Cybersecurity, Digital Engineering & AI Innovation Lab & Facility Manager

University of North Carolina Charlotte; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 98,748 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The University of North Carolina Charlotte is seeking a Cybersecurity, Digital Engineering & AI Innovation Lab & Facility Manager to lead operations. This full-time role involves overseeing lab management, ensuring operational readiness, and engaging with industry partners on innovative projects.

Candidates should have a Bachelor's in computer science or related fields, with managerial experience. Responsibilities include budget management, technical support oversight, and compliance with safety standards.

This position offers comprehensive benefits and is essential for driving strategic initiatives aligned with regional tech hubs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, systems engineering, or related field with at least 2 years of lab management experience.
• Advanced degree preferred with knowledge of Digital Twin technology and AI workflows.
• Experience in strategic planning and vendor relations.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of the Cybersecurity and Digital Engineering lab.
• Oversee facility budget and procurement processes.
• Implement safety standards specific to lab environments.

Skills

Laboratory operations management

Digital engineering expertise

Budget management

Safety and compliance enforcement

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Advanced degree (Master's or PhD)

Job description

Cybersecurity, Digital Engineering & AI Innovation Lab & Facility Manager

Position Information

• Position Number: 001967
• Vacancy Open to: All Candidates
• Position Designation: EHRA Non-Faculty
• Employment Type: Permanent - Full-time
• Work Schedule: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm; Monday - Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours required, as necessary.
• Work Location: Brevard Street Building
• Salary Range: $98,748 - $120,000
• Division: Research
• Department: Div of Research (Adm)

Primary Purpose of Position

The Cybersecurity, Digital Engineering & AI Innovation Lab & Facility Manager provides operational leadership for the lab and facility. This role is the primary technical and administrative lead for the facility and serves as the essential link between the University, Division of Research, and the North Tryon Tech Hub. The position focuses on managing sophisticated research environments, overseeing building operations, and facilitating technical engagement with industry partners and regional initiatives. The manager has direct responsibility for the facility, including the digital infrastructure required for modern engineering workflows, and holds master key access to secure areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Research Lab Facility & Building Operations (50%)
  • Operational Oversight: Manage daily activities of all classrooms, labs, and specialized structures, ensuring 24/7 operational readiness for sensitive data, AI workloads, and Digital Engineering simulations.
  • Building Liaison: Lead coordinator and liaison to University Facilities Management for all building/lab infrastructure needs.
  • Space & Access Management: Oversee all lab and office assignments; manage advanced security protocols and building access for faculty and industry collaborators using systems like Archibus.
  • Inventory & Security: Serve as the primary inventory manager for all equipment; maintain records for both physical devices and virtualized assets/software licenses required for Digital Engineering.
  • Outreach: Organize and direct outreach activities, including tours and demonstrations of Digital Twin models and AI-driven research for industry partners and research sponsors.
• Technical Innovation & Support (20%)
  • Digital Engineering Integration: Oversee the deployment and maintenance of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and collaborative digital environments.
  • Expert Troubleshooting: Oversee maintenance and repair of complex electronic, mechanical, and data systems; provide tier-one support for Digital Engineering software suites and high-performance computing (HPC) interfaces.
  • Safety & Compliance: Establish and enforce rigorous safety standards tailored to the unique risks of the lab.
• Planning and Organizing Work (10%)
  • Strategic Planning: Assist leadership in determining long-range plans for core facilities based on strategic assessments of growth opportunities in digital transformation and AI.
  • Modernization Planning: Develop 3‑year rolling plans for equipment staging, facility retrofitting, and digital toolchain upgrades to keep the Innovation Lab at the forefront of the Tech Hub’s requirements.
  • Safety & Security: Serve as the building liaison and safety officer, coordinating security protocols for both physical assets and intellectual property stored within the digital lab environment.
• Administrative & Fiscal Management (20%)
  • Budgetary Authority: Manage the overall lab operations budget and develop justifications for major capital equipment purchases and enterprise‑level software subscriptions.
  • Procurement & Vendor Relations: Serve as the primary contact for vendors; evaluate quotes for new equipment, cloud service providers, service contracts, delivery schedules, and specialized installations.

Minimum Education / Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, systems engineering, information technology, or a related engineering discipline, and at least two (2) years of experience in laboratory operations, research management, or facility coordination.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a related science or engineering field.
• Digital engineering expertise, including familiarity with Digital Twin technology, MBSE frameworks, or AI‑augmented design workflows.
• Industry experience managing technology hub or university‑industry collaborative facilities.
• Strategic planning skills aligned with the North Tryon Tech Hub and regional economic development.
• Advanced lab management expertise in resource, asset, inventory, budget, preventative maintenance, service contracts, complex workflows, and quality assurance programs.
• Technical expertise in computer infrastructure, network, and security standards such as NIST and ISO.

Benefits

• UNC Charlotte benefits: Benefits Overview