Director of Engineering Labs

Liberty University•Lynchburg, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Engineering Labs provides strategic leadership for engineering laboratory operations, facilities, and infrastructure across the School of Engineering. This position oversees lab managers, staff, and student employees while ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient lab environments that support teaching, research, and innovation. The Director leads capital planning, facility development, budget management, and technology integration initiatives. Working closely with academic leadership and industry partners, the role advances the university's engineering capabilities and aligns laboratory operations with the institution's mission and long-term strategic goals.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in engineering and five years of related field experience required.
Knowledge of local, state, and federal property and safety regulations is required
Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University.
Strong organizational skills.
Computer skills.
Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee’s position.

Nice To Haves

Master’s preferred.
Preference will also be given to a candidate who is a creative problem solver who thrives when presented with a challenge and possesses an in-depth understanding of engineering testing equipment and systems, materials processing and testing, and relevant industry practices.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year strategic plan for engineering lab operations aligned with university and school-level priorities
Serve as a thought partner to Deans and senior leadership on research growth, infrastructure investment, and academic innovation
Lead long-term capital planning, including lab expansion, modernization, and emerging technology integration
Establish and monitor KPIs and performance metrics to evaluate operational effectiveness
Provide leadership over multiple layers of management (e.g., lab managers, staff, and students)
Build and sustain a high-performing leadership team, including succession planning and leadership development
Direct all aspects of performance management, workforce planning, and organizational design
Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
Oversee enterprise-wide lab operations across multiple campuses/locations
Direct and approve large-scale operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities
Ensure effective stewardship of resources through data-driven decision-making and financial forecasting
Provide executive oversight of procurement, vendor management, and contract negotiations
Establish and enforce institution-wide safety, compliance, and risk management frameworks
Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and regulatory requirements, including environmental and safety standards
Lead high-level audit readiness, inspections, and risk mitigation strategies
Serve as the primary escalation point for critical incidents and compliance issues
Partner with faculty and research leadership to enhance lab capabilities supporting advanced researched initiatives
Represent the School of Engineering in external partnerships with industry
Lead initiatives that position the university as a leader in engineering education and applied research
Oversee the design, development, and build-out of new lab facilities in partnership with Engineer Leadership and Planning & Construction when applicable.
Ensure all lab environments meet future-focused academic needs
Drive innovation in lab design, utilization, and technology integration
Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ.
Other duties as assigned.