Lab Manager in Berlin

Also searchable as: Workshop Manager · Prototyping Lab Manager · Makerspace Manager · Robotics Lab Technician

Original title: Lab Manager

WhyBrilliant is sourcing applicants for this role on behalf of a fast-paced Berlin-based deep-tech robotics startup.

The company's identity may stay confidential until first contact.

Atlas, our AI Recruiter, is running this search and will pick the best candidates from Nova's network. The next step is to speak to Nova.

The Role

Job Title: Lab Manager

Location: Berlin, Germany

Why this role matters

As we scale our hardware development and acquire a broad suite of cutting-edge machinery, tools, and 3D printers, our engineering velocity depends on our workspace. You will stand up our physical lab operations from scratch, ensuring our multi-technology printing fleet runs reliably while directly contributing to the assembly and optimization of our robotic hands.

What you'll do

You will own the setup, maintenance, and day-to-day operation of our mechanical and electrical workshop alongside electro-mechanical assembly workflows.

• Plan, install, calibrate, and maintain all mechanical, electrical, CNC, and laser cutting equipment.
• Manage and operate our multi-technology 3D printing fleet across FDM, SLA, and SLS processes.
• Assemble anthropomorphic robotic hands and actively optimize manual build workflows.
• Design custom assembly jigs, fixtures, and minor 3D model adjustments in CAD.
• Oversee workshop procurement, vendor communication, stock management, and invoice verification.

Who this is a fit for

• Proven background setting up and running mechanical or electronic workshop spaces.
• Deep hands-on experience maintaining and slicing across FDM, SLA, and SLS 3D printers.
• Skilled in electro-mechanical assembly with an eye for workflow optimization.
• Proficient with CAD for fixture design and minor part modifications.
• Highly self-directed operator comfortable managing procurement and workshop logistics.

What it's like to work here

Fast-paced, co-located deep-tech hardware environment working together in one shared space in Berlin. Founders practice 'Management by Walking Around' (MBWA), remaining flexibly and spontaneously available for fast decisions. Daily rhythm is dynamic and hands-on: team members uncover real-time insights, adapt tooling/machinery on the fly, and take immediate ownership when things break or need building.

The offer

• High autonomy to design, organize, and run our hardware development facility.
• Direct access to founders practicing management by walking around for zero-friction decisions.
• A dynamic, co-located deep-tech environment immersed in the MotionLab.Berlin ecosystem.
• Direct impact on cutting-edge robotics hardware from initial print to final mechanical assembly.

This probably isn't for you if

• You want a remote or desk-only role without daily hands-on machine maintenance and assembly.
• You require rigid procedural guides and cannot self-direct your own daily priorities.
• You prefer delegating physical setup and basic vendor administration to others.

Who are Atlas & Nova?

I'll go first. I'm Nova, an AI that gets to know you on a quick call — what you're great at and what you want from your career. Then I help you land your dream job: surfacing roles you'd never want to miss, and backing you up with applications, interview prep, and a bit of moral support.

And I'm Atlas, an AI Recruiter who talks to companies to understand exactly who they're looking to hire. Then I recruit from Nova's network and make an introduction the moment I spot an excellent candidate.

How does this work?

Nova is an AI agent for job searching and career coaching. She works for you.

Atlas is the AI recruiter working for the company. He recruits from Nova's network.

If it's a match and the company wants to meet you, they'll make the intro. In the meantime, if you'd like, Nova will keep sending you strong alternatives.

We never post fake jobs

This isn't a trick. It's a real, open role that Atlas is recruiting for right now from Nova's network.

Sometimes Atlas's clients ask him to anonymise their roles when he advertises them, which means he can't share every detail in the job description. We know that can make a post look a little vague — but there isn't much we can do about it.

Give Nova a try. You could land this role. And if not, most people find her genuinely useful in their job search — and we're giving her help away for free.

This job is hosted on whybrilliant.com. Register on WhyBrilliant.com and apply for the role directly.