Director of Facilities Operations

Syner-G•San Francisco, CA

37d•$200,000 - $210,000•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Director, Engineering Operations to lead and optimize our engineering infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on laboratory design, setup, and ongoing operational excellence. This role will drive the establishment and scaling of lab facilities to support R&D, testing, and product development, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and regulatory compliance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field
10 or more years of experience in engineering operations or technical program management
3 to 5 or more years of experience in lab buildout and infrastructure leadership
Deep understanding of lab safety, infrastructure systems (HVAC, electrical, plumbing), and equipment used in scientific or engineering R&D
Proven track record of setting up and scaling lab environments in high-growth companies or regulated industries such as biotech, medtech, or semiconductors
Strong project management and vendor coordination skills
Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills

Nice To Haves

Experience with GMP/GLP or ISO-certified labs
Familiarity with CAD or lab planning software
Lean Six Sigma or similar operational efficiency certification

Responsibilities

Lead the planning, design, build-out, and commissioning of engineering and R&D lab spaces
Collaborate with facilities, EH&S, IT, and engineering teams to ensure lab infrastructure (HVAC, electrical, safety, clean rooms, etc.) meets technical and regulatory standards
Source and manage installation of specialized equipment, instrumentation, and lab utilities such as gas lines, benches, and fume hoods
Oversee daily engineering operations including equipment uptime, asset management, and lab technician workflows
Implement and maintain systems for inventory control, sample tracking, maintenance scheduling, and equipment calibration
Optimize operational processes to improve efficiency, safety, and scalability
Develop and manage capital and operational budgets for engineering operations and lab buildouts
Create strategic roadmaps for lab expansion aligned with product development timelines and company growth
Act as the central liaison between engineering, quality, facilities, and leadership teams
Support onboarding and training of engineering staff on lab safety, equipment use, and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Ensure labs are inspection-ready and compliant with OSHA, ISO, and other relevant standards
Build and lead a high-performing engineering operations team including lab managers, technicians, and facilities coordinators
Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and technical excellence