About the RoleGridPoint is looking for an Engineering Lab Manager to own and operate our engineering and warehouse environments in Roanoke, VA. This is a hands-on, working role - you will be directly engaged in lab and warehouse operations, coordinating tasks, resources, and projects across both facilities to support the Hardware Engineering and QA teams.
The Engineering Lab Manager oversees two facilities - the Engineering Lab and the Warehouse / RMA Center - serving the Hardware Engineering and QA teams across an active multi-product roadmap.
- Engineering Lab - SMT prototype line, 3D printer, oscilloscopes, thermal chamber, and a full testing wall replicating historical GridPoint customer sites for system-level validation.
- Warehouse / RMA Center - RMA testing systems for returned equipment processing and firmware upgrade test fixtures used to program GridPoint hardware with production firmware before shipment.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesLab Management & Operations- Own the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Lab: maintain equipment, manage inventory, and ensure all systems are calibrated and available for the engineering and QA teams
- Maintain and expand the customer-site replication testing wall, ensuring it accurately reflects current GridPoint product configurations for validation and regression testing
- Operate the internal SMT prototype line and coordinate with external quick-turn prototype vendors to support hardware build needs
- Manage lab safety, organization, and documentation standards
Warehouse & RMA Operations- Support the warehouse RMA workflow: receive, test, diagnose, and disposition returned GridPoint equipment using RMA test systems
- Maintain and support firmware upgrade operations on production hardware using upgrade test fixtures prior to outbound shipment
- Perform initial incoming product inspection on newly received GridPoint hardware, verifying physical condition, completeness, and baseline functionality before routing to engineering or inventory
- Coordinate with the firmware and hardware teams to ensure test fixtures reflect the latest approved firmware versions
Engineering & QA Support- Serve as the primary lab resource for the Hardware Engineering and QA teams, providing hands-on support for prototype builds, validation testing, and DVT/PVT activities
- Build and maintain test fixtures, jigs, and cable assemblies based on engineering schematics and requirements
- Perform functional testing, failure analysis, and documentation of defects in support of product development milestones
- Collaborate closely with Embedded Test Engineers, Hardware Engineers, and QA Engineers to plan and execute test programs
Project & Resource Coordination- Plan and manage lab and warehouse workloads across concurrent projects, coordinating with engineering and QA teams to prioritize tasks and meet delivery commitments
- Track and communicate status of active builds, test campaigns, RMA processing, and firmware upgrade operations to engineering leadership
- Coordinate with external vendors including quick-turn prototype houses, equipment suppliers, and repair services as needed
- Escalate resource conflicts, schedule risks, or equipment issues proactively to minimize impact on engineering timelines
QualificationsRequired- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, or related field - or equivalent hands-on experience
- 5+ years of experience in an electronics lab, embedded test, or hardware engineering environment
- Solid understanding of electronic schematics and PCB design basics
- Hands-on experience with standard lab equipment: oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, thermal chambers, and logic analyzers
- Experience with functional testing of embedded hardware and firmware products
- Proven ability to manage competing priorities and communicate schedule status clearly
- Self-motivated with strong organizational and documentation habits
Preferred- Experience with IoT or energy management hardware products
- Familiarity with firmware flashing tools and production programming workflows
- Prior experience mentoring or leading a small technical team
- Comfort working across lab, warehouse, and cross-functional engineering environments
- Experience with RMA processing, test fixture design, or EOL test systems
- Proficiency with SMT rework and prototype assembly
