R&D Lab Operations Specialist

KRUSH Labs is seeking a hands-on and highly organized R&D Lab Operations Specialist to establish, manage, and continuously improve our laboratory environment.

Working closely with our engineering teams, you will ensure that the components, tools, equipment, and facilities required for prototype development and testing are available, well organized, and properly maintained.

You will take ownership of laboratory operations, including lab setup, inventory control, component cataloguing, storage and handling standards, stock replenishment, SOP development, equipment maintenance, and technical procurement.

At KRUSH Labs, we turn ambitious ideas into practical, high-performance solutions. We bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world applications by addressing specific client challenges.

You will work alongside talented engineers, researchers, and PhD scientists who are passionate about innovation and creating meaningful impact. This role offers the opportunity to shape our R&D laboratory, introduce new ways of working, and directly support the development of advanced technologies.

As our R&D Lab Operations Specialist, you will:

• Set up, organize, and continuously improve the R&D laboratory, including workstations, testing areas, equipment, and storage facilities.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to forecast requirements and ensure the timely availability of components, tools, and equipment for prototype development and testing.
• Implement a structured inventory system to track the quantity, condition, usage, and location of components, equipment, tools, and consumables.
• Develop and maintain a searchable component catalogue containing part numbers, specifications, datasheets, suppliers, stock levels, and storage locations.
• Establish clear labelling, storage, handling, and traceability standards, including appropriate controls for ESD-sensitive, hazardous, and high-value items.
• Define minimum stock levels, reorder points, and replenishment processes to prevent shortages of critical components.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for laboratory access, equipment use, component handling, inventory management, maintenance, calibration, safety, and waste disposal.
• Manage the sourcing and procurement of components, equipment, tools, and consumables, including supplier evaluation, quotation comparison, order tracking, and alternative sourcing.
• Plan and monitor the laboratory budget in collaboration with the Managing Director, including forecasting upcoming expenditures, prioritizing lab investments, tracking monthly spending, and ensuring purchases remain aligned with approved budgets and R&D priorities.
• Maintain the equipment and asset register and coordinate preventive maintenance, calibration, servicing, inspections, and repairs.
• Promote a safe, organized, and efficient laboratory through regular inspections, user guidance, accurate documentation, and continuous improvement.

• You have a bachelor’s degree or equivalent technical qualification in Engineering, Technical Operations, or a related field.
• You bring approximately 4–7 years of relevant experience in a physics, electronics, engineering, or prototype laboratory within a university, research institute, or technology company. Candidates with comparable hands-on experience are also encouraged to apply.
• You have practical knowledge of electronic and mechanical components and can work with technical specifications, datasheets, drawings, and bills of materials.
• You have experience with laboratory setup, inventory management, component cataloguing, asset tracking, stock replenishment, and ERP or inventory management systems.
• You understand SOP development, ESD controls, safe-storage practices, equipment maintenance, calibration, and technical procurement.
• You are hands-on, organized, and detail-oriented, with strong problem-solving, communication, and prioritization skills.
• You take ownership of your work and collaborate effectively with engineering and cross-functional teams.
• Experience in robotics, aerospace, unmanned systems, or hardware R&D is an advantage but not essential.