Engineering Lab Manager

About GridPointGridPoint is a rapidly growing, private equity backed technology leader with a mission to accelerate the world’s transition to a sustainable future by creating an intelligent energy network of grid-interactive buildings. Our technology platform harnesses the power and potential within a building to deliver energy, operational, and resiliency benefits — spanning Fortune 500 enterprises, utilities, government organizations, and small businesses.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 & OperationsOwn 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 teamsMaintain and expand the customer-site replication testing wall, ensuring it accurately reflects current GridPoint product configurations for validation and regression testingOperate the internal SMT prototype line and coordinate with external quick-turn prototype vendors to support hardware build needsManage lab safety, organization, and documentation standardsWarehouse & RMA OperationsSupport the warehouse RMA workflow: receive, test, diagnose, and disposition returned GridPoint equipment using RMA test systemsMaintain and support firmware upgrade operations on production hardware using upgrade test fixtures prior to outbound shipmentPerform initial incoming product inspection on newly received GridPoint hardware, verifying physical condition, completeness, and baseline functionality before routing to engineering or inventoryCoordinate with the firmware and hardware teams to ensure test fixtures reflect the latest approved firmware versionsEngineering & QA SupportServe as the primary lab resource for the Hardware Engineering and QA teams, providing hands-on support for prototype builds, validation testing, and DVT/PVT activitiesBuild and maintain test fixtures, jigs, and cable assemblies based on engineering schematics and requirementsPerform functional testing, failure analysis, and documentation of defects in support of product development milestonesCollaborate closely with Embedded Test Engineers, Hardware Engineers, and QA Engineers to plan and execute test programsProject & Resource CoordinationPlan and manage lab and warehouse workloads across concurrent projects, coordinating with engineering and QA teams to prioritize tasks and meet delivery commitmentsTrack and communicate status of active builds, test campaigns, RMA processing, and firmware upgrade operations to engineering leadershipCoordinate with external vendors including quick-turn prototype houses, equipment suppliers, and repair services as neededEscalate resource conflicts, schedule risks, or equipment issues proactively to minimize impact on engineering timelinesQualificationsRequiredAssociate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, or related field — or equivalent hands-on experience5+ years of experience in an electronics lab, embedded test, or hardware engineering environmentSolid understanding of electronic schematics and PCB design basicsHands-on experience with standard lab equipment: oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, power supplies, thermal chambers, and logic analyzersExperience with functional testing of embedded hardware and firmware productsProven ability to manage competing priorities and communicate schedule status clearlySelf-motivated with strong organizational and documentation habitsPreferredExperience with IoT or energy management hardware productsFamiliarity with firmware flashing tools and production programming workflowsPrior experience mentoring or leading a small technical teamComfort working across lab, warehouse, and cross-functional engineering environmentsExperience with RMA processing, test fixture design, or EOL test systemsProficiency with SMT rework and prototype assembly