Manager – Engineering Facilities/Laboratory Operations

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Manager – Engineering Facilities/Laboratory Operations at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential functions (job duties):

Oversee the day-to-day maintenance andoperations of the Engineering labs, machine shop, and shipping/receivingfunctions. This role serves to assist faculty and students with research anddesign projects, along with teaching activities conducted in Engineering’slaboratories and facilities. Manage machine shop and shipping/receiving staff.The position reports to the Director of Business Affairs.

Managementof operations of engineering laboratories, machine shop, and shipping/receivingoperations. Oversee laboratory facility and equipment orders, set-up, decommission,relocations, and maintenance. Schedule outside contractors and WSU Facilities,Planning & Management Division for repairs, maintenance, and specialprojects. Monitor performance of equipment, instruments, and lab facilities toensure safe, clean work conditions in compliance with policies, procedures, andWSU/OSHA safety regulations. Identify/resolve problems and issues. Participatein special projects.

Supervise staff in engineering laboratories, machine shop, and shipping/receiving. Conduct hiring, and performance management of assigned employees. Provide coaching, mentoring, and guidance on roles and responsibilities and support professional growth and development. Train and instruct stakeholders on policies and procedures to accommodate School/College/Division revenue-generating services. Ensure employees are aware of and compliant with health and safety protocols.

Support faculty research projects and student mentored research projects. Work with internal/external stakeholders as liaison to identify and resolve problems and to maintain successful and efficient operations. Assist in special projects which require short to long range planning, needs-assessments, etc. Coordinate facilities projects and activities among various departments, staff, and outside groups, such as renovations and sustaining essential and emergency physical operations.

Identify, establish, and conduct safety trainings and emergency planning drills and protocols. Work with College and campus stakeholders to ensure compliance and alignment with current policies, procedures, regulations, and requirements.

Financial oversight including budget requests for shop equipment and supplies. Prepare estimates on labor and material costs for facilities/labs projects. Determine operational inventory and equipment needs. Coordinate purchasing activities, analyze needs, research products, contact vendors for prices, create specifications and oversee the purchasing process to ensure appropriate selection, cost effectiveness and prompt delivery of equipment and services. Work closely with Director of Business Affairs to manage and oversee supply/equipment expenditures.

Generate regular and ad hoc reports on inventories, projects, revenues/expenditures, etc. Develop and maintain property control records to ensure all property and equipment usage is handled in a responsible and secure manner and reporting requirements are being met on time. Initiate calls for service for unit equipment and utilities.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education Bachelor's degree
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physical sciences, or related field.An equivalent combination of education/training and experience may also be considered.

Experience Intermediate (3 to 4 years job-related experience)
Minimum of 3 to 5 years’ experience managing facilities maintenance and projects, preferably at a higher education or research-based facility.

Supervisory and training experience required.

Experience working in various skill trades such as metal working, welding, plumbing, carpentry, sheet-metal, machine repairing, electromechanical, wood working, power generating, etc. is preferred.

Forklift driver certification and experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to advise researchers and effectively deal with large number of multi-level projects related to different branches of engineering, different physical locations, and different stakeholders.

Knowledge of basic principles of mechanics and mechanical design and thorough familiarity with material properties.

Knowledge of safety procedures and ability to plan, organize and conduct shop safety courses. Ability to plan and provide safety and use training and guidance to faculty, students, and support staff. Fosters a healthy, safe, compliant work environment.

Excellent communication skills are required to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group settings. Able to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and orally.

Strong interpersonal skills are essential to maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to work collaboratively with others at all levels of a highly diverse organization, applying multi-cultural awareness, respect, and sensitivity.

Able to work effectively, efficiently, and calmly under stressful conditions, to ensure deadlines are met, working independently and with minimal supervision.

Computer software and hardware skills required for common laptop and server usage, including proficiency using Microsoft Office products like Outlook and Teams.

Able to understand written or oral instructions; read, analyze, and interpret complex documents, instruction manuals, policies, and procedures.

School/College/Division:

H05 - College of Engineering

Primary department:

H0501 - Deans Office Engineering

Employment type:

• Regular Employee
• Job type: Full Time
• Job category: Staff/Administrative

Funding/salary information:

• Compensation type: Annual Salary
• Salary hire maximum: TBD

Working conditions:

Office and Workshop environment.

Job openings:

• Number of openings: 1

Background check requirements:

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.

Equal employment opportunity statement:

Wayne State University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. The university encourages applications from women, people of color and other underrepresented people. Wayne State is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.