Laboratory Operations & Technical Supervisor- Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Who We Are

Building on our 150-plus-year legacy as one of the nation’s preeminent engineering colleges, the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering is a purpose-driven, inclusive community committed to developing the knowledge, capabilities, and people needed to forge a better future. Comprising more than 10 schools and departments, we are rooted in Ithaca, New York, with a growing presence in New York City and a global network of alumni and collaborators. Guided by our core values, our faculty and staff regularly engage across disciplines and intentionally bring together a range of perspectives as they lead and support ambitious efforts to tackle societal challenges, develop the next generation of leaders, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

The New York Consortium for Space Technology, Innovation, and Development is a high profile multi-million dollar research center funded respectively by the Department of Defense’s Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation. The center is administratively housed in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

What You Will Do

This is a full time, 2-year term position with the possibility of renewal based on available funding, performance, and business needs.

The Laboratory Operations & Technical Supervisor coordinates and oversees the daily operations of laboratory and research support areas to ensure efficient workflow and effective support of research and technical activities. The position supervises and organizes the work of research support technicians and manages the day-to-day functioning of laboratory spaces to ensure that activities are conducted safely, efficiently, and in alignment with program priorities.

The supervisor is responsible for maintaining laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and technical infrastructure required to support research and development activities. This includes overseeing the condition and functionality of laboratory systems, coordinating maintenance and repairs, and implementing modifications or improvements to equipment and laboratory facilities when necessary to enhance operational efficiency and research capability.

The Laboratory Operations & Technical Supervisor maintains quality control documentation, equipment records, and operational logs to ensure compliance with laboratory standards, safety practices, and institutional requirements. The position ensures that accurate records are maintained for laboratory equipment, procedures, and operational activities to support accountability, reliability, and consistent laboratory performance.

The position works closely with internal and external laboratory users, including faculty, researchers, visiting technical personnel, and research partners. The supervisor consults with users to coordinate laboratory scheduling, equipment set-ups, and operational requirements to support research and testing activities. The position also organizes and facilitates training and orientation for laboratory users to ensure proper use of equipment, adherence to laboratory procedures, and safe operation of laboratory facilities.

In collaboration with the NYCST leadership team, the Laboratory Operations & Technical Supervisor contributes to operational planning and budget development related to laboratory activities. This includes identifying equipment needs, planning for maintenance and repair requirements, and assisting with resource planning to ensure that laboratory infrastructure continues to support current and future research initiatives.

The Laboratory Operations & Technical Supervisor performs additional related duties as necessary to support laboratory operations, research activities, and the overall mission of the program.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a 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.

What We Need

<