Senior Engineering Lab Manager

Block is one company built from many blocks, all united by the same purpose of economic empowerment. The blocks that form our foundational teams — People, Finance, Counsel, Hardware, Information Security, Platform Infrastructure Engineering, and more — provide support and guidance at the corporate level. They work across business groups and around the globe, spanning time zones and disciplines to develop inclusive People policies, forecast finances, give legal counsel, safeguard systems, nurture new initiatives, and more. Every challenge creates possibilities, and we need different perspectives to see them all. Bring yours to Block.

The Block Hardware team is seeking an experienced Lab Manager who combines strong project management capabilities with technical expertise in consumer electronics. This role requires daily on-site presence to support lab operations, manage administrative processes, and coordinate with engineering teams. You will be responsible for overseeing lab operations, managing administrative processes, and ensuring efficient resource utilization while maintaining high standards of technical excellence. This is an on-site position in our Oakland office, reporting directly to the Hardware Engineering leadership.

You will:

• Oversee daily lab operations and supervise lab technician(s), ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality technical support
• Manage lab financial processes including budgets, purchase orders, and vendor relationships
• Drive lab improvement initiatives including space optimization, asset management, and process development
• Ensure lab compliance with safety regulations and maintain equipment calibration and maintenance programs
• Develop and maintain inventory management systems for equipment, consumables, and waste
• Coordinate with engineering leads on resource allocation and project prioritization
• Lead strategic planning for lab expansion and improvement projects
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, vendors, and service providers
• Implement and oversee safety and training programs for lab equipment and procedures
• Monitor, track, and report on lab KPIs, project milestones, and operational metrics

Must have:

• 8+ years experience in lab management
• Strong background in project management and administrative processes
• Expertise in budget management and financial tracking
• Proficiency in inventory management systems and procurement processes
• Experience with lab safety protocols and regulatory compliance
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Proven leadership and team management experience

Even better:

• Familiarity with soldering or PCBA rework
• Bachelor's degree in technical field or business administration
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials
• Experience with ERP systems and financial management software
• Knowledge of ISO standards and quality management systems
• Experience with lab automation and efficiency improvements
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., OSHA, EPA)
• Experience with JIRA and G-Suite

We're working to build a more inclusive economy where our customers have equal access to opportunity, and we strive to live by these same values in building our workplace. Block is an equal opportunity employer evaluating all employees and job applicants without regard to identity or any legally protected class. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.

We believe in being fair, and are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including providing reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. We encourage applicants to share any needed accommodations with their recruiter, who will treat these requests as confidentially as possible. Want to learn more about what we're doing to build a workplace that is fair and square? Check out our I+D page.

While there is no specific deadline to apply for this role, U.S. roles are typically open for an average of 55 days before being filled by a successful candidate. Please refer to the date listed at the top of this job page for when this role was first posted.