Research Facility Manager

University of Kentucky; Lexington, Northern (KY, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Facility Manager within the College of Engineering. This role will guide the prototype machine shop, support the fabrication of student and faculty projects, and ensure safe operation of lab facilities.

You will teach shop drawing processes, select CAD/CAE technologies, and collaborate with design teams across cornerstone and capstone courses to advance innovation and responsible equipment stewardship.

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge related to fabrication, machine shop operations, laboratory equipment, and CAD / CAE technologies.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Strong organizational, time management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and equipment stewardship.
• 3 years of related experience

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation of the prototype machine shop and support the fabrication of prototypes for student design projects and faculty research initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering students participating in cornerstone and capstone design courses, as well as special project teams, to develop and fabricate prototype components.
• Teach and guide students in appropriate shop drawing preparation and submission processes.
• Manage and operate the College of Engineering Technical Design Shop, including evaluation and selection of CAD / CAE -related equipment and technologies.
• Support students, faculty, and staff in the design and development of prototypes using computer-aided design and engineering tools.
• Supervise and guide appropriate users in the safe and effective operation of technical design and fabrication equipment.
• Maintain and support College of Engineering laboratory equipment and assist faculty with equipment upgrades, repairs, and operational needs.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety policies and procedures within shop and laboratory environments.

Skills

Fabrication

Machine shop operations

Laboratory equipment

CAD/CAE

Communication

Organizational skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Experience: 3 years

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Click here for more information about equivalencies:

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Operating heavy machinery, hand tools, welding or cutting equipment. Lifting objects sometimes in excess of 50 lbs.

Shift

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm

Job Summary

Support Research and Innovation Through Advanced Fabrication and Technical Design Expertise

The University of Kentucky is seeking a Research Facility Manager to join the College of Engineering.

This position supports the design, fabrication, maintenance, and operation of specialized research and prototype development resources that advance teaching, student innovation, and externally funded research. The role works closely with faculty, staff, graduate students, and engineering students to develop prototypes, maintain critical laboratory equipment, and ensure safe and effective operation of machine shop and technical design facilities.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee the operation of the prototype machine shop and support the fabrication of prototypes for student design projects and faculty research initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering students participating in cornerstone and capstone design courses, as well as special project teams, to develop and fabricate prototype components.
• Teach and guide students in appropriate shop drawing preparation and submission processes.
• Manage and operate the College of Engineering Technical Design Shop, including evaluation and selection of CAD / CAE -related equipment and technologies.
• Support students, faculty, and staff in the design and development of prototypes using computer-aided design and engineering tools.
• Supervise and guide appropriate users in the safe and effective operation of technical design and fabrication equipment.
• Maintain and support College of Engineering laboratory equipment and assist faculty with equipment upgrades, repairs, and operational needs.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety policies and procedures within shop and laboratory environments.

What You’ll Bring

• Strong technical knowledge related to fabrication, machine shop operations, laboratory equipment, and CAD / CAE technologies.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with students, faculty, and staff.
• Strong organizational, time management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and equipment stewardship.
• 3 years of related experience

What’s In It for You

• Opportunity to support innovative faculty research and the development of specialized research equipment.
• Direct involvement in hands-on student learning experiences, including cornerstone, capstone, and special engineering design projects.
• Exposure to a wide range of engineering technologies, fabrication methods, and research applications.
• Opportunity to collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and student project teams across the College of Engineering.

Why Now?

As engineering education and research continue to rely on advanced prototyping, fabrication, and testing capabilities, this position plays a critical role in ensuring students and faculty have access to the technical expertise and equipment needed to succeed.

The Research Facility Manager helps maintain safe, efficient, and effective operations across the College of Engineering’s design, fabrication, and laboratory environments, supporting both student success and the university’s research mission.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Yes

Preferred Education/Experience

Mechanical Ability

Deadline to Apply

10/10/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

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