Lab Operations Engineer

Job Title

Lab Operations Engineer

Role Summary

The Lab Operations Engineer maintains and operates a semiconductor test lab supporting high-speed measurement, RF, optics, and automated validation flows. The role is hands-on, working with oscilloscopes, BERTs, VNAs, optical systems, thermal heads, and related instrumentation to ensure reliable, calibrated test infrastructure.

This position partners with design, validation, and operations teams to troubleshoot hardware and test flows, manage equipment lifecycle and inventory, and improve lab processes for safety and efficiency.

Experience Level

Mid-level. Preferred experience: 5+ years of relevant lab operations or instrumentation experience is indicated.

Responsibilities

Primary duties include setup, maintenance, test execution, and process improvement for lab test systems.

• Set up, maintain, calibrate, and tear down test boards and measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, BERTs, power modules, VNAs, pneumatic thermal head systems).
• Deploy and execute automated and manual tests including high-speed signal and RF measurements and scripted validation flows.
• Manage equipment inventory, calibration schedules, records, and coordinate repairs with vendors.
• Troubleshoot, debug, and document issues observed during lab operations; escalate to supervisors and cross-functional partners.
• Support validation, documentation, and change-control activities in accordance with engineering standards.
• Maintain lab standards for safety, cleanliness, and organization in compliance with site policies.
• Perform PCB rework and soldering of components or probes as needed.
• Identify recurring issues and update standard procedures to improve lab reliability and efficiency.

Requirements

Technical skills and practical experience required or preferred for effective performance in the role.

• Must-have:
  • Hands-on experience with lab instrumentation and test equipment used for high-speed signal, RF, and optical measurements.
  • Practical troubleshooting and documentation skills for hardware and test setups.
  • Soldering and PCB rework skills; ability to perform board-level repairs and probe work.
  • Familiarity with MacOS, Linux, and Windows environments; basic Unix/shell command-line skills.
  • Working knowledge of Python for test scripting and automation.
  • Ability to read schematics and board layout files and identify components.
• Nice-to-have:
  • Advanced scripting and instrument control experience (GPIB/VISA) and broader automation background.
  • Experience with optical test equipment (tunable lasers, OSAs, optical power meters), silicon photonics measurement, and fiber-to-chip coupling.
  • Experience with signal integrity and RF measurement techniques.
  • Familiarity with networked equipment, TCP/IP concepts, root-cause analysis, and failure documentation practices.
  • Experience using AI-assisted coding tools or agents.

Education Requirements

Minimum requirement: a Bachelor's degree. Preferred: BSEE or a related engineering degree; postings indicate candidates with 5+ years of relevant lab experience are preferred. (No specific certifications were listed.)

About the Company

Company: Apple

Headquarters: Cupertino, California, United States

Apple is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and sells consumer electronics, software, and online services. Known for its innovative products such as the iPhone, Mac computers, and iPad, Apple emphasizes a strong commitment to high-quality design and user experience.