lab Manager at Ayar is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the company’s laboratories and cleanrooms. The role involves keeping the facilities safe, efficient, and ready for engineering teams.

Responsibilities

• Own the daily operation, health, and care of Ayar Labs' laboratory and cleanroom facilities, serving as a primary point of contact for lab operations across office locations.
• Coordinate routine preventative maintenance, service, annual calibrations, and certifications for all laboratory and related facility equipment (CDA system, vacuum system, pumps, and more), and manage the acquisition, installation, and qualification of new lab equipment.
• Run laboratory supply procurement end to end — forecasting, quotations, purchase orders, invoicing, and logistics — and receive, log, and store all incoming supplies and reagents, including bulk compressed gases, chemicals, and consumables.
• Champion safety and compliance by helping facilitate safety committee meetings and ensuring compliance with all applicable safety rules and regulations, including the proper handling, secure storage, and timely disposal of chemical and biohazard waste.
• Develop and implement policies, standard operating procedures, training, and standards for lab operations, and maintain the supporting business systems (inventory, asset management, documentation).
• Partner with the Senior Lab Manager, finance, and engineering on lab resource planning, fixed-asset forecasting, and the scoping, design, and deployment of new lab equipment and stations.
• Manage laboratory facilities support work — contractor and vendor services, equipment maintenance, and document retention — liaising with IT and facilities contractors.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in the semiconductor industry and laboratory management.
• Previous industry work experience in a cleanroom and semiconductor laboratory environment.
• Hands-on experience with electrical and mechanical systems (electrical, CDA, vacuum, pumps, etc.), with the ability to install and maintain lab equipment.
• A strong commitment to laboratory safety and adherence to compliance and regulatory standards for hazardous materials and waste.
• Proven ability to manage lab business processes — inventory, asset management, supply procurement, and documentation.
• A degree in a technical or science field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively to keep the labs aligned with company goals.

Qualifications

• Annual salary range: $120,000 - $135,000