Strategic Leader, Machine Shop Operations

Dartmouth College

Hanover (NH)

On-site

USD 92,100 - 115,100

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, seeks an Associate Director to lead the Machine Shop (MShop) operations. You will oversee daily operations, supervise Technical Instructors and student workers, and ensure safe, reliable, and well‑supported facilities for teaching and research.

You will engage with faculty and researchers to align capabilities with academic goals, drive strategic initiatives, and manage equipment and safety programs while maintaining high standards of service to students and

Qualifications

Associates or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated leadership and management experience in a machine shop, makerspace, fabrication, manufacturing, or technical operations environment.
Strong knowledge of machine shop operations, fabrication methods, equipment safety, and maintenance practices.
Experience supervising technical staff, student employees, or instructional personnel.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, students, researchers, and institutional leadership.
Hands‑on experience with fabrication equipment, prototyping tools, and workshop operations.
Commitment to safety, continuous improvement, and team development.

Responsibilities

Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership for the MShop and maker space facilities.
Supervise, train, schedule, mentor, and evaluate Technical Instructors and student employees.
Ensure effective staffing coverage and cross‑training to support instructional, research, and operational needs.
Coordinate workflow, shop priorities, and project scheduling to meet academic and research deadlines.
Oversee administrative functions including purchasing coordination, inventory management, equipment tracking, and documentation.
Support strategic planning initiatives and implementation of operational improvements for the MShop.
Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and institutional leadership to support instructional and research objectives.
Lead and enforce all MShop safety policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Ensure proper training and certification of shop users and student employees.
Oversee equipment maintenance programs and coordinate corrective actions as necessary.
Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence within the shop environment.
Monitor compliance with institutional safety requirements and industry best practices.
Support instructional activities and project‑based learning initiatives within the MShop.
Mentor students through project design, fabrication, prototyping, and manufacturing processes.
Provide technical guidance related to machine shop tools, fabrication methods, and maker space operations.
Collaborate with faculty to support curriculum development and implementation of new capabilities and technologies.
Assist with hands‑on fabrication, troubleshooting, and operational support as needed.
Oversee the safe operation and proper usage of all machine shop equipment and facilities.
Recommend equipment purchases, upgrades, and capital improvements.
Maintain relationships with vendors and external service providers.
Assist in evaluating future operational and facility needs to support evolving educational and research priorities.