Engineering Lab Manager II

Liberty University, Inc.; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Liberty University, Inc. is seeking a Lab Manager to assist in operating and managing School of Engineering labs, equipment and student technicians in Lynchburg, VA. The role emphasizes safety, lifecycle management, and support for academic and research activities.

You will oversee student lab technicians, participate in budget planning, and contribute to LU’s mission and values while adhering to university policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years’ experience required.
• Knowledge of local, state and federal property and safety regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operate, manage and support engineering equipment and systems in assigned labs.
• Maintain equipment, monitor usage, and coordinate repairs and life-cycle planning.
• Provide training to faculty, staff, students and external users on lab and machine shop equipment.

Skills

Communication

Verbal & Written

Public speaking

Organization

Computer skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The Lab Manager is responsible for supporting the Senior Lab Manager in the operation and management of the School of Engineering labs, equipment and student technicians. In this position, the Lab Manager will oversee student lab technicians in specific lab environments as assigned by the Senior Lab Manager, ensuring best safety practices and industry standards are used to meet the needs of the school’s educational and research activities. This position will be responsible for maintenance of equipment and engineering systems associated with the School of Engineering labs, including Computer, Civil, Electrical, Industrial and Systems, and Mechanical disciplines. The Lab Manager must have experience with various fabrication and research equipment, with knowledge extending to operation, safety, maintenance and life-cycle management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Operate, manage and support engineering equipment and systems, in specific labs as assigned. Daily maintenance of equipment, monitoring usage, coordinating repairs, recommending service agreements and life-cycle management for improved cost reductions, safety, and quality control. Facilities management/support of labs and classrooms. Participate in regular staff meetings with lab managers and student technicians. Give tours to visitors in support of university recruiting events and external guests Strictly adheres to Liberty University policies, representing the University in an exemplary manner. Provide training to faculty, staff, students and external users on lab and machine shop equipment. Provide services in support of student competition teams, capstone projects, academic labs and technology as required.. Participate in budget management and strategic planning alongside the Director of Engineering Labs. Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Position oversees student lab technician groups assigned by the Director of Engineering Labs.

QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5+ years’ experience required
• Knowledge of local, state and federal property and safety regulations is preferred.
• Prior administrative oversight of lab environments is preferred.

ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB

• Communication and Comprehension
• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
• Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
• Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Computer skills.
• Problem Solving Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.

Physical and Sensory Abilities

• May be required to travel.
• May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
• Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
• Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
• Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work Environment The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate. Working environment may include facilitation of events outdoors occasionally.

Driving Requirements

If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel. Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee’s position.

Time Type

Full time

Location Onsite

Onsite

Pay Range Compensation

Compensation is determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, along with University needs and external market conditions. Market benchmarks may be used, as appropriate, in combination with internal equity to ensure pay is fair and aligned with the broader compensation structure. The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. $70,000.00 - $85,000.00

The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.

Before you begin an application, please review our application process. Whatever capacity you work in at Liberty University, you’ll be playing a supportive role in our mission of Training Champions for Christ. Liberty has a wide variety of engaging and challenging positions available that are waiting for committed men and women of integrity just like you. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Lynchburg, Va., Liberty University has been Training Champions for Christ since 1971. As one of the nation’s largest Christian universities, Liberty employs a diverse community of faculty, staff, and student professionals who are united by a shared mission and commitment to excellence. Through their dedication and service, Liberty employees help create a collaborative, faith-driven environment that supports meaningful work and lasting impact.