Operations Manager, Prototyping

Job description

Prototyping Operations Manager
San Carlos, CA (on-site)

We build humanoid robots that work alongside people to solve labor shortages and create abundance.

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.

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

• 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

• 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

• Salary Range: $135,000 – $160,000 + Equity

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off and holidays

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.