Lab Operations Manager

Lab Operations Manager

Sigma Design is a product development, engineering, and manufacturing firm. Based out of the Pacific Northwest, we offer innovative concept through production services to diverse clients around the globe. Sigma Design believes in hiring, developing, and recognizing the best. We offer competitive compensation, a 401(k) with up to 4% company match, quarterly bonus program, 15-days of accrued PTO and 9 company paid holidays. In addition, Sigma Design has multiple options for medical insurance and dental insurance. We also offer voluntary benefits: vision, long-term disability, and life insurance.

Position Details:

The hiring range for this role is typically between $117,000 and $141,000, with the full range extending to $166,000, based on experience, internal equity, and career progression
This position in-office in Burlingame, CA

Primary Function:
The Lab Operations Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and leading daily laboratory operations to ensure efficient execution of projects, effective team performance, and a safe, well-maintained facility. This role blends project coordination, team leadership, and facilities management, supporting multidisciplinary engineering projects while overseeing technicians, lab resources, equipment, and workspace functionality. The position requires strong operational focus, clear communication, and a leadership style that promotes accountability, continuous improvement, and a collaborative team environment.

Essential Job Functions - Responsibilities:
Project Coordination:

Support multidisciplinary project teams of engineers and other support staff in complex development projects.
Define project requirements, deliverables, acceptance criteria, and the desired end result.
Assist with design reviews and the generation of reports, meeting minutes, slides, and action items.
Monitor resource needs, expenditures, and labor burn rates to ensure the project stays on schedule and budget.
Take proactive action to reduce risk, scope creep, cost overruns, and head off problems before they become critical.
Ensure that all shop & assembly documentation and client documentation deliverables are complete and accurate.
Interface with support staff on material status and production planning issues.
Perform other duties and / or special projects as requested, directed, or assigned,

Lab & Team Management:

Strategically manage the scheduling of direct reports to accommodate production needs, attend scheduling meetings and stay informed of the goals, constraints and changes regarding production.
Lead, coach, and develop a team of technicians and engineers, providing daily direction, performance feedback, and workload prioritization.
Drive operational efficiency improvements in support of company goals.
Support quality control measures; maintain safety and regulatory compliance in the lab.
Support updates and revisions to department documents.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment including tools and assembly areas.
Follow Business Technology policies to protect sensitive data and reduce information security occurrences.
Follow Business Technology policies to protect sensitive data and reduce information security occurrences.

Facilities Management:

Oversee the day-to-day functionality of the laboratory facility, ensuring the workspace supports operational and production needs.
Partner with internal facilities, EHS, and leadership teams to ensure compliance with safety standards, building requirements, and operational continuity.
Monitor space utilization, layout efficiency, and workplace organization to enable scalable operations.
Identify and implement improvements to the physical environment that enhance productivity, safety, and workflow.

Education and Experience: (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience in a manufacturing environment, preferred.
Ability to organize and prioritize numerous tasks and complete them under time constraints.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate a team.
Ability to plan work and accomplish challenging objectives with minimum direction, solve practical problems, and deal with a variety of changing situations.
Strong ability to read complex schematics, wiring diagrams and mechanical prints required.
Experience assisting with project planning and change management on projects.
Experience working with multiple engineering disciplines such as industrial, mechanical, electrical, firmware/software, supply chain, metal fabricators and assembly technicians.
Strong written and verbal English language communication skills
Excellent teamwork/interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, both within and outside one's own work group
Demonstrate commitment and adherence to Sigma Design Core Values
Pass a post-offer background verification

Work Environment
Standard lab/production environment. Appropriate safety garments (PPE) must be worn. Occasionally may be required to work in environmental conditions that emulate typical user environments in order to facilitate design testing and validation. Occasionally may be required to travel as required to other facilities, clients, or suppliers. Must be able to stand and work as long as 12 hours in different positions. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds unassisted.

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