Position Summary

San Diego State University is seeking an innovative and hands-on Idea Labs Manager to lead operations for the HG Fenton Company Idea Lab within the ZIP Launchpad. This role blends design thinking, rapid prototyping, and entrepreneurship—supporting students, faculty, and researchers in transforming ideas into tangible solutions. You’ll oversee lab operations, guide prototyping projects, and deliver programming that fosters creativity, experimentation, and startup development across campus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Idea Lab Operations & Leadership
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of the rapid prototyping lab, including safety, training, equipment, and project tracking.
  • Recruit, train, and guide student interns supporting lab activities and prototyping projects.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards, grant requirements, and operational best practices.
  • Foster a collaborative, customer-focused environment that supports innovation and experimentation.
• Design Thinking & Innovation Programming
  • Develop and deliver workshops, tools, and resources grounded in design thinking methodology.
  • Support concept development and testing through integration of design thinking and rapid prototyping processes.
  • Lead presentations and outreach efforts to promote innovation and entrepreneurship across campus.
• Entrepreneurship & Campus Collaboration
  • Contribute to the development and execution of ZIP Launchpad programming and initiatives.
  • Collaborate with campus partners to integrate innovation, prototyping, and AI tools into entrepreneurship programs.
  • Support cross-campus initiatives that advance startup development and experiential learning.
• Technology, Tools & Continuous Improvement
  • Integrate emerging tools, including AI and no-code technologies, into prototyping workflows and student learning.
  • Monitor lab usage, project outcomes, and performance metrics to continuously improve services and impact.
  • Stay current with trends in design thinking, prototyping technologies, and startup development.

Why Join Us?

• Build what’s next – Help bring ideas to life by supporting prototyping, innovation, and startup development at SDSU.
• Hands-on innovation – Work at the intersection of design thinking, prototyping, and entrepreneurship.
• Dynamic environment – Collaborate with our founders (students and researchers) in a fast-paced, creative setting.
• Make a real impact – Empower the next generation of innovators through experiential learning and cutting-edge tools.

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, San Diego State University helps power one of the largest and most impactful public university systems in the nation. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future here: Working at the CSU.

Position Information

• This is a full-time, at-will role, offering comprehensive benefits.
• Position is designated exempt under FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
• Standard SDSU work hours are Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but may vary based on operational needs. (Ability to attend or work occasional evening events is preferred.)
• The individual hired into this role will work on campus at SDSU in San Diego.

Department Summary

The Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) is the central university office with oversight of SDSU Research Foundation, and the following units: Innovation, Research Operations, Research Advancement, Research Support Services, Technology Transfer, the ZIP Launchpad, Research Communications, Undergraduate Research, and a specialized IT unit. The leader of the unit is the Vice President for Research and Innovation. As the chief research officer for SDSU, the VPRI is responsible for institutional approval of all grant and contract proposals relating to sponsored research, instruction, and service agreements, as well as developing partnerships for the Innovation District as part of the SDSU Mission Valley Development.

The ZIP Launchpad is SDSU's on-campus incubator supporting SDSU students, researchers, faculty, and staff in advancing their ideas to become launched startups. In support of the ZIP Launchpad, the HG Fenton Company Idea Lab provides teams in the incubator with rapid prototyping support. The Executive Director of Entrepreneurship Initiatives is responsible for the ZIP Launchpad and the HG Fenton Company Idea Lab.

For more information regarding the ZIP Launchpad, click here.

Education and Experience

Must have a bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in an engineering field or a related discipline, along with at least two years of experience working in prototype development environments. They must also have at least one year of experience applying Design Thinking methodologies and demonstrated proficiency in using AI tools for prototyping.

Key Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively present to and engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proven ability to lead, delegate, and develop team members in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to provide clear direction, guidance, and training to support team and project success.
• High level of knowledge in safety as it relates to rapid prototype development.
• Strong knowledge of prototyping environments.
• Knowledge of AI in prototyping environments.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Applied experience using Lean Startup methodology is preferred.
• Experience with Launching/Building a Startup is preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

At San Diego State University, we value our team members and offer a competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience. But that’s just the beginning! Our exceptional benefits package is designed to support your well-being and work-life balance:

• Generous Leave Benefits: Enjoy 15 paid holidays, 24 vacation days, and 12 sick days per year.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from a CalPERS defined benefit pension plan, with reciprocity with the UC Retirement Plan, plus retiree healthcare benefits.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Access a variety of health, dental, and vision plans at no or low cost to you.
• Educational Opportunities: Take advantage of the California State University system fee reduction program for yourself or a qualified dependent.
• Voluntary Benefits: Opt into additional benefits like Auto & Home Insurance, Life and Disability Insurances, a Legal Plan, Pet Insurance, and the ScholarShare 529 Plan for college savings.

The expected hiring salary for this position ranges from $108,000 to $118,000 annually.

SDSU Values

At SDSU, our diversity gives us power and benefits every single member of our community.  Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU provides equal opportunity for all in education and employment.  We encourage all members of our community to purposefully learn from one another through open and respectful dialogue and responsible engagement. We strongly preserve the right to free expression and encourage difficult conversations that help lead to improved individual and community learning and cohesion.

Principles of Community

At San Diego State University, we are a community of diverse individuals who have and represent many perspectives, beliefs, and identities. This diversity lends our community strength, and we commit to creating and sustaining an inclusive and intellectually vibrant environment that benefits all members of our university. 

SDSU’s Principles of Community is an aspirational statement that is intended to evolve over time. The statement reflects the ideals we are encouraged to uphold in our interactions with one another. 

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, San Diego State University (SDSU) provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. SDSU complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. 

SDSU is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At SDSU, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Apply by June 2, 2026, to ensure full consideration. Applications submitted after this date will be reviewed on an as-needed basis, and the position will remain open until filled.

The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment. 

San Diego State University is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions (e.g., H-1B visa). Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Offers of employment are contingent upon the presentation of documents that demonstrate a person's identity and authorization to work in the United States, which are consistent with the provisions of the Immigration Reform and Control Act. 

Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last 7 years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended.  Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must also sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.

A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily and is required for employment. SDSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current SDSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

SDSU is a smoke-free campus. For more information, please click here.

Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who request an accommodation by contacting Livia Peeples at lpeeples@sdsu.edu.