Asst Director, Facilities, LLE

University of Rochester•City of Rochester, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Facilities provides leadership, operational oversight, and strategic management of the facility infrastructure for the University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), a 300,000+ square foot advanced research complex supporting high-intensity laser fusion operations and scientific research. Reporting directly to the Administrative Director, the Assistant Director of Facilities manages personnel, equipment, and infrastructure required to maintain the stringent environmental conditions necessary for precision laser operations in a world-class laser facility. The position ensures continuous operational readiness of all mechanical, electrical, and environmental systems while overseeing facility personnel, contractors, budgets, and capital infrastructure projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field
Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant facilities or infrastructure management experience
Or equivalent combination of education and experience
Working knowledge of mechanical and electrical plant systems
Experience in project management, including scope, schedules, budget, risk and coordination while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.
Ability to make decisions under difficult conditions and critical, sometimes very short timelines required
Excellent communication skills with the ability to interact with all levels of an Academic and research organization
Experience with Auto-CAD

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting technical research or laboratory environments preferred

Responsibilities

Maintain operational readiness of all mechanical, electrical, and infrastructure systems supporting a 300,000+ sq. ft. research facility operating 24/7/365.
Ensure the stringent environmental conditions required for high-intensity laser fusion operations are maintained within the laser bays and throughout laboratory areas.
Prioritize and coordinate operations and maintenance (O&M) service and repairs for mechanical and electrical systems and building infrastructure.
Monitor facility systems and alarms using the Building Management System (BMS) with working operator-level knowledge of environmental monitoring and control systems.
Ensure all planned work and facility operations comply with local, state, and federal codes and regulations.
Serve as primary liaison between LLE Facilities and University of Rochester departments.
Serve as Senior Facilities Project Manager responsible for managing both large and small infrastructure projects including building expansions.
Act as the primary facilities contact for internal LLE divisions.
Manage design coordination, budgeting, scheduling, and execution of facilities construction and laboratory modifications.
Provide long-term planning, modernization, engineering oversight, and management of critical infrastructure upgrades including but not limited to: Process chiller, cooling tower and piping, boiler, diesel generator and fuel system, HVAC system, medium-voltage electrical substations, automatic transfer switches, roofing.
Utilize AutoCAD to update and modify building drawings supporting facilities planning and project execution.
Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring for mid-level managers, supervisors, trades foremen, and more than 25 union trades personnel and contractors.
Direct personnel responsible for preventive and corrective maintenance planning and scheduling.
Manage LLE facilities personnel and equipment assets to support research and operational requirements.
Foster team collaboration, workforce development, and strong safety practices within the facilities organization.
Manage a diverse workforce including mechanics, electricians, custodial personnel, and contracted service providers.
Manage the annual Operations and Maintenance budget exceeding $9 million.
Prepare and submit annual capital budget projections for future facilities and infrastructure projects.
Plan equipment lifecycle replacement strategies and manage repair or replacement purchases.
Manage facilities service contracts and direct contractors performing facilities work.
Coordinate building construction activities and laboratory renovations to ensure minimal disruption to research operations.
Ensure contractor work meets quality, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Serve as the LLE Fire Safety Officer, responsible for fire code compliance, emergency planning, and life-safety system oversight.
Maintain working knowledge of NFPA standards and LLE fire alarm systems.
Coordinate inspections and compliance with University officials, Town and State authorities, fire marshals, government representatives, insurance underwriters, and risk management personnel.