Lab Manager

Summary

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.

Description

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.

Key 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

Minimum Qualifications

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

Preferred Qualifications

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