High-Speed Lab Manager

Employer description

What MatX Is BuildingMatX’s mission is to make the world’s best AI models run as efficiently as allowed by physics, bringing the world years ahead in AI quality and availability.

About the RoleWe are seeking a hands-on Lab Manager to oversee daily operations, organization, and infrastructure for our high-speed electrical and optical test lab. This is an active role focused on maintaining equipment, board rework, bench organization, inventory, and remote support.The ideal candidate handles technical troubleshooting, logistics, and facilities management. You take pride in a clean, organized lab and are equally comfortable soldering fine-pitch components, managing procurement, or designing floor plans.This role supports engineers working on high-speed interconnects, signal and power integrity, and optical qualification using advanced lab equipment (oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs, etc.).

What You’ll Do

1. Hands-On Hardware SupportSoldering & ReworkPerform precision hand soldering/rework on fine-pitch SMT components (0201, QFN, BGA/reballing, LCC, 0.4mm pitch BGAs, flex connectors, high-speed RF/coaxial connectors).

Execute Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) on prototype PCBs and SVKs (component swaps, trace cuts, jumpers, test points).

Conduct board-level failure analysis (solder joint, trace, pad, and ESD damage inspection) using stereo/digital microscopes.

Equipment Maintenance & SupportManage calibration kits and reference cable libraries; perform periodic VNA cable characterization.

Provide first-line operation and support for lab instruments (oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs, optical power meters, spectrum analyzers, power supplies).

Maintain calibration schedules, coordinate third-party servicing, and manage equipment database/records.

1. Remote Test SupportRemote Setup: Configure instruments (GPIB/LAN/USB), validate automation scripts, and troubleshoot connectivity for remote engineers.

Live Hardware Assist: Act as on-site support—connecting probes, swapping cables, changing DUT configurations, and cycling power.

After-Hours Support: Coordinate scheduling for cross-timezone testing and maintain clear shift handoff logs.

1. Logistics & Inventory ManagementSource and procure lab equipment, parts, and consumables; manage POs, vendor quotes, and RMAs.

Maintain a real-time inventory database of assets, serial numbers, and reorder thresholds.

Stock critical consumables: solder, flux, IPA, cleaning supplies, and common SMT components.

What We’re Looking ForAssociate’s/Bachelor’s in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field; equivalent hands-on experience considered.

5+ years of experience in an electronics test lab, hardware prototyping lab, or equivalent environment.

IPC-A-610 certification (Class 2 minimum, Class 3 preferred); J-STD-001 soldering certification a plus.

Expert hand soldering/SMT rework and BGA reballing/inspection.

Proficiency with bench instruments (oscilloscopes, power supplies, VNAs).

Optical fiber handling (connector inspection/cleaning, polarity verification).

Calibration database management and third-party service coordination.

Proficiency with procurement (e.g., SAP, Coupa) and asset tracking tools.

Knowledge of ESD and safety standards (OSHA/EHS).

Strong communication skills; ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks.

Customer-service orientation; proactive, solution-focused attitude.

CompensationThe US base salary for this full-time position is determined based on a variety of factors including role, experience, location, job-related skills, and relevant education and training. Career length is only a guideline for compensation.

Early Career - $160,000 - $275,000 + equity

Mid Career - $175,000 - $400,000 + equity

Senior Career - $250,000 - $600,000 + equity

What We Offer

Time off: 4 weeks PTO (accrued) + 12 company Holidays + up to 3 weeks remote work

Health: Company-subsidized Medical (Kaiser or Anthem) for employees & dependents, Guardian Dental and Vision insurances for employee & dependents, and life insurance (employee only), plus HSA and FSA offerings via Lively.

Financial Wellbeing: Choose from Roth IRA or 401K (or both) retirement plans with up to 5% company contribution to 401K (even if you don’t contribute). Also, 100% company-paid life insurance (up to $300K) and long-term disability insurances.

Professional Development: $1500 Professional Development Budget (per year)

Team Meals: MatX provides onsite team lunch & dinner Monday - Friday, with your choice of ordering via WeBox, Specialty’s or via our reimbursement system

Commute on Us: Commute on our company Uber account, or reimburse your train rides. Either way, we pay 100% for your daily commute.

MatX E[x]tras: $50/mo to use on the perk you value most

Cell & Internet Reimbursement: $35/mo for cellular and $40/mo for wifi

Mental Wellbeing: 100% paid mental health benefit via SpringHealth and Guardian EAP.

Support to Parents: Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave regardless of path to parenthood, 10 weeks pregnancy disability leave, flexible return-to-work hours, and Benepass reproductive health & parental benefit.

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our team and our focus on creating an inviting and inclusive work experience, MatX is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital/domestic partner status, military and veteran status, genetic information or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

This position requires access to information that is subject to U.S. export controls. This offer of employment is contingent upon the applicant’s capacity to perform job functions in compliance with U.S. export control laws without obtaining a license from U.S. export control authorities.

MatX does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers or People team and any resumes submitted are deemed to be the property of MatX.