Aerospace Laboratory Manager

Job Description

The Aerospace Laboratory Manager oversees the operational, infrastructural, and safety-related aspects of the University of Notre Dame's aerospace research and teaching laboratories within the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering. This role is central to ensuring the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of cutting-edge aerospace research infrastructure and undergraduate instructional laboratories.

The manager is responsible for laboratory setup, safety, teardown, and maintenance, and serves as the primary point of contact for building-related matters across the Hessert, White Field, and Engineering North buildings. This position requires deep technical expertise in large-scale industrial systems, strong leadership and communication skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance in an academic research environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily operations of aerospace research laboratories, including setup, teardown, maintenance, and ongoing support.
• Assist with setup and operations of instructional laboratories as needed.
• Oversee routine maintenance, repairs, upgrades, and enhancements of laboratory spaces, utilities, and specialized equipment.
• Maintain and operate multi-million-dollar, highly specialized research equipment, including large industrial motor systems exceeding 1700 hp, 4160 VAC, and rotational speeds above 50,000 rpm.
• Support undergraduate laboratory courses by ensuring laboratories are properly configured, safe, and fully operational.
• Serve as the central point of contact for all aerospace research building-related matters for the Hessert, White Field, and Engineering North buildings.
• Coordinate purchasing, logistics, and vendor services related to laboratory operations and facility needs.
• Work closely with internal and external vendors, facilities staff, and contractors to ensure timely and compliant completion of maintenance and projects.
• Provide technical expertise and oversight for new facility builds and upgrades to existing research infrastructure.
• Implement, enforce, and continuously improve laboratory safety protocols, in alignment with Notre Dame Risk Management standards, industry regulations, and best practices.
• Conduct regular safety inspections, risk assessments, and equipment evaluations.
• Participate in safety committees and contribute to the development of departmental and University-wide safety initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, and operational regulations.
• Act as a liaison between research faculty, research teams, graduate and undergraduate students, administrative staff, and vendors.
• Foster effective communication and collaboration to address facility-related needs and challenges.
• Provide guidance and leadership in high-pressure situations requiring sound technical judgment and rapid decision-making.
• Support grant-funded research activities by ensuring facilities and equipment meet project requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Science, or a related field; or 7+ years of demonstrated experience in research infrastructure management, preferably in an academic or laboratory environment.
• Proven background in industrial equipment operation and maintenance.
• Experience supporting laboratory or facilities operations while maintaining strict safety standards.
• Strong understanding of large-scale industrial systems and complex mechanical and electrical equipment.
• Exceptional leadership ability, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively and independently with faculty, staff, and students at all levels.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to make well reasoned decisions in demanding or high-risk environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety in industrial, facilities or laboratory settings involving individuals with varying levels of technical expertise.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Science, or a related field
• Experience in an academic research environment supporting both research and instructional laboratories.
• Familiarity with grant-funded research operations and compliance requirements.
• Experience contributing to the design or commissioning of new engineering systems.