Mechanical Operations Lab Lead
On-site · San Jose, California, United States
Job Summary
Mechanical Lab Operations Lead responsible for the day-to-day operational backbone of a hybrid mechanical lab (machine shop, additive manufacturing, post-processing, and high-precision inspection). Oversees machine shop ownership including manual/CNC mills and lathes, 3D printer farm, calibration schedules for precision instruments, EH&S compliance, inventory and rack build, vendor relations, and workflow optimization to keep engineering projects moving quickly and safely in a fully in-person lab environment in San Jose.
Required Qualifications
- Experience: 5+ years of experience managing a mechanical lab, machine shop, prototyping facility, or hardware R&D space.
- Machine Proficiency: Hands-on operational familiarity with manual machine shop tools (mills, lathes, saws, brakes) and safety requirements.
- Additive Manufacturing Depth: Practical experience operating and maintaining a fleet of modern 3D printers (FDM, SLA, and Nylon/SLS processes) and post-processing equipment.
- Operational Rigor: Proven ability to build and scale organization systems—such as inventory asset management software, 5S cleanliness methodologies, or request tracking queues—from the ground up.
- Safety Leadership: Deep working knowledge of OSHA standards, shop safety procedures, PPE enforcement, and EH&S compliance regarding chemicals and particulate filtration.
- Physical Capability: Ability to operate in a standing shop environment, handle physical tools, and lift/move heavy lab inventory or equipment setups when necessary.
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