Lab Manager

NU USA Northeastern University; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University seeks an Electronic Lab Manager to oversee electrical teaching and research laboratories on campus. The role provides hands-on electronics assembly, testing, and instrumentation support for undergraduate courses and Capstone projects, with strong emphasis on safety and cross-lab coordination.

Responsibilities include mentoring students, supervising lab operations, and partnering with EHS, Facilities, and Risk Management to maintain compliant lab environments.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Vocational training or technical certification in electrical controls.
• Programming experience including Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and some circuit design and sensor selection.
• Proficiency with the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
• Ability to train, instruct, and mentor students and teaching assistants.
• Ability to fabricate samples for mechanical and electrical testing.
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical testing equipment.
• Knowledge of power supplies and their safe operation.
• Ability to work and coordinate with Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities, and Risk Management.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or Saturdays.

Responsibilities

• Electronic Laboratory Operations & Technical Support: Assemble, test, and maintain equipment; troubleshoot electronics; document data; ensure safe operations.
• Student Support, Instructional Assistance & Capstone Oversight: Mentor students; oversee Capstone design projects; manage sensors and data acquisition systems.
• Teaching Laboratory Support, Safety & Curriculum Development: Prepare samples; train TAs; assist with new experiments; coordinate equipment installation and inventory.
• Faculty Research & Shared Laboratory Support: Provide electronics support to faculty labs; advise on sensor selection and instrumentation; train researchers on equipment.

Skills

Electrical controls

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

Circuit design

MS Office

Mentoring students

Laboratory safety

Equipment maintenance

Team coordination

Education

Electrical controls certification

Tools

Wiring & soldering equipment

Electronic testing equipment

Job description

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY: The Electronic Lab Manager supports the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering (MIE) Department by ensuring the safe, effective, and reliable operation of electronic teaching and research laboratories. This fully in-person position provides hands-on technical expertise in electronics assembly, testing, troubleshooting, and instrumentation; supports undergraduate laboratory courses and Capstone design projects; enforces laboratory safety and compliance; and collaborates closely with faculty, staff, and students to maintain high-quality instructional and research environments. Because the role involves direct interaction with laboratory equipment, real-time troubleshooting, safety oversight, and on-site student and faculty support, all duties are performed on campus. The position requires a strong commitment to laboratory safety, technical accuracy, student mentorship, and cross-lab coordination in a fast-paced, hands-on academic environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required
• Vocational training or technical certification in electrical controls or a similar area is preferred
• Programming experience including Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and some circuit design and sensor selection
• Proficiency with the MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to train, instruct, and mentor students and teaching assistants
• Ability to fabricate samples for mechanical and electrical testing
• Knowledge of mechanical and electrical testing equipment
• Knowledge of power supplies and their safe operation
• Ability to work and coordinate with relevant offices including Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Facilities, and Risk Management
• Must have flexibility to work occasional evenings or Saturdays

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

1. Electronic Laboratory Operations & Technical Support
   Ensure electronic equipment, instrumentation, and experimental systems are properly assembled, configured, tested, and maintained to support teaching and research activities. Work safely with, in, and around electrical and electronic equipment.
   Assemble, install, and repair equipment or components requiring wiring, soldering, and electrical connections.
   Perform technical tasks and tests, including configuring, operating, and adjusting electronic test equipment.
   Record, document, and report test data in support of teaching laboratory needs.
   Conduct circuit troubleshooting on electronic devices and experimental systems.
   Troubleshoot, modify, and adjust electronic and experimental circuitry prototypes, resolving practical and technical issues.
   Follow specific instructions for the assembly, construction, servicing, and repair of lab instruments and equipment.
2. Student Support, Instructional Assistance & Capstone Oversight (20%)
   Support student learning and project execution through hands-on assistance, mentoring, and oversight in electronic-based coursework and design projects. Support and, when needed, oversee student work in MEIE Capstone Design courses, particularly in the construction and testing of electronic assemblies.
   Provide direct assistance to students by:
   - Ensuring safety oversight for electrical and electronic projects
   - Advising and mentoring students during project work
   - Managing and loaning sensors, data acquisition systems, and electronic equipment
   - Advising on sensor selection and system integration
   - Troubleshooting electronic and instrumentation issues encountered during projects
   - Instructing and assisting students in designing and troubleshooting sensor-based systems (e.g., Arduino-based platforms)
3. Teaching Laboratory Support, Safety & Curriculum Development (20%)
   Ensure undergraduate teaching laboratories operate safely, effectively, and in alignment with curricular goals. Support undergraduate laboratory classes by:
   - Preparing samples and lab setups
   - Solving technical and equipment-related problems
   - Training and supervising teaching assistants
   - Assist faculty in the development of new laboratory experiments and instructional activities
   - Coordinate new equipment acquisition, installation, and commissioning for teaching labs
   - Order laboratory supplies and maintain appropriate inventory
   - Ensure safe laboratory environments and practices, including compliance with departmental and university safety standards
4. Faculty Research & Shared Laboratory Support
   Provide technical electronics support to faculty research labs and shared laboratory facilities as needed. Solve electronics and equipment issues in faculty research laboratories.
   Advise researchers on sensor selection, data acquisition systems, and instrumentation challenges.
   Maintain and service shared laboratory equipment used for research.
   Train graduate researchers on the proper and safe use of shared electronic equipment and systems

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation.

Visit https://hr.northeastern.edu/benefits/ for more information.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type: 109S Expected Hiring Range: $67,855.00 - $95,845.00 With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and the recognized leader in experiential lifelong learning. Our approach of integrating real-world experience with education, research, and innovation empowers our students, faculty, alumni, and partners to create worldwide impact. Our global university system provides our community and academic, government, and industry partners with unique opportunities to think locally and act globally. The system—including 14 campuses across the U.S., U.K., and Canada, 300,000-plus alumni, and 3,000 partners worldwide—serves as a platform for scaling ideas, talent, and solutions. The university’s residential campuses for undergraduate and graduate degrees are located in Boston, London, and Oakland, California. Our research and graduate campuses are in the Massachusetts communities of Burlington and Nahant; Arlington, Virginia; Charlotte, North Carolina; Miami; Portland, Maine; Seattle; Silicon Valley, California; Toronto; and Vancouver. Northeastern’s personalized, experiential undergraduate and graduate programs lead to degrees through the doctorate in 10 colleges and schools across our campuses. Learning emphasizes the intersection of data, technology, and human literacies, uniquely preparing graduates for careers of the future and lives of fulfillment and accomplishment. Our research enterprise, with an R1 Carnegie classification, is solutions oriented and spans the world. Our faculty scholars and students work in teams that cross not just disciplines, but also sectors—aligned around solving today’s highly interconnected global challenges and focused on transformative impact for humankind.