Lab Operations Manager

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

The University of Michigan Department of Aerospace Engineering is hiring a Laboratory/Classroom Services Manager. Reporting to the Department Administrator, you will ensure laboratory safety and compliance by maintaining standards, managing emergency response teams, and communicating safety issues. You will manage a technical support team, overseeing performance, delegating tasks, and handling the technical center budget. You will address facility concerns, maintaining space assignments, and overseeing maintenance of specialized facilities. You will also manage renovation projects, collaborating on construction projects, and working with architects and contractors.

25% - Laboratory Safety and Compliance:

• Establish and maintain standards of laboratory and personnel safety, ensuring OSHA compliance.
• Represent the department on the safety committee and AERO Leaders Committee, participating in monthly meetings.
• Manage and coordinate the emergency response team, and plan and direct training exercises for various emergencies.
• Maintain the chemical hygiene plan, material safety data sheets, and spill protection, control, and countermeasures.
• Work with faculty and staff on lab use for research and teaching, identifying potential safety issues.
• Communicate facility and safety issues to the AERO community and department leadership.
• Create and maintain a preventative maintenance plan of large machinery and specialized testing equipment.

25% - Technical Support Team Management:

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise technical support for instructional and research labs.
• Provide supervisory guidance, including performance appraisals, work schedules, career development, safety, and mentorship.
• Delegate work to ensure equitable distribution of responsibilities among the AERO Tech Team.
• Ensure consistent use of the Team Dynamics system to manage requests from faculty, staff, and students.
• Delegate and monitor tickets daily, ensuring timely updates and resolution.
• Administer the technical center budget, order equipment and supplies, and maintain technicians' timekeeping and payroll.

25% - Facilities Management:

• Act as the point of contact for facility concerns such as temperature, repairs, and space requests.
• Maintain a database of space assignments and updated floor plans.
• Conduct space utilization analysis and make recommendations for optimal lab configuration.
• Manage building and lab access systems.
• Oversee maintenance for academic and research facilities, including specialized power-generating, high-vacuum, and high-pressure air pumping facilities.
• Consult with users and vendors to ensure safe operational standards, maintenance, and repair of systems.
• Oversee department receiving which includes daily deliveries, hazardous materials, pressurized gases and large equipment.

25% - Facilities Renovation:

• Manage and oversee renovation projects for academic and research facilities.
• Collaborate with the Office of Facilities Planning on construction and renovation projects, ensuring safety and compliance.
• Design, fabricate, and install digital, analog, and electromechanical systems for research projects.
• Conduct special facility-related projects as assigned, including planning and coordinating construction and renovation projects.
• Serve as a liaison with architects and contractors.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of laboratory materials, methods, and equipment
• Experience with the design and fabrication of laboratory equipment
• Experience with hazardous materials handling and OSHA regulations
• Knowledge of facility maintenance, including power-generating equipment, large air & vacuum systems, HVAC, electrical systems, and water pumps
• Knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing as it relates to renovation and construction
• Intermediate project management skills, such as scheduling and budgeting
• Excellent organization and technical skills, including the ability to organize complex operations, interpret technical plans, and relay updates respectfully and timely
• Excellent communication skills and ability to effectively work with a large and diverse population of faculty, students, staff, and visitors
• Demonstrated ability to work under pressure of deadlines and competing priorities
• High degree of accuracy and attention to detail

Salary: A higher salary may be considered for an extraordinarily qualified candidate.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Routinely moves equipment weighing up to 50 pounds across campus for various classroom and event needs
• Occasionally ascends/descends ladders to service lights
• Routinely position self to install computer equipment, including under desks
• Requires the ability to travel to various locations on and off campus to conduct work and deliver materials
• This position requires inspection of sites to detect safety concerns