Cybersecurity, Digital Engineering & AI Innovation Lab & Facility Manager

The University of North Carolina; United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of North Carolina is seeking a Cybersecurity, Digital Engineering & AI Innovation Lab & Facility Manager to provide operational leadership. This role engages with various teams to ensure the facility meets technical and administrative requirements for sensitive data and AI workloads.

Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related fields, with 2+ years in laboratory operations. Familiarity with digital twin technology and strong knowledge of security standards is preferred. This is a full-time, on-site position.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in laboratory operations or facility coordination preferred.
• Strong knowledge of digital infrastructure and network standards.
• Advanced degree in related science or engineering field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of classrooms, labs, and specialized structures.
• Provide tier-one support for Digital Engineering software.
• Manage overall lab operations budget and vendor contacts.

Skills

Laboratory operations

Digital infrastructure

Security standards knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field

Job description

Cybersecurity, Digital Engineering & AI Innovation Lab & Facility Manager

Position Information

Position Number: 001967
Vacancy: Open to All Candidates
Title: Cybersecurity, Digital Engineering & AI Innovation Lab & Facility Manager
Designation: EHRA Non-Faculty
Employment Type: Permanent – Full-time (FLSA Exempt)
Work Schedule: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday with occasional evening and weekend hours as necessary
Hours per week: 40
Location: Brevard Street Building, UNC Charlotte, North Carolina

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 manager has direct responsibility for the facility, including the digital infrastructure required for modern engineering workflows, and holds master key access to secure areas.

Responsibilities

• Research Lab Facility & Building Operations – 50%
  • Operational oversight of daily activities of all classrooms, labs, and specialized structures, ensuring 24/7 operational readiness for sensitive data, AI workloads, and Digital Engineering simulations.
  • Lead coordination and liaison to University Facilities Management for all building/lab infrastructure needs, including high‑capacity power, specialized cooling for AI clusters, and high‑bandwidth data networking.
  • Manage advanced security protocols and building access for faculty and industry collaborators using systems such as Archibus.
  • Inventory management for all equipment, maintaining records for physical devices and virtualized assets/software licenses required for Digital Engineering.
  • 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%
  • Oversee deployment and maintenance of Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and collaborative digital environments that enable virtual design, testing, and validation of complex systems.
  • Provide tier‑one support for Digital Engineering software suites and high‑performance computing interfaces.
  • Establish and enforce rigorous safety standards tailored to the unique risks of the lab, including high‑voltage data centers and cyber‑physical security.
• Planning and Organizing Work – 10%
  • Assist leadership in determining long‑range plans for core facilities based on strategic assessments of growth opportunities in digital transformation and AI, aligned with the Division of Research strategic plan.
  • 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.
  • Coordinate security protocols for both physical assets and intellectual property stored within the digital lab environment.
• Administrative & Fiscal Management – 20%
  • Manage overall lab operations budget and develop justifications for major capital equipment purchases and enterprise‑level software subscriptions.
  • Serve as primary contact for vendors; evaluate quotes for new equipment, cloud service providers, service contracts, delivery schedules, and specialized installations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution, preferably in computer science, systems engineering, information technology, or a related engineering or engineering technology discipline.
• At least two (2) years of experience in laboratory operations, research management, or facility coordination, or an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience.
• Strong knowledge of digital infrastructure, network and security standards (e.g., NIST, ISO).

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a related science or engineering field.
• Familiarity with Digital Twin technology, MBSE frameworks, or AI‑augmented design workflows.
• Experience working within a technology hub or managing industry‑university collaborative facilities.
• Ability to align facility operations with the broader goals of the North Tryon Tech Hub and regional economic development.
• Expertise in managing resources, assets, inventory, budget, preventative maintenance, service contracts, complex workflows, and quality assurance programs.
• Knowledge of computer infrastructure, network, and security standards.

Required Documents

• Resume / Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
• Contact Information for References

EEO Statement – This position is the property of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and requires all employees to comply with the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth of North Carolina.