Engineering Lab Manager

Job Description

Date: April 29, 2024
Position Available: Engineering Lab Manager
Position Reports to: Chair of the Engineering and Computing Department
Department: Engineering and Computing
FLSA Status: Exempt
Schedule: Full Time - Primarily 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Please apply online: https://franciscan.edu/engineering-lab-manager/

POSITION SUMMARY
The Department of Engineering and Computing at Franciscan University of Steubenville (FUS) invites applications for a full-time position as Lab Manager to begin by August 2024. FUS is an academically excellent and passionately Catholic university in the Franciscan tradition, located 24 miles west of Pittsburgh International Airport. As a mission-focused institution, the department seeks candidates committed to forming undergraduate students in developing their competence as faithful engineering and computing professionals.

The Engineering Lab Manager will work directly with department faculty, leading maintenance and repair, inventory and organization, safety and equipment training serving the lab and related year-round needs of the engineering and computing department, including the needs of mechanical and software engineering and also the computer science program.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Plan and carry out routine inspection, testing, and maintenance of department laboratory equipment, troubleshooting problems and working with external repair personnel as needed. Organize and ensure effective inventory of tooling and consumables in Christ the Teacher Academic Building and other labs, as necessary. Setup new lab spaces and equipment, in the machine shop and the various labs, and take the lead in establishing necessary processes and expectations as the engineering and computing programs grow.

• Establish and lead efforts for ensuring safe operation and good stewardship of equipment and well-controlled and monitored access to lab spaces. Establish and provide robust safety training protocols for new faculty, engineering lab assistants, students taking labs, or those training in specific skills for projects. Coordinate this effort with department faculty, ITS, security, physical plant staff, and student users.

• Manage all necessary software and computing resources for department laboratory and teaching equipment, collaborating closely with ITS staff. Software applications will include programs for computer science and software engineering, in addition to mechanical engineering hardware. For instance, the lab manager will provide oversight on server availability and operation and will work with contracted support for DevSecOps Lab.

• Prepare equipment and consumables for routine laboratory testing. Assist faculty members in developing new laboratory protocols, from concept to construction to implementation. (If appropriate, position may include teaching responsibility for certain engineering labs, or portions thereof.) Supervise SWOP (Student) workers for routine lab and project support.

• Mentor, advise, and enable student group projects, which could include such activities as the Baja (SAE) Car, Solar "Splash" Boat, or various Robotics Competitions. Act in a supporting role for equipment acquisition and project planning for those teams, and function as staff advisor to the teams.

• Support department work towards initial and ongoing ABET accreditation, work with project manager for the school to facilitate connections for student internships and advise department faculty on new opportunities and necessary planning to provide a world class engineering and computing education in line with the Mission of Franciscan University. Support creative new ventures, such as partnerships with local industry.
This is not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Additional duties, expectations and responsibilities may be added or changed as needed to meet the University's needs.

REQUIREMENTS
Must understand, support, and embrace the mission of Franciscan University of Steubenville and possess the following:

Work Experience
• Ideally, the candidate should have two or more years of experience operating and maintaining machinery, testing equipment, or related applications (in academic or industrial settings). This experience may have been gained within an academic program.

Competencies
• General mechanical engineering knowledge and experience with machine shops and testing equipment in whatever setting and willingness/ability to learn on the job
• Knowledge and experience with manufacturing methods (CNC, 3D printing, laser cutting, lathes and milling machines, etc.)
• Written and oral communication skills to lead students and work collaboratively with faculty in an educational setting
• Capacity to manage external relationships with suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and other outside technical support
• Proficiency with basic office computing programs and ability to work with various software packages.

Education/Credentials
• A degree in engineering, engineering technology, or a closely related field like metal working, industrial or machining technology, or other specialty is ideal. Sufficient relevant experience could be a substitute for a bachelor's degree.
Technical Skills
• Proficiency with reading, implementing, and sharing/creating technical directions for various equipment and software.
• Knowledge of computer aided drafting and machining principles (including CNC), engineering/drafting specifications, and other relevant topics.
• Basic first aid, and the willingness to be further trained and organize training for other lab workers.
Workplace Factors
• Minimal travel may be needed, such as for student project competitions or equipment training or maintenance work with suppliers.
• This position involves routine laboratory work with occasional heavy lifting, alongside tasks at a desk. A reasonable physical fitness/stamina is necessary.
Comfort and reliable proficiency using and supervising others with expensive and potentially dangerous equipment.

Candidates must submit an online application, a resume and a cover letter that demonstrates their fit for the position based on their experience, accomplishments, and skills as well as their desire to advance the mission of Franciscan University.

Please apply online: https://franciscan.edu/engineering-lab-manager/

For other information and job postings, visit our website at https://www.franciscan.edu

Franciscan University of Steubenville is committed to principles of equal opportunity and is an equal opportunity employer.

About the Employer

Franciscan University is a Catholic and Franciscan liberal arts and professional studies institution located in Steubenville, Ohio.