Labs & Maker Space Manager, Engineering Education

Virginia Tech; 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 environments. You will oversee facilities, equipment, resources, safety, and instructional spaces like Frith First-Year Maker Space and Interdisciplinary Education Lab.

You will recruit and develop staff, coordinate with EH&S and facilities, and drive program improvements to support student engagement and learning outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience managing complex lab, maker-space, or hands-on educational operations.
• Experience supervising, training, scheduling, and developing staff.
• Experience managing equipment, inventory, purchasing, or operational records.
• Ability to develop operational procedures, training protocols, and safety practices.
• Experience with 3D printing, CAD, prototyping, or related tech.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational and programmatic leadership for undergraduate labs and project-based spaces.
• Recruit, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate laboratory staff and students.
• Oversee facilities, equipment, safety, purchasing, and asset management.
• Coordinate with EH&S, facilities, and vendors; drive program improvement and assessment.

Skills

Staff supervision

Facility operations

Safety protocols

Project management

3D printing

CAD / prototyping

Vendor negotiation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Master's degree in engineering or related field

Bachelor's with equivalent experience

Tools

CAD software

3D printers

Laboratory information systems

Learning management systems

Job description

Virginia Tech seeks a Manager for Engineering Education Laboratories to lead undergraduate labs and project-based environments. You will oversee facilities, equipment, resources, safety, and instructional spaces like Frith First-Year Maker Space and Interdisciplinary Education Lab.

You will recruit and develop staff, coordinate with EH&S and facilities, and drive program improvements to support student engagement and learning outcomes.