Lab Manager

About The Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY: The Electronic Lab Manager supports the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE) Department by ensuring the safe, effective, and reliable operation of electronic teaching and research laboratories. This fully in-person position provides hands-on technical expertise in electronics assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and instrumentation; supports undergraduate laboratory courses and Capstone design projects; enforces laboratory safety and compliance; and collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and students to maintain high-quality instructional and research environments.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Electronic Laboratory Operations & Technical Support
• Ensure electronic equipment, instrumentation, and experimental systems are properly assembled, configured, tested, and maintained to support teaching and research activities.
• Work safely with, in, and around electrical and electronic equipment.
• Assemble, install, and repair equipment or components requiring wiring, soldering, and electrical connections.
• Perform technical tasks and tests, including configuring, operating, and adjusting electronic test equipment.
• Record, document, and report test data in support of teaching laboratory needs.
• Conduct circuit troubleshooting on electronic devices and experimental systems.
• Troubleshoot, modify, and adjust electronic and experimental circuitry prototypes, resolving practical and technical issues.
• Follow specific instructions for the assembly, construction, servicing, and repair of lab instruments and equipment.
• Student Support, Instructional Assistance & Capstone Oversight (20%)
• Support student learning and project execution through hands-on assistance, mentoring, and oversight in electronic-based coursework and design projects.
• Support and, when needed, oversee student work in MEIE Capstone Design courses, particularly in the construction and testing of electronic assemblies.
• Provide direct assistance to students by:
• Ensuring safety oversight for electrical and electronic projects.
• Advising and mentoring students during project work.
• Managing and loaning sensors, data acquisition systems, and electronic equipment.
• Advising on sensor selection and system integration.
• Troubleshooting electronic and instrumentation issues encountered during projects.
• Instructing and assisting students in designing and troubleshooting sensor-based systems (e.g., Arduino-based platforms).
• Teaching Laboratory Support, Safety & Curriculum Development (20%)
• Ensure undergraduate teaching laboratories operate safely, effectively, and in alignment with curricular goals.
• Support undergraduate laboratory classes by:
• Preparing samples and lab setups.
• Solving technical and equipment-related problems.
• Training and supervising teaching assistants.
• Aid faculty in the development of new laboratory experiments and instructional activities.
• Cook up new equipment acquisition, installation, and commissioning for teaching labs.
• Order laboratory supplies and maintain appropriate inventory.
• Ensure safe laboratory environments and practices, including compliance with departmental and university safety standards.
• Faculty Research & Shared Laboratory Support
• Provide technical electronics support to faculty research labs and shared laboratory facilities as needed.
• Solve electronics and equipment issues in faculty research laboratories.
• Advise researchers on sensor selection, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation challenges.
• Maintain and service shared laboratory equipment used for research.
• Train graduate researchers on the proper and safe use of shared electronic equipment and systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.
• Vocational training or technical certification in electrical controls or a similar area is preferred.
• Programming experience including Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and some circuit design and sensor selection.
• Proficiency with the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to train, instruct, and mentor students and teaching assistants.
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical testing equipment.
• Knowledge of power supplies and their safe operation.
• Ability to work and coordinate with relevant offices including Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Facilities, and Risk Management.
• Must have flexibility to work occasional evenings or Saturdays.