Applied Engineering Lead

University of Austin (UATX); Bastrop (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Austin (UATX) seeks a visionary engineer and educator to serve as Applied Engineering Lead for the Bastrop lab and as architect of our new engineering laboratory. This founding-minded leader will bridge academia and industry, shaping hands-on engineering education.

The Bastrop facility will span ~16,000 sq. ft. to support mechanics, electronics, robotics, optics, prototyping, and fabrication. Occasional travel to the Austin campus is expected.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s, Ph.D., or equivalent in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Technical skills: CAD/CAM, machining, rapid prototyping, and/or circuit design.
• Mission fit: commitment to open inquiry and the pursuit of truth.

Responsibilities

• Program Innovation and Buildout: lead fit-out of the Bastrop facility, design workflows and equipment installation.
• Procurement: lead ordering and setup of laboratory equipment to modern standards.
• Project Development: partner with faculty to integrate hands-on engineering activities into curriculum.
• Industry Liaison: connect with companies to keep projects relevant to current engineering needs.
• Instruction and Mentorship: teach core engineering principles and mentor students on projects.
• Operational Excellence: oversee daily operations and manage staff/vendors as the facility scales.
• Budget & Growth: identify equipment gaps and manage upgrade budgets to maintain state-of-the-art labs.
• Safety and Compliance: establish and maintain a safe, compliant lab environment with OSHA and related standards.

Skills

CAD/CAM

Machining

Rapid prototyping

Circuit design

Education

Master's or PhD in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Job description

Location Bastrop, TX, with occasional travel to the Austin campus.

Job Summary UATX is seeking a visionary engineer and educator for the position of Applied Engineering Lead to serve as the architect of our new engineering laboratory in Bastrop and to help us build the future of technical education. This role is for a founding-minded leader who is passionate about educating future engineers in an innovative way. Beyond the laboratory, the Applied Engineering Lead will serve as a vital connector and liaison to industry partners, bridging the gap between academic innovation and commercial engineering.

About The Bastrop Facility UATX is launching a :16,000 sq. ft. lab in Bastrop, TX, supporting mechanics, electronics, robotics, optics, prototyping, and fabrication. It is designed for students and staff to build real systems in a high-performance, lab-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Program Innovation and Buildout
  • Commissioning: Lead fit-out of the new facility, designing workflows and equipment installation.
  • Strategic Procurement: Lead ordering and setup of laboratory equipment to meet state-of-the-art standards.
  • Project Development: Partner with faculty to develop and integrate rigorous, hands-on engineering activity into the curriculum.
  • Industry Liaison: Act as a connector to companies and external partners to ensure projects remain relevant to modern engineering needs.
• Instruction and Mentorship
  • Hands-on Teaching: Teach core principles of engineering, design, fabrication, and testing.
  • Active Mentorship: Directly mentor students as they navigate complex technical research and individual projects.
• Operational Excellence
  • Daily Management: Oversee daily operations to ensure a technically-ready environment for student focus.
  • Staffing & Vendors: Manage Bastrop-based staff and contractors as the facility scales.
  • Budget & Growth: Identify equipment gaps and manage upgrade budgets to maintain state-of-the-art laboratory standards.
• Safety and Compliance: Establish and maintain a safe, compliant laboratory environment, including safety protocols, training, equipment safeguards, and adherence to applicable OSHA, fire code, and environmental requirements.

Qualifications

• Education: Master's, Ph.D., or equivalent experience in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in CAD/CAM, machining, rapid prototyping, and/or circuit design.
• Mission Fit: A firm commitment to open inquiry and the pursuit of truth.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.