Prototype Fabrication and Lab Manager

University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Nebraska; On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous paid time off

Comprehensive insurance options

Employee scholarship programs

Robust retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering department is seeking a Prototype Fabrication and Lab Manager to lead design, fabrication, and maintenance of custom research equipment. You will work with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduates on projects where off-the-shelf solutions may not exist.

Strong fabrication skills and safety compliance are essential. As a Lab Mechanic, you’ll support teaching and research labs, coordinate safety with EH&S, and help

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in engineering technology or related field plus one year of technical fabrication experience.
• High school diploma plus three years of technical fabrication experience; equivalent experience considered.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance and the design and fabrication of devices or equipment.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with faculty and students to conceptualize, design, fabricate, and refine custom experimental apparatus.
• Assist with the design, fabrication, maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment and devices.
• Ensure teaching and research labs meet the needs of the department, faculty, staff, and students.
• Coordinate with Environmental Health and Safety and OSHA to ensure safety compliance.

Skills

Equipment maintenance

Fabrication experience

Education

Associate’s degree in engineering technology or related field

High school diploma with 3+ years technical experience

Tools

Mills

Lathes

Drills

Job description

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Employment Website

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Position Information

Working Title

Prototype Fabrication and Lab Manager

Department

Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering-1058

Requisition Number

S_260645

Posting Open Date

08/11/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date) 08/19/2026

Posting Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Description of Work

The Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a dynamic, research-driven community advancing innovations across biomolecular engineering, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and molecular medicine. Students, staff, and faculty collaborate on cutting-edge, grant-funded research that addresses critical challenges in healthcare, sustainability, and advanced materials.

As the Prototype Fabrication & Lab Manager, you will:

• Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers to conceptualize, design, fabricate, and refine custom experimental apparatus that support novel research projects, where commercially available equipment may not exist.
• Assist with the design, fabrication, maintenance, and repair of laboratory equipment and devices.
• Ensure that the teaching and research labs in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering meet the needs of the department, faculty, staff, and students.
• Coordinate with Environmental Health and Safety and OSHA to ensure compliance with all safety requirements and eliminate safety hazards.

In the UNL system, this position is categorized as a Lab Mechanic.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer and recently earned the Lincoln Family Friendly Workplace certification. We are known for our welcoming, supportive environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a meaningful impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life coverage
• Employee and dependent scholarship programs to pursue higher education
• Robust retirement plans with university match

Note: Sponsorship will not be offered for this position.

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in engineering technology or a related technical field plus one (1) year of technical experience using common machine shop and fabrication tools such as mills, lathes, drills, saws, grinders, hand tools, and precision measuring instruments; OR
• High school diploma or equivalent plus three (3) years of technical experience using common machine shop and fabrication tools such as mills, lathes, drills, saws, grinders, hand tools, and precision measuring instruments. Equivalent experience/education considered.
• Knowledge of equipment and machine maintenance and the design and fabrication of devices or equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required No

Physical Required

Physical Required Yes

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required. Subject to DOT approved pre-employment & random testing for alcohol and controlled substances. No

Criminal History Background Check Required

Criminal History Background Check Required Yes

Job Category (old)

Job Category (old) Office/Service

Job Type

Full-Time

Alternate Work Schedule (if other than 8-5)

Work Location (City, State)

Lincoln, NE

Position funded by grant or other form of temporary funding?

No

Planned Hire Date

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * Please detail your technical experience using common machine shop and fabrication tools such as mills, lathes, drills, saws, grinders, hand tools, and precision measuring instruments, including years of experience.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please describe your knowledge of equipment and machine maintenance and the design and fabrication of devices or equipment.

  (Open Ended Question)