Parallel Systems is pioneering autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transform freight transportation by shifting portions of the $900 billion U.S. trucking industry onto rail. Our innovative technology offers cleaner, safer, and more efficient logistics solutions. Join our dynamic team and help shape a smarter, greener future for global freight. Shop Manager
We are looking for a resourceful, hands-on Lab Manager to own and operate our R&D lab at company headquarters, working alongside the engineering team to prototype, build, and test our next generation rail vehicle. This role sits at the intersection of facilities operations, prototype fabrication, and engineering support. You will be the single point of accountability for lab readiness and safety — from receiving shipments and managing inventory to fabricating prototype components and establishing repeatable manufacturing processes that scale to contract production. Responsibilities:
Manage the R&D lab space at company HQ, including layout, organization, cleanliness, and day-to-day operational readiness
Own all shipping and receiving activities; maintain accurate inventory of parts, materials, tools, and equipment and performing receiving inspections
Maintain all tools and R&D equipment in safe, calibrated, and functional condition; coordinate repairs and procurement as needed
Build, modify, and repair electrical harnesses, cable assemblies, and prototype wiring in support of vehicle and lab test programs
Troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and electromechanical prototype issues alongside engineering, including root cause identification, rework, and validation of fixes
Support rapid prototype development by turning early engineering concepts into functional lab or vehicle-ready assemblies, fixtures, and test setups
Conduct hands-on fabrication and prototype efforts in support of the engineering department’s next-generation rail vehicle programs, giving feedback on system functionality and manufacturability
Develop and document processes, work instructions, and standard operating procedures suitable for handoff to a contract manufacturer
Serve as the responsible party for all lab safety at HQ, including hazard identification, PPE compliance, chemical handling, and incident reporting
Source and evaluate tooling, fixtures, and equipment to expand lab capabilities in alignment with engineering roadmaps
Travel (up to 25%) as needed to our test site and fabrication partners to troubleshoot, repair, or rework hardware in the field in coordination with Field Operations team. What Success Looks Like:
After 30 Days: You have developed a thorough understanding of the lab space and existing equipment.. You have conducted a thorough review of current inventory stock and procedures and are implementing corrective actions. You have met with each engineering team to understand active prototype programs and near-term support requirements. You have conducted a baseline safety audit and identified priority corrective actions. - After 60 Days: You are independently managing all shipping, receiving, and inventory workflows. You have completed initial safety improvements and established a recurring inspection cadence. You are actively fabricating prototype components and supporting engineering builds with minimal direction. - After 90 Days: You have implemented documented work procedures for key fabrication and assembly tasks that are ready for contract manufacturer review. You have established a reliable inventory management system and have measurably improved lab throughput and readiness for engineering teams. You have engaged heavily with engineering design to produce at least one working system on the prototype vehicle. Basic Qualifications:
3 + years experience working in an R&D lab or prototype facility at a technical startup or early-stage hardware company
Track record of independently managing a lab or shop environment end-to-end, with full ownership of the physical workspace and all activities within it
Direct experience with inventory management, parts receiving, or supply chain coordination in a hardware development environment
Hands-on fabrication and assembly skills using common shop tools including drill presses, lathes, CNC machines, 3D printers, and PCB rework tools with a strong desire to work closely alongside engineering to produce fast results
Familiarity with shop safety practices, including lockout/tagout, PPE requirements, and hazardous material handling
Hands-on experience fabricating and troubleshooting electrical harnesses, cable assemblies, connectors, terminals, and related prototype hardware
Strong practical troubleshooting skills across mechanical and electrical systems, with the ability to diagnose issues, propose fixes, and execute rework independently
Preferred Qualifications:
5+ years of experience writing manufacturing work instructions or process documentation intended for external production partners
Proficiency with manual and CNC machining, welding, soldering, or similar fabrication methods
Experience managing lab or shop equipment maintenance schedules and vendor relationships
Familiarity with ERP or inventory management software
Experience supporting prototype builds in automotive, aerospace, rail, or robotics environments
Familiarity with OSHA laboratory and general industry safety standards
Experience supporting prototype vehicle, robotics, aerospace, or industrial hardware builds involving harness fabrication, sensor integration, and electromechanical system debugging
Familiarity with reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, mechanical drawings, and assembly documentation
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs regularly
Comfortable working in a lab/shop environment with exposure to noise, chemicals, and machinery
Ability to wear required PPE including safety glasses, steel-toed footwear, hearing protection, and respirators as needed
We are committed to providing fair and transparent compensation in accordance with applicable laws. Salary ranges are listed below and reflect the expected range for new hires in this role, based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and location. Final compensation may vary and will be determined during the interview process. We work to build an inclusive environment in which all people can come to do their best work.
Parallel Systems is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Parallel Systems will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact your recruiter.
