Laboratory Supervisor

North Carolina State University•Raleigh, NC

32d

About The Position

The Lab Supervisor plays an essential role in supporting the educational and research missions of the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE). You'll manage the daily operations of the ME Senior Design Laboratory and its related facilities, helping students and faculty work in a safe, well-maintained, and technically advanced environment where ideas can take shape. This position blends hands-on fabrication, lab safety leadership, equipment stewardship, and student instruction-making you a key partner in the learning and discovery happening every day in MAE. Key Responsibilities fall into 3 core areas: Direct Technical Instruction & Support: Train and certify students on machining, fabrication, and prototyping equipment, including CNC machines, laser cutters, waterjets, 3D printers, lathes, and mills. Provide guidance on manufacturing processes, design methods, and equipment operation, offering hands-on assistance as needed. Support faculty by preparing equipment, materials, and technical demonstrations for design-focused courses and project work. Coordinate, schedule, and mentor teaching assistants and student workers to support daily lab operations and instructional activities. Lab and Safety Management: Oversee the daily operations of three laboratories, maintaining a safe, organized, and well-functioning environment. Implement and reinforce safety procedures, conduct walkthroughs, document incidents, and communicate follow-up needs. Manage the upkeep of equipment, coordinate maintenance and repairs, and ensure tools remain in proper working condition. Monitor inventory, track consumables, make cost-effective purchasing recommendations, and maintain accurate records in accordance with university asset management requirements. Planning and Project Oversight: Advise students and faculty on design decisions, materials selection, prototype development, and testing procedures. Assist with sourcing materials and specifying or supporting the fabrication of unique research tools or devices. Provide hands-on support with project planning, equipment setup, and fabrication activities throughout the design and build process. If you are someone who enjoys working closely with students and faculty, thrives in a hands-on technical environment, and takes pride in keeping labs safe, well-organized, and running smoothly, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and two years of general research experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Skilled in operating, demonstrating, and instructing others on specialized equipment, including milling machines, lathes, grinders, waterjets, and 3D printers.
Familiar with AutoCAD and SolidWorks to prepare designs and workflows for waterjet cutting and 3D printing.
Valid NC Driver's License required
No Commercial Driver's License required
No

Nice To Haves

Previous leadership through supervising, mentoring, or training student workers or teaching assistants in a lab or hands-on environment.
Familiarity with maintaining and managing lab equipment, tools, and consumable inventories in an academic or research setting.
Experience supporting faculty or staff in course delivery, lab exercises, or student projects.
Exposure to fabrication, prototyping, or maker space environments, including CNC, 3D printing, or waterjet operations.
Demonstrated ability to develop or update lab safety protocols and providing safety training to students or staff.

Responsibilities

Train and certify students on machining, fabrication, and prototyping equipment, including CNC machines, laser cutters, waterjets, 3D printers, lathes, and mills.
Provide guidance on manufacturing processes, design methods, and equipment operation, offering hands-on assistance as needed.
Support faculty by preparing equipment, materials, and technical demonstrations for design-focused courses and project work.
Coordinate, schedule, and mentor teaching assistants and student workers to support daily lab operations and instructional activities.
Oversee the daily operations of three laboratories, maintaining a safe, organized, and well-functioning environment.
Implement and reinforce safety procedures, conduct walkthroughs, document incidents, and communicate follow-up needs.
Manage the upkeep of equipment, coordinate maintenance and repairs, and ensure tools remain in proper working condition.
Monitor inventory, track consumables, make cost-effective purchasing recommendations, and maintain accurate records in accordance with university asset management requirements.
Advise students and faculty on design decisions, materials selection, prototype development, and testing procedures.
Assist with sourcing materials and specifying or supporting the fabrication of unique research tools or devices.
Provide hands-on support with project planning, equipment setup, and fabrication activities throughout the design and build process.
As building liaison, serves as the contact person between the department and facilities in all matters of building concerns for the MAE Department. This includes ensuring that building residents are aware of power and water outages.
Works with the fire marshals to meet fire equipment code in labs and offices
Other special projects in collaboration with your supervisor.