Engineering Laboratory Manager

Overview

The School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) seeks a dynamic, collaborative, and student-centered Engineering Laboratory Manager to support its first-year engineering course sequence and oversee the engineering makerspace laboratory. This role advances two key objectives:

 

1. Support for First-Year Engineering Laboratory Courses: The first-year curriculum introduces hands-on engineering courses in place of traditional introductory physics and mathematics. These courses immerse students in design, prototyping, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking from their first semester. The Engineering Laboratory Manager will work closely with faculty to facilitate these highly popular, engineering-wide courses by preparing and maintaining laboratory spaces and supporting project execution with technical guidance to ensure safe, efficient, and well-organized lab operations.

 

2. Leadership of the Engineering Makerspace Laboratory: The manager will cultivate an inclusive, welcoming environment for makers of all backgrounds and experience levels. A key responsibility is supporting academic integration of the makerspace by partnering with faculty to incorporate hands-on making, design, and fabrication into engineering coursework. The manager will foster a vibrant community of makers, innovators, and learners, encourage interdisciplinary experimentation and creative problem-solving, and promote safe, accessible use of makerspace equipment and resources.

 

The Engineering Laboratory Manager will serve as a steward of SEAS’s commitment to experiential learning, innovation, and community building. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with faculty and students, helping to advance a thriving design and innovation ecosystem across SEAS and the broader University. This role is central to supporting first-year engineering courses and to empowering students as they explore, prototype, and bring ideas to life.

 

This is a two-year term position.

Responsibilities

First-Year Engineering Laboratory Support• Prepare and maintain laboratory spaces for the first-year engineering course sequence.• Set up equipment, tools, materials, and supplies needed for course labs and student projects.• Collaborate with faculty to plan and execute hands-on laboratory activities.• Provide technical support, troubleshooting, and guidance to faculty, course assistants, and students.• Ensure safe, efficient, and well-organized laboratory operations throughout the academic year.

 

Makerspace Management and Community Engagement• Oversee daily operations of the engineering makerspace, ensuring it is welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to users of all experience levels.• Train and mentor students, staff, and faculty in safe and effective use of makerspace equipment.• Hire and oversee student assistants as needed to ensure safety and compliance for all users. • Maintain laboratory equipment to ensure a safe and effective environment. Maintain laboratory inventory and supplies. • Develop, document, and manage laboratory safety requirements and protocols, in partnership with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety.• Build and maintain a community of engaged makers by offering workshops, demonstrations, and informal learning opportunities.

 

Academic Integration and Faculty Partnership:• Create a portfolio of educational activities in the makerspace laboratory to engage a community that spans the breadth of engineering and incorporates the lab into a robust suite of engineering academic courses. • Advise on appropriate tools, processes, and resources to enhance curricular integration.• Coordinate with instructors to align makerspace capabilities with course objectives.• Facilitate connections between the makerspace and broader engineering initiatives across the School and University.• Contribute to the development of SEAS’s design and innovation ecosystem through collaboration, communication, and strategic support.

Qualifications

Required qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree and 5+ years of experience

• Previous managerial experience.• Knowledge and experience with typical equipment found in design/makerspace lab such as 3D printing, large format printing and PCB/CNC mills.• Comfortable with utilizing and teaching others the software associated with these technologies.• Comfortable interacting with diverse stakeholders ranging from students to faculty to off-campus partners.• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and a high degree of professionalism, initiative, and independence.• Ability to develop and implement a strategic vision.• Willingness to work flexible hours.

 

Preferred qualifications:

• Master's degree preferred.• Preference for experience in higher education and/or makerspace (art lab environment).

 

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