Engineering Education Labs Manager — Makerspace & Lab Ops

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech seeks a Manager for Engineering Education Laboratories to lead undergraduate labs and project-based spaces, including maker spaces and design studios. You will supervise staff, manage equipment and safety protocols, and coordinate with EH&S and facilities.

The role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to juggle multiple projects, and a track record in educational operations. Regular, on-site work with a focus on student engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration

Qualifications

• Masters degree in engineering, technology, science, or related discipline; or a Bachelors with experience equivalent to a masters degree.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for undergraduate laboratories and project-based learning environments.
• Lead strategic and day-to-day management of instructional and experiential learning spaces (Frith First-Year Maker Space, Interdisciplinary Education Lab, inVenTs Design Studio).
• Recruit, train, supervise, schedule, coach, and evaluate laboratory personnel and students.
• Establish operational priorities and implement processes to ensure continuity of laboratory services.
• Liaise with Environmental Health and Safety, facilities, equipment suppliers, and university partners to ensure compliance and alignment with policies.
• Oversee purchasing, inventory, maintenance, asset tracking, service agreements, and resource planning.
• Evaluate laboratory needs and develop recommendations on equipment, space, staffing, and budgeting; stay updated on new lab technologies.

Skills

Project management

Supervision

Training

Scheduling

Safety protocols

Problem solving

Stakeholder communication

Organizational skills

3D printing / CAD familiarity

Education

Masters degree in engineering/technology/science or related discipline

Bachelors with experience equivalent to a masters

Tools

Lab equipment management

Job description

Virginia Tech seeks a Manager for Engineering Education Laboratories to lead undergraduate labs and project-based spaces, including maker spaces and design studios. You will supervise staff, manage equipment and safety protocols, and coordinate with EH&S and facilities.

The role requires strong organizational skills, the ability to juggle multiple projects, and a track record in educational operations. Regular, on-site work with a focus on student engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration