Manager of Laboratory Facilities – Mechanical Engineering

Loyola Marymount University; United States; On-site; USD 89,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Loyola Marymount University seeks a skilled Lab Manager for the Mechanical Engineering labs to oversee fabrication facilities, maintain equipment, and support teaching and student research activities across courses and capstone projects.

You will supervise Work Study and Teaching Assistant students, train users on CNCs, mills, lathes, and CAD/CAM tools, and coordinate safety compliance and preventive maintenance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in engineering technology or related field or two years of trade school/technical arts training with machine shop equipment.
• Minimum three years of progressively responsible journey-level experience in operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment.
• Completion of an apprenticeship program, or full military specialization in the required equipment may substitute for experience.
• Familiarity with CNC mills, lathes, welding and forming tools, and controllers/interfaces with mechanical processes.

Responsibilities

• Support instructional function in ME courses with manufacturing needs, plan and assist in delivery of courses, set up equipment, ensure safety and proper working order.
• Support faculty and student research/design projects, assist with manufacturing needs and experimental setups, train and supervise students.
• Ensure safety compliance, orient students and staff on procedures, maintain training logs and PPE usage.

Skills

CNC machines operation

SolidWorks

CNC machine programming

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering technology

Tools

MasterCAM

Virtual Gibbs

SolidCAM

Calipers

Micrometers

Dial indicators

Job description

Under general supervision this position will manage, operate, and maintain all fabrication-related and machine shop teaching and research laboratories and equipment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. This position will support the manufacturing needs for mechanical engineering courses and faculty and student research and design efforts, including faculty and student research projects, capstone projects, and student club design projects. Provide instructional and project assistance and support to engineering students in accordance with assignments and directions from the Department Chair, course instructors, project advisors, or other academic personnel. Provide technical assistance and training to students, faculty and staff in the use of manufacturing equipment and technology in instructional programs. Monitors and maintains laboratory equipment and operations and conducts preventive maintenance as necessary. Provides instructional support for the students enrolled in engineering classes and labs requiring technical competence. Trains, oversees and supervises machine shop Work Study and Teaching Assistant students. This position is expected to manage, control, and maintain efficient and orderly laboratory facilities and equipment; ensure proper maintenance, calibration and compliance of all current and future equipment; recommend and purchase equipment and equipment replacements; construct new equipment or modify existing equipment to better fit student laboratory operations and faculty research; keep abreast with current skills; and when called upon, be able to help the faculty to set up, supervise and assist in laboratory courses.

Position Specific Responsibilities:

1. Support instructional function in the Department of Mechanical Engineering courses that have manufacturing needs. In conjunction with the mechanical engineering faculty and other technical staff, plan and assist in the preparation and delivery of mechanical engineering courses. Engage students in an active learning environment; Assist faculty members with course-related manufacturing needs; Aid in the development and delivery of appropriate manufacturing exercises and learning activities; Prepare equipment/instrumentation by setting-up equipment for student usage, assuring proper working order of equipment, and ensure safe usage of the equipment by students; Conduct demonstrations and training on equipment/instrumentation; Design and fabricate teaching and instructional tools and fixtures to support course delivery as necessary. Primarily support the Department of Mechanical Engineering, but may be tasked to conduct any of the above for the Seaver College of Science and Engineering at large, pending available capacity and supervisor approval.
2. Support the faculty and student research and design project needs within the Department of Mechanical Engineering. In conjunction with the faculty and other technical staff, assist in supporting the manufacturing needs of faculty and students. Engage students in an active learning environment; Assist faculty members and students with manufacturing research and design project components and research experimental setups; Aid in the selection and development of appropriate manufacturing methods and setups; Prepare equipment/instrumentation by setting-up equipment for student usage, assuring proper working order of equipment, and ensure safe usage of the equipment by students; Train, supervise, and assist students with the manufacturing of design and research projects; Assist with the design and fabrication of experimental testing fixtures as necessary. Primarily support the Department of Mechanical Engineering, but may be tasked to conduct any of the above for the Seaver College of Science and Engineering at large, pending available capacity and supervisor approval.
3. Ensure compliance with safety regulations. Facilitate a safe laboratory environment, including but not limited to the following: Orient students, faculty, and staff on the procedures used to facilitate learning; Supervise students in the proper use of equipment and safe manufacturing and laboratory techniques; Train faculty and students on proper use of equipment; Maintain equipment user training and usage log books; Advise and ensure use of personal protective equipment, and safe handling, storage, and disposal of potentially hazardous chemicals.
4. Perform preventive maintenance on equipment. Organize, maintain and ensure operating condition of all equipment contained within the laboratories; Maintain inventory of all equipment contained within the laboratories inclusive of borrowed equipment; Troubleshoot malfunctioning equipment; Conduct calibration of equipment/instrumentation; Make minor repairs of equipment when needed and recommend contracting of major repairs with well-chosen vendors; Assist in the recommendation of purchase of new and replacement equipment.
5. Maintain clean and organized working laboratory facilities. Conduct regular preventative maintenance of equipment; Purchase consumables and keep orderly accessible inventories of supplies; Be familiar with documentation including manuals safety documents and contacts; Collaborate in scheduling to effectively use shared laboratory facilities; Maintain inventories of materials and advise regarding supply orders as necessary.
6. Oversee Work Study students and Teaching Assistants in any of the above activities. Train, oversee and supervise both graduate and undergraduate Work Study and Teaching Assistant students to support machine shop and manufacturing work; Ensure students follow all operational and safety instructions.
7. Represent LMU within the engineering community and at professional organizations or associations, serve on committees as requested.
8. Perform other duties in the lab classroom and research lab settings.

Experience/Qualifications

Typically a Bachelor’s Degree in engineering technology or related field or two years of trade school/technical arts training with machine shop equipment. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of new technology, and regulation/policy changes. Minimum three years of progressively responsible journey-level experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment. Completion of an apprenticeship program, or completion of a full military specialization in the required type of equipment maintenance and repair may substitute for experience. Familiarity with: the operation of computer numerical control machines; the operation of manual machine tools; the operation of welding and forming tools; and with controllers/process controllers and their interfaces with mechanical processes. Familiarity with the operation of various manufacturing and machine shop equipment, including but not limited to: manual and CNC mills, lathes, wire EDM, water jet, laser cutter, band saw, drill press, sheet metal forming, grinding and polishing wheels, welding equipment, hands tools, etc. Demonstrated skill at interacting effectively with a diverse student body, faculty, and other staff members. Must be ready to support the success of women and other underrepresented groups in engineering by serving as a role model to students who tolerates no form of harassment or discrimination, including against gender and sexual minorities. Strong troubleshooting skills. Demonstrated understanding of technical drawings, dimensioning, and tolerances is required. Demonstrated competency in CAD software (SolidWorks) and CNC machine programming (MasterCAM, Virtual Gibbs, SolidCAM, etc.). Must be able to use precision measurement tools such as calipers, micrometers, feeler gauges and dial indicators. Strong understanding of electronics and mechanics. Basic computer skills including email, internet, and spreadsheets. Must be self‑motivated, proactive, and expected to directly apply technical skills. Ability to work with faculty and supervise and engage students working in the laboratories and be thoroughly familiar with standard practices used in mechanical engineering laboratories. Ability to work well as part of a team. Exemplary communication skills (both written and oral). Proven technical aptitude, problem‑solving and teamwork skills. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Constantly required to sit, feel, use finger movement, speak clearly, hear conversation, see near and far. Frequently required to stand and walk. Occasionally required to lift, carry and push 25-50lbs, stoop, kneel, reach high and low, use depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT-

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment is normal.

MENTAL DEMANDS

Mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequent calculating, interrupted work, variety of interrelated tasks, sustained concentration, use of reasoning, judgment, resourcefulness, analytical ability, and ingenuity.

Staff Regular Salary range $89,100.00 - $120,400.00 Salary commensurate with education and experience. Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.) LMU is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities and ensuring a comprehensive recruitment and selection process for all applicants. Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the application, interview, or selection process may contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or by phone at [phone]. Applicants who use relay services or other assistive communication technologies are welcome to utilize those services when contacting Human Resources. When contacting Human Resources, please include the job posting number, title of the position and department for which you are applying. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of a disability or provide medical information when requesting an accommodation during the recruitment process. LMU will work with applicants in a timely and interactive process to identify and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable federal and state law.

Founded in 1911, Loyola Marymount University is a Carnegie classified R2 institution rooted in the Jesuit and Marymount traditions. We are committed to fostering a diverse academic community rich in opportunity for intellectual engagement and real‑world experience. We enroll an academically ambitious, multicultural, and socioeconomically diverse student body. We recruit, retain and support a diverse faculty committed to excellence in teaching, research, scholarship and creativity.

Our three campuses are rooted in the heart of Los Angeles, a global capital for arts and entertainment, innovation and technology, business and entrepreneurship.

LMU is a unique and rewarding place to work. As you consider your employment opportunities with our institution, we encourage you to take the time to learn about the university community and how it distinguishes us from other places of employment.

We are proud of the programs, benefits and services we provide our community. We strive to ensure an inclusive environment in all aspects of campus life that fosters a strong sense of trust and mutual respect.

EEO Statement

Loyalty Marymount University is an equal employment opportunity employer and prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), color, national origin (including language and language use restrictions), ancestry, disability (mental and physical) including HIV and AIDS, legally protected medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), denial of Family and Medical Care Leave, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age 40 or over, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other bases protected by federal (including but not limited to Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990), state or local law. The University does not discriminate on these bases, or any other basis protected by law, in the administration of any of its education or admissions policies, scholarship or loan programs, athletics, and other school-administered policies and programs, or in its employment policies and practices. All University policies, practices, and procedures are administered in a manner consistent with LMU's Jesuit identity and character. To learn more about the University's Statement of Non-Discrimination policy and related grievance procedures, click here. To report questions or concerns about sex-based discrimination, please contact [e-mail] or 310.568.6105. To learn more about Federal & State Employment Notices, click here: