Manufacturing Learning Studio Director - Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Who We Are

Cornell Engineering boasts a rich history marked by distinction and innovation. Its roots trace back to the university's founding, with departments like mechanical engineering and civil engineering. In 1889, it pioneered the first electrical engineering department in the nation and awarded the first doctorates in electrical and industrial engineering. Today, Cornell Engineering remains at the forefront of groundbreaking technologies and solutions through interdisciplinary collaboration. The college is renowned globally for its research, teaching, and commitment to diversity.

With over 3,200 undergraduates, 2,100 graduate students, and 46,600 alumni worldwide, Cornell Engineering nurtures a diverse and talented student body. Its 200+ dedicated faculty members, spanning 10 departments and locations in Ithaca and New York City, work tirelessly to make a positive impact on the world. Engineering is home to 200 staff with 500 employees who serve in support of the college’s mission. The College of Engineering upholds EPICC values – Excellence, Purpose, Innovation, Community, and Collaboration – in all its endeavors.

Cornell University’s Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) is one of the largest undergraduate programs in the College of Engineering. Experiential learning is a core concept in MAE’s curriculum. Currently that includes 14 lab/project courses in 10 specialized instructional facilities. Over 500 students per year enroll in the lab courses. A staff of four, several part-time instructors and dozens of student employees work under the Director of Instructional Labs to run the program. Currently the program is undergoing transformational change, moving from traditional theory-oriented experiments to an overall systems approach model – the Learning Studio.  This is an exciting time in our program’s history. The Instructional Lab Program is looking for a creative, knowledgeable and forward-thinking mechanical or manufacturing engineer with significant machining background to take their Manufacturing Lab into the future.

What You Will Do

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

The Emerson Manufacturing Learning Studio (EMLS or MLS) is a core part of the MAE Instructional Lab program.  A place where theory and classwork can be realized using a variety of manufacturing techniques and equipment.  The MLS complements our Rapid Prototyping Lab to provide state-of-the-art fabrication education and facilities.  The MLS Director will lead the Studio into the next generation of teaching and training as part of the Learning Studio approach.  This includes integration of advanced CNC technology, alternative metal cutting and forming tools, quick turn, low volume manufacturing, manual assembly, and soft automation, hard tooling, and inspection processes, in addition to traditional subtractive fabrication processes.

The Emerson Lab Director will:

• Hire, supervise and train staff of the Manufacturing Learning Studio (MLS) – including staff, part-time lab managers, teaching assistants and student employees.

• Lead the integrating new technologies and instructional programming into the MLS.

• Lead the change to an advanced manufacturing teaching facility.

• Create programming to instruct and train users (students, staff, faculty, visitors) on modern manufacturing equipment and techniques. This includes developing and conducting training sessions on the use of advanced manufacturing equipment and traditional shop equipment.

• Ensure equipment and space in good working condition.

• Work with students, staff and faculty on projects and research – consulting on the design, construction, and fabrication.

• Research, recommend and purchase new equipment and supplies, including incorporating new and emerging manufacturing technology as part of the lab’s reconfiguration into the advanced modern manufacturing.

• Perform administrative duties related to the above.

• Must be able to think creatively, work without substantial supervision and determine priorities.

• Will occasionally be required to work evenings and/or weekends.

What We Need