Lab Manager

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY:

The Electronic Lab Manager supports the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE) Department by ensuring the safe, effective, and reliable operation of electronic teaching and research laboratories. This fully in-person position provides hands-on technical expertise in electronics assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and instrumentation; supports undergraduate laboratory courses and Capstone design projects; enforces laboratory safety and compliance; and collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and students to maintain high-quality instructional and research environments. Because the role involves direct interaction with laboratory equipment, real-time troubleshooting, safety oversight, and on-site student and faculty support, all duties are performed on campus. The position requires a strong commitment to laboratory safety, technical accuracy, student mentorship, and cross-lab coordination in a fast-paced, hands-on academic environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required
• Vocational training or technical certification in electrical controls or a similar area is preferred
• Programming experience including Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and some circuit design and sensor selection
• Proficiency with the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to train, instruct, and mentor students and teaching assistants
• Ability to fabricate samples for mechanical and electrical testing
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical testing equipment
• Knowledge of power supplies and their safe operation
• Ability to work and coordinate with relevant offices including Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Facilities, and Risk Management
• Must have flexibility to work occasional evenings or Saturdays

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Electronic Laboratory Operations & Technical Support

Ensure electronic equipment, instrumentation, and experimental systems are properly assembled, configured, tested, and maintained to support teaching and research activities.

• Work safely with, in, and around electrical and electronic equipment
• Assemble, install, and repair equipment or components requiring wiring, soldering, and electrical connections
• Perform technical tasks and tests, including configuring, operating, and adjusting electronic test equipment
• Record, document, and report test data in support of teaching laboratory needs
• Conduct circuit troubleshooting on electronic devices and experimental systems
• Troubleshoot, modify, and adjust electronic and experimental circuitry prototypes, resolving practical and technical issues
• Follow specific instructions for the assembly, construction, servicing, and repair of lab instruments and equipment

2. Student Support, Instructional Assistance & Capstone Oversight (20%)

Support student learning and project execution through hands-on assistance, mentoring, and oversight in electronic-based coursework and design projects.

• Support and, when needed, oversee student work in MEIE Capstone Design courses, particularly in the construction and testing of electronic assemblies
• Provide direct assistance to students by: Ensuring safety oversight for electrical and electronic projects Advising and mentoring students during project work Managing and loaning sensors, data acquisition systems, and electronic equipment Advising on sensor selection and system integration Troubleshooting electronic and instrumentation issues encountered during projects Instructing and assisting students in designing and troubleshooting sensor-based systems (e.g., Arduino-based platforms)

3. Teaching Laboratory Support, Safety & Curriculum Development (20%)

Ensure undergraduate teaching laboratories operate safely, effectively, and in alignment with curricular goals.

• Support undergraduate laboratory classes by: Preparing samples and lab setups Solving technical and equipment-related problems Training and supervising teaching assistants
• Assist faculty in the development of new laboratory experiments and instructional activities
• Coordinate new equipment acquisition, installation, and commissioning for teaching labs
• Order laboratory supplies and maintain appropriate inventory
• Ensure safe laboratory environments and practices, including compliance with departmental and university safety standards

4. Faculty Research & Shared Laboratory Support

Provide technical electronics support to faculty research labs and shared laboratory facilities as needed.

• Solve electronics and equipment issues in faculty research laboratories
• Advise researchers on sensor selection, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation challenges
• Maintain and service shared laboratory equipment used for research
• Train graduate researchers on the proper and safe use of shared electronic equipment and systems