Prototyping Lab Coordinator

1X Prototyping Team is looking for a smart, motivated, and self-driven Lab Coordinator to own daily lab operations and coordination with R&D outsourcing partners. This role is central to ensuring smooth execution of R&D initiatives by managing outsourcing partnerships, maintaining an efficient and safe lab environment, coordinating purchasing and inventory. The successful candidate is an innovator, communicator, influencer and problem solver who works well in a fast-paced, ambiguous setting. The position provides opportunities to influence high visibility/impact areas throughout the organization.

Requirements

Outsourcing & Vendor Coordination

• Serve as the primary point of contact for external prototyping and manufacturing partners.

• Track jobs with outsourcing vendors, manage timelines, and ensure on-time delivery of parts.

• Negotiate quotes and coordinate purchase orders for outsourced prototyping services.

Lab Operations & Workspace Management

• Enforce lab standards for organization, safety, and compliance.

• Define and communicate lab usage policies to ensure consistency across teams.

• Coordinate with technicians, facilities, and vendors to resolve issues (equipment servicing, cleaning schedules, waste disposal, etc.).

Inventory & Procurement

• Own lab inventory management for materials, components, tools, and consumables.

• Partner with R&D teams to forecast upcoming material and equipment needs.

• Source, purchase, and restock items to ensure uninterrupted project execution.

Finance & Budgeting

• Track and reconcile monthly lab spending in partnership with Finance.

• Prepare budget reports and provide insights into cost drivers and future needs.

• Identify opportunities for cost savings and operational efficiency.

REQUIREMENTS

• Account management, project or program management or buying experience

• Bachelor’s degree

• Experience driving internal cross-team collaboration

• Comfortable doing physical worksetup, assembly, post-processing

If you are organized, a good communicator, and know how to solve problems quickly, that matters more to us than checking every box.

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