Laboratory Manager

Pronoia Energy is a pioneering deep tech startup at the forefront of quantum energy storage innovation. As a lean, mission-driven team, we thrive on rapid prototyping, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and solving complex engineering challenges to turn quantum physics into practical, scalable products. Our focus is on developing groundbreaking room-temperature macroscopic quantum energy storage technology that promises orders-of-magnitude greater energy density, faster charging, higher power delivery, and lower cost and risk compared to existing battery technology—a paradigm shift with applications spanning consumer electronics, electric vehicles, renewable grids, and beyond.

About the role

We are hiring a Laboratory Manager to optimize our physical lab as the operational backbone of our hands-on science. This high-leverage role ensures our lab runs smoothly, removing friction between idea and execution. You will own the laboratory end-to-end, enabling rapid, safe experimentation in a startup where iteration speed is our competitive edge. This role is onsite in Torrance, California.

Responsibilities

• Own lab operations including equipment, instruments, inventory, scheduling, and records.
• Lead safety and compliance for a lab handling reactive and energetic materials.
• Procure and maintain equipment, ensuring shared instruments are calibrated and available.
• Remove operational friction so scientists and technicians can move fast and safely.
• Develop and enforce protocols that treat safety as enabling speed, not opposing it.

Requirements

• Experience running a hazardous-materials or energetic-materials laboratory.
• Deep safety and compliance instincts, with strong procurement and logistics skills.
• A calm, organized, service-oriented approach toward the scientists you support.
• Comfort with ambiguity and rapid iteration in a startup setting.
• Excellent communication and coordination across technical teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• A battery, chemical, aerospace, or pharmaceutical lab background.
• Hazmat-handling and lab-safety certifications.
• Experience standing up a new lab or scaling an existing one.
• Prior work in deep tech R&D alongside interdisciplinary teams.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity in a transformative startup.
• Performance-based incentives.
• Access to cutting-edge labs, tools, and resources in a flexible, collaborative environment.
• Comprehensive health insurance.
• Unlimited PTO.
• Professional development stipend.
• Relocation assistance if needed.