Hardware Lab Operations Specialist

Block is one company built from many blocks, all united by the same purpose of economic empowerment. The blocks that form our foundational teams - People, Finance, Counsel, Hardware, Information Security, Platform Infrastructure Engineering, and more - provide support and guidance at the corporate level. They work across business groups and around the globe, spanning time zones and disciplines to develop inclusive People policies, forecast finances, give legal counsel, safeguard systems, nurture new initiatives, and more. Every challenge creates possibilities, and we need different perspectives to see them all. Bring yours to Block.
Job Description The Block Hardware team is seeking an experienced and resourceful Lab Specialist to assist our engineering teams with on-site lab services. You will be responsible for supporting lab management, setting up lab test stations, executing hands-on technical work requests along with engineering test plans. You are a customer-focused professionalPRo who can manage rapid changes, prioritize, and track the details. This is an on-site position in our Oakland office. You will report to the Senior Engineering Lab manager.
You will:

• Perform soldering and rework on PCBs
• Support general lab organization and upkeep, including purchasing, vendor onboarding
• Maintain asset management systems and coordinate equipment calibration, maintenance, repair, and hazardous waste disposal
• Operate test equipment (OMM, Instron, drop, thermal, T&H chamber)
• Modify CAD for components, fixtures, operate and maintain 3D printer, and complete post processing work as needed
• Execute and manage work through checklists and SOPs
• Safely handle hazardous chemicals in a lab setting, while adhering to strict safety protocols
• Ensure lab compliance with safety regulations
• Update and execute JIRA requests, including clear and timely communication with the team
• Oversee daily lab operations and supervise junior lab technician(s), ensuring efficient workflow and high-quality technical support

Must have:

• 5+ years experience as an engineering lab specialist in a consumer electronics field
• Excellent solder and rework skills
• Ability to read schematics, PCB layout, and mechanical drawings
• Ability to troubleshoot and repair circuit boards
• Experience with test and measurement equipment (DC power analyzer, oscilloscope, multimeter, ...)
• Expertise in prototyping with 3D printing and machining
• Proficiency with CAD software (Solidworks preferred)
• Detail oriented with excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and execute test plans with minimal supervision and imperfect procedures in a highly demanding environment
• Initiative to recognize areas of improvement and take action

Even better:

• Associates or Bachelor's degree in a technical field
• Experience with lab automation and efficiency improvements
• Ability to find off-the-shelf solutions for ambiguous tool and equipment requests
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., OSHA, EPA)
• Experience with JIRA and G-Suite

This position requires a unique combination of technical hands-on expertise, and project management skills. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent judgment in managing multiple critical tasks.
We're working to build a more inclusive economy where our customers have equal access to opportunity, and we strive to live by these same values in building our workplace. Block is an equal opportunity employer evaluating all employees and job applicants without regard to identity or any legally protected class. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and "fair chance" ordinances.
We believe in being fair, and are committed to an inclusive interview experience, including providing reasonable accommodations to disabled applicants throughout the recruitment process. We encourage applicants to share any needed accommodations with their recruiter, who will treat these requests as confidentially as possible. Want to learn more about what we're doing to build a workplace that is fair and square? Check out our I+D page .
While there is no specific deadline to apply for this role, U.S. roles are typically open for an average of 55 days before being filled by a successful candidate. Please refer to the date listed at the top of this job page for when this role was first posted.
Block takes a market-based approach to pay, and pay may vary depending on your location. U.S. locations are categorized into one of four zones based on a cost of labor index for that geographic area. The successful candidate's starting pay will be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. These ranges may be modified in the future.
To find a location's zone designation, please refer to this resource . If a location of interest is not listed, please speak with a recruiter for additional information.
Zone A:
$111,700 - $167,500 USD
Zone B:
$103,800 - $155,800 USD
Zone C:
$98,200 - $147,400 USD
Zone D:
$89,400 - $134,000 USD
Use of AI in Our Hiring Process
We may use automated AI tools to evaluate job applications for efficiency and consistency. These tools comply with local regulations, including bias audits, and we handle all personal data in accordance with state and local privacy laws.
Contact us at [email protected] with hiring practice or data usage questions.
Every benefit we offer is designed with one goal: empowering you to do the best work of your career while building the life you want. Remote work, medical insurance, flexible time off, retirement savings plans, and modern family planning are just some of our offering. Check out our other benefits at Block.
Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) builds technology to increase access to the global economy. Each of our brands unlocks different aspects of the economy for more people. Square makes commerce and financial services accessible to sellers. Cash App is the easy way to spend, send, and store money. Afterpay is transforming the way customers manage their spending over time. TIDAL is a music platform that empowers artists to thrive as entrepreneurs. Bitkey is a simple self-custody wallet built for bitcoin. Proto is a suite of bitcoin mining products and services. Together, we're helping build a financial system that is open to everyone.