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.

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

Pay & Benefits — Cupertino, California, United States

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $183,700 and $319,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.