What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Supervisor position at North Carolina State University?
Posting Information
Posting Number
PG194359EP
Internal Recruitment
No
Working Title
Laboratory Supervisor
Anticipated Hiring Range
$65,000 - $70,000
Work Schedule
Monday - Friday
Job Location
Raleigh, NC
Department
Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
About the Department
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) at North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC) is the largest in the state and among the largest and most prominent in the nation. The department offers Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy(PhD) degrees in both Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Aerospace Engineering (AE). The department also offers an accelerated BS/MS degrees in both mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering.
The strengths of the department include the thermal sciences, particularly thermal fluids, fluid mechanics, and combustion; mechanical sciences, including manufacturing mechanics, structural dynamics, materials, and controls; and the aerospace sciences, particularly aerodynamics, aircraft design, hypersonics, propulsion, flight research using UAVs, and computational fluid dynamics.
The Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering has an enrollment of approximately 1000 undergraduate students, 400 graduate students, and highly recognized faculty. Our vision is to place NC State University at the forefront of mechanical and aerospace engineering education, research and outreach programs. For more information, please visit http://www.mae.ncsu.edu.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Retirement Programs
- Disability Plans
- Life Insurance
- Accident Plan
- Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
- 12 Holidays Each Year
- Tuition and Academic Assistance
- And so much more!
Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Lab Supervisor plays an essential role in supporting the educational and research missions of the Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering (MAE). You’ll manage the daily operations of the ME Senior Design Laboratory and its related facilities, helping students and faculty work in a safe, well-maintained, and technically advanced environment where ideas can take shape. This position blends hands-on fabrication, lab safety leadership, equipment stewardship, and student instruction—making you a key partner in the learning and discovery happening every day in MAE.
Key Responsibilities fall into 3 core areas:
Direct Technical Instruction & Support:
- Train and certify students on machining, fabrication, and prototyping equipment, including CNC machines, laser cutters, waterjets, 3D printers, lathes, and mills.
- Provide guidance on manufacturing processes, design methods, and equipment operation, offering hands-on assistance as needed.
- Support faculty by preparing equipment, materials, and technical demonstrations for design-focused courses and project work.
- Coordinate, schedule, and mentor teaching assistants and student workers to support daily lab operations and instructional activities.
Lab and Safety Management:
- Oversee the daily operations of three laboratories, maintaining a safe, organized, and well-functioning environment.
- Implement and reinforce safety procedures, conduct walkthroughs, document incidents, and communicate follow-up needs.
- Manage the upkeep of equipment, coordinate maintenance and repairs, and ensure tools remain in proper working condition. Monitor inventory, track consumables, make cost-effective purchasing recommendations, and maintain accurate records in accordance with university asset management requirements.
Planning and Project Oversight:
- Advise students and faculty on design decisions, materials selection, prototype development, and testing procedures.
- Assist with sourcing materials and specifying or supporting the fabrication of unique research tools or devices. Provide hands-on support with project planning, equipment setup, and fabrication activities throughout the design and build process.
If you are someone who enjoys working closely with students and faculty, thrives in a hands-on technical environment, and takes pride in keeping labs safe, well-organized, and running smoothly, we encourage you to apply.
Other Responsibilities
In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there will be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties.This includes serving as building liaison for Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Department in EBIII and the West Annex complex.
- As building liaison, serves as the contact person between the department and facilities in all matters of building concerns for the MAE Department. This includes ensuring that building residents are aware of power and water outages.
- Works with the fire marshals to meet fire equipment code in labs and offices
- Other special projects in collaboration with your supervisor.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree and two years of general research experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Other Required Qualifications
- Skilled in operating, demonstrating, and instructing others on specialized equipment, including milling machines, lathes, grinders, waterjets, and 3D printers.
- Familiar with AutoCAD and SolidWorks to prepare designs and workflows for waterjet cutting and 3D printing.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous leadership through supervising, mentoring, or training student workers or teaching assistants in a lab or hands-on environment.
- Familiarity with maintaining and managing lab equipment, tools, and consumable inventories in an academic or research setting.
- Experience supporting faculty or staff in course delivery, lab exercises, or student projects.
- Exposure to fabrication, prototyping, or maker space environments, including CNC, 3D printing, or waterjet operations.
- Demonstrated ability to develop or update lab safety protocols and providing safety training to students or staff.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
n/a
Valid NC Driver's License required
No
Commercial Driver's License required
No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date
11/25/2025
Anticipated Close Date
Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants should upload a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three professional references
Position Details
Position Number
00103711
Position Type
EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)
1.0
Appointment
12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather
Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events
Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID
140901 - Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Salary : $65,000 - $70,000