Manager of Laboratory Facilities – Mechanical Engineering

Loyola Marymount University•Westchester, FL

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Manager of Laboratory Facilities manages, operates, and maintains the fabrication-related and machine shop teaching and research laboratories and equipment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The position supports manufacturing needs for courses, faculty and student research, capstone projects, and student design projects. It provides instructional and project assistance, technical guidance, and equipment training to students, faculty, and staff. The role oversees laboratory operations, preventive maintenance, equipment calibration and compliance, inventory, supplies, and safety. It recommends and purchases new or replacement equipment, makes or modifies equipment and instructional fixtures, and helps faculty set up and support laboratory courses. The position also trains and supervises Work Study students and Teaching Assistants, and may support other programs in the Seaver College of Science and Engineering when capacity and supervisor approval permit. The position represents LMU in the engineering community and at professional organizations, and performs other duties in laboratory, classroom, and research settings. The role is expected to support the university’s mission and values, demonstrate professional and ethical conduct, and provide outstanding customer service.

Requirements

Typically, a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology or a related field, or two years of trade school/technical arts training with machine shop equipment.
At least three years of progressively responsible, journey-level experience operating, maintaining, and repairing equipment. Completion of an apprenticeship program or full military specialization in the required type of equipment maintenance and repair may substitute for experience.
Familiarity with computer numerical control machines, manual machine tools, welding and forming tools, and controllers/process controllers and their interfaces with mechanical processes.
Familiarity with manufacturing and machine shop equipment, including manual and CNC mills, lathes, wire EDM, water jet, laser cutter, band saw, drill press, sheet metal forming equipment, grinding and polishing wheels, welding equipment, and hand tools.
Demonstrated ability to interact effectively with a diverse student body, faculty, and staff, and to support women and other underrepresented groups in engineering while tolerating no harassment or discrimination, including against gender and sexual minorities.
Strong troubleshooting skills and demonstrated understanding of technical drawings, dimensioning, and tolerances.
Competency in CAD software such as SolidWorks and CNC machine programming software such as MasterCAM, Virtual Gibbs, or SolidCAM.
Ability to use precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, feeler gauges, and dial indicators.
Strong understanding of electronics and mechanics.
Basic computer skills, including email, internet, and spreadsheets.
Self-motivation, proactivity, and ability to apply technical skills directly.
Ability to work with faculty, supervise and engage students in laboratories, and be thoroughly familiar with standard practices used in mechanical engineering laboratories.
Ability to work well as part of a team; exemplary written and oral communication; and proven technical aptitude, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Must continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities to keep abreast of new technology and regulatory or policy changes.

Responsibilities

Support Mechanical Engineering courses with manufacturing needs by planning and assisting in course preparation and delivery with faculty and technical staff.
Assist faculty with course-related manufacturing needs and develop and deliver manufacturing exercises and learning activities.
Set up, inspect, and prepare equipment and instrumentation for student use; demonstrate equipment and provide training; and design or fabricate teaching tools and fixtures as needed.
Support faculty and student research and design projects, including manufacturing components, experimental setups, and testing fixtures.
Assist in selecting and developing manufacturing methods and setups, and train, supervise, and assist students in manufacturing research and design projects.
Promote laboratory safety by orienting users, supervising safe equipment use and manufacturing practices, maintaining training and usage logs, and advising on personal protective equipment and hazardous-material handling, storage, and disposal.
Perform preventive maintenance; maintain equipment and inventory records; troubleshoot and calibrate equipment; make minor repairs; recommend major repairs and new or replacement equipment purchases.
Maintain clean, organized, and operational laboratory facilities; purchase consumables, maintain supplies and documentation, and collaborate on scheduling shared facilities.
Train, oversee, and supervise graduate and undergraduate Work Study students and Teaching Assistants, ensuring they follow operational and safety instructions.
Represent LMU in the engineering community and at professional organizations or associations, and serve on committees as requested.
Perform other duties in laboratory, classroom, and research settings.
Support the university’s mission, vision, and values; model professional, responsible, accountable, and ethical conduct; and demonstrate outstanding customer service.