Associate Director – Machine Shop Operations.

About the role

The Associate Director of Machine Shop Operations provides operational leadership, technical oversight, and strategic support for the institution’s Machine Shop (MShop).

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day operational leadership for the MShop and maker space facilities.
• Supervise, train, schedule, mentor, and evaluate Technical Instructors and student employees.
• Ensure effective staffing coverage and cross-training to support instructional, research, and operational needs.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and institutional leadership to support instructional and research objectives.
• Support strategic planning initiatives and implementation of operational improvements for the MShop.
• Oversee administrative functions including purchasing coordination, inventory management, equipment tracking, and documentation.
• Lead and enforce all MShop safety policies, procedures, and operational standards.
• Maintain relationships with vendors and external service providers.
• Assist in evaluating future operational and facility needs to support evolving educational and research priorities.
• Oversee the safe operation and proper usage of all machine shop equipment and facilities.
• Recommend equipment purchases, upgrades, and capital improvements.
• Provide technical guidance related to machine shop tools, fabrication methods, and maker space operations.
• Collaborate with faculty to support curriculum development and implementation of new capabilities and technologies.
• Assist with hands-on fabrication, troubleshooting, and operational support as needed.

Requirements

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience in a machine shop, makerspace, fabrication, manufacturing, or technical operations environment.
• Strong knowledge of machine shop operations, fabrication methods, equipment safety, and maintenance practices.
• Experience supervising technical staff, student employees, or instructional personnel.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, researchers, and institutional leadership.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication equipment, prototyping tools, and workshop operations.
• Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and team development.
• Average of 5 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in engineering technology, manufacturing, industrial technology, engineering, or related technical field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, industrial technology, or related field preferred.
• Experience in higher education, research environments, or academic makerspaces preferred.
• Experience with CNC equipment, CAD / CAM software, additive manufacturing, or advanced fabrication technologies preferred.

Skills

• Leadership and management experience.
• Technical knowledge of machine shop operations.
• Supervisory experience.
• Communication skills.
• Collaborative skills.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication equipment.
• Experience with CNC equipment, CAD / CAM software, additive manufacturing, or advanced fabrication technologies.

Benefits

N/A

Pay

Minimum $92,100, Maximum $115,100

Schedule

12 scheduled months per year, 40 hours per week, onsite only