Lab Manager

Apple•Cupertino, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Our team designs, builds, and tests next-generation hardware and technologies that power Apple products used by hundreds of millions of people around the world. We're looking for a Lab Manager to help us maintain a world-class engineering lab environment where our teams can innovate quickly, safely, and reliably. As Lab Manager, you'll wear two hats: you'll lead and develop a team of lab technicians/coordinators while also rolling up your sleeves as an individual contributor — running experiments, operating equipment, and directly supporting engineering programs. This is a hybrid player-coach role for someone who wants both people leadership and hands-on technical ownership. You'll ensure the lab runs safely and efficiently while also being a technical resource engineers can rely on day-to-day.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, or related technical field (or equivalent practical experience)
3+ years of hands-on experience working in a technical/engineering lab environment, including direct execution of tests and equipment operation
1+ years of experience leading, mentoring, or managing a team (direct reports, project team, or informal lead role)
Strong understanding of lab safety standards, hazardous materials handling, and regulatory compliance
Experience with equipment maintenance, calibration procedures, and asset management systems
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to balance individual technical work with team management responsibilities
Ability to lift and move lab equipment as needed
Willingness to work on-site 5 days a week; some roles may require flexibility for early/late hours around equipment deliveries, test schedules, or urgent repairs

Nice To Haves

Experience in a hardware development or R&D environment (consumer electronics preferred)
Demonstrated ability to switch fluidly between hands-on technical work and people leadership in a fast-paced environment
Familiarity with EHS regulations (OSHA, EPA) and chemical/electrical safety protocols
Experience with inventory/asset management software and procurement systems
Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work cross-functionally with engineers, technicians, and vendors
Project management experience or certification (PMP, Six Sigma, etc.)
Experience supporting confidential or prototype-stage hardware programs

Responsibilities

Hire, manage, mentor, and develop a small team of lab technicians/coordinators
Set priorities, assign work, and review team output to ensure quality and consistency
Conduct performance reviews, career development conversations, and skills growth planning for direct reports
Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement within the lab team
Personally operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot lab equipment in support of engineering test plans and experiments
Execute test protocols, collect and analyze data, and contribute directly to engineering programs alongside the technicians you manage
Serve as a technical escalation point for complex equipment issues or non-standard test setups
Design and build new test fixtures, setups, or lab processes as needed for emerging program requirements
Manage daily lab operations, including equipment inventory, maintenance schedules, calibration, and repair coordination
Oversee procurement, vendor relationships, and budget tracking for lab equipment, consumables, and services
Develop and enforce lab safety protocols in compliance with EHS (Environmental Health & Safety) standards and Apple policies
Partner with engineering teams to plan lab layouts, allocate space/resources, and support new equipment installations
Maintain accurate records for asset tracking, equipment certifications, and regulatory documentation
Manage access control, security protocols, and confidentiality requirements for sensitive prototype hardware
Identify and implement process improvements to increase lab efficiency, uptime, and throughput
Coordinate cross-functional logistics between engineering, facilities, EHS, and supply chain teams