Lab and Equipment Operations Manager - Siebel Center for Design

Lab and Equipment Operations Manager

Siebel Center for Design

The Grainger College of Engineering

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

The Siebel Center for Design in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Lab and Equipment Operations Manager position.

Primary Position Function

The Lab and Equipment Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of the Siebel Center for Design's (SCD) lab spaces, fabrication equipment, and audio/visual systems in support of SCD activities, events, and academic programming. This position ensures that all SCD labs operate safely, effectively, and in alignment with the center's mission to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across the campus.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Lab Operations and Staff Management

* Manage daily scheduling, staffing, and operations of all SCD lab spaces, including a fabrication tool shop, an assembly and construction workshop, equipment checkout and storage spaces, and a media recording studio. Directly supervise, schedule, hire, train, and manage up to 40 student staff working in lab operations, including graduate assistants, hourly employees, and volunteers.

* Maintain all health, safety, and compliance requirements for lab spaces; implement and administer certification and training programs for all staff and users of the labs in accordance with policies.

Equipment Maintenance and Setup

* Maintain and manage all SCD audio/video and recording equipment, including setup and operation of portable monitors, audio, and video equipment for recording labs and special events; track maintenance schedules and develop equipment replacement recommendations.

* Maintain and manage all SCD fabrication lab equipment and supplies, including a CNC router, water-jet cutter, laser cutters, advanced printers, 3D printers, woodworking tools, a spray booth, and additional equipment; maintain inventory systems and support data-informed procurement decisions.

SCD Events and Activities Support

* Provide technical setup and support for all SCD events and activities, including room configuration and equipment needs for classes, workshops, lectures, performances, and special events.

* Coordinate scheduling and logistical support for hosted events at SCD, including event planning, setup and equipment proposals for receptions, performances, conferences, and student events.

* Deliver training workshops on lab equipment usage, safety protocols, and certification requirements as established by the Associate Director.

* Night and weekend hours are occasionally required.

* Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

* Work will be done in lab spaces shared with other staff, students, and production personnel.

* Ability to move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations

* Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent.

2. Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below:

1. college course work in facility management, operations management, or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:

* 60 semester hours or an Associate's Degree equals one (1) year (12 months)

2. training from a vocational, technical, or an armed forces program which includes building operations such as coordination of building maintenance, construction management, hospitality, or closely related experience.

3. work experience which includes building operations such as coordination of building maintenance and work orders, construction management, hospitality, or closely related experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Bachelor's Degree.

* Three (3) years of experience working in a fabrication space or production shop.

* Experience managing a staff of more than 10 people.

* Experience working in a University setting.

* 10-hour or 30-hour OSHA General Construction Certification; fall protection; personnel lifts; forklift; Haz Comm; PPE; proper lifting techniques.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Working knowledge of woodworking tools, CNC routers, 3D printing, laser cutting technology, and understanding of CAD/CAM processes.

* Working knowledge of audio-visual equipment and classroom technology.

* Experience with Google Suite, Adobe Creative Suite and large format printing.

* Knowledge of the methodologies, practices and tools of design thinking, innovation strategy and prototyping.

This is a full-time Civil Service 2378 - Facility Operations Coordinator position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $50,310 - $65,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University's Workplace Flexibility policy. This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.