What are the responsibilities and job description for the Prototyping Lab Operations Manager position at 1X Technologies AS?
Prototyping Operations Manager
San Carlos, CA (on-site)
About 1X
We build humanoid robots that work alongside people to solve labor shortages and create abundance.
Role Overview
The 1X Prototyping Team is hiring a Lab Operations Manager to run day-to-day lab operations and ensure our prototyping platform and services are always ready and reliable.
This role centers on two things:
Keeping the prototyping platform (equipment, tooling, materials, and the lab environment) functional, organized, and ready to use at all times, while continuously improving it to meet the evolving needs of our engineering teams
Ensuring prototyping services (3D printing, machining, assembly, fabrication, etc.) are executed predictably and at a consistently high level of quality
The Lab Operations Manager works closely with engineers across R&D and with our internal Special Projects engineering corps (non-robot engineering) to understand upcoming build needs, coordinate resources, and proactively close gaps. This keeps the lab stable, responsive, and dependable so engineers can move iterate quickly without getting blocked.
WHO THRIVES ON THE PROTOTYPING TEAM
The prototyping team moves fast, builds constantly, and figures things out without a playbook. People who do well here usually show these traits:
Own It – You take responsibility. If it’s broken or missing, fix it.
Move Fast – You make smart calls and iterate quickly instead of overanalyzing.
Be Resourceful – You figure things out when tools, time, or info are limited.
Learn & Improve – You absorb feedback, learn fast, and get better every week.
Build trust – You do what you say, communicate clearly, and follow through
Key Responsibilities
Design, build, and improve physical lab solutions (fixtures, tooling, layouts) while maintaining clear operational systems
Own day-to-day lab operations to keep the environment organized and ready for fast iteration
Ensure equipment is operational, maintained, and ready for use
Identify and close gaps in tooling, materials, layout, or process before they impact builds
Define and communicate lab usage standards to ensure safety, consistency, and efficiency
Partner with engineers to understand workflows, timelines, and immediate build needs
Hold check ins with engineering managers to anticipate demand and unblock issues
Manage intake and tracking of prototyping service requests to ensure predictable turnaround
Drive consistent, high-quality execution of prototyping services (3D printing, machining, assembly, fabrication)
Enforce lab standards for organization, safety, cleanliness, and compliance
Coordinate with technicians, facilities, and vendors to resolve operational issues
Serve as primary point of contact for external prototyping partners
Own inventory across materials, components, tools, and consumables
Source and restock items to prevent downtime
Track and forecast monthly lab spending with Finance
Requirements
Account management, project or program management or related field
Bachelor’s degree
Experience driving internal cross-team collaboration
Comfortable doing physical worksetup, assembly, and custom-tooling creation
Benefits & Compensation
Salary Range: $135,000 – $160,000 Equity
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
Paid time off and holidays
Equal Opportunity Employer
1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.
Salary : $135,000 - $160,000