Mechanical Engineering Management

Announcement

Details

Open Date
05/13/2026

Requisition Number
PRN45019B

Job Title
Mechanical Engineering Management

Working Title
Capstone Senior Design Lab Manager

Career Progression Track
M00

Track Level
M1 - Supervisor, M2 - Senior Supervisor

FLSA Code
Administrative

Patient Sensitive Job Code?
No

Standard Hours per Week
40

Full Time or Part Time?
Full Time

Shift
Day

Work Schedule Summary

M-F 8am-5pm

VP Area
Academic Affairs

Department
00068 - Mechanical Engineering

Location
Campus

City
Salt Lake City, UT

Type of Recruitment
External Posting

Pay Rate Range
$85,000-$115,000 determined on experience

Close Date
06/05/2026

Priority Review Date (Note - Posting may close at any time)

Job Summary

The Capstone Senior Design Lab Manager is responsible for overseeing the operation, safety, and strategic development of the Capstone Senior Design Lab within Mechanical Engineering.

The Senior Design Lab is a 4,000 sq. ft. makerspace dedicated to fostering student innovation in the capstone program. The space is outfitted with rapid prototyping tools, student workbenches, and other equipment to create a collaborative prototyping environment for student teams.

This role combines technical leadership, lab operations, and student mentorship. The Lab Manager ensures a safe, high-quality prototyping environment while supporting student teams in the design, fabrication, and testing of sponsored engineering projects. The position works closely with the Capstone Director and faculty to support the curriculum and ensure continuity across semesters.

About Capstone Senior Design

The capstone design sequence (ME EN 4000/4010) is a two-semester program in which teams of 4-6 students complete industry- or faculty-sponsored engineering projects, progressing from concept through prototyping and testing.

Learn more about the great benefits of working for University of Utah: benefits.utah.edu

The department may choose to hire at any of the below job levels and associated pay rates based on their business need and budget.

Responsibilities

Lab Operations & Management

• Lead day-to-day operations of the capstone design lab, including access, scheduling, and safety compliance
• Establish and enforce lab policies, procedures, and best practices
• Maintain a safe, organized, and fully functional working environment

Equipment & Technical Oversight

• Oversee setup, operation, and maintenance of prototyping and manufacturing equipment (3D printing, CNC, conventional machining)
• Manage equipment lifecycle planning, maintenance, and lab inventory
• Administer lab budget, purchasing, and resource allocation

Staff Supervision

• Hire, train, and supervise student lab staff
• Manage staffing schedules to ensure consistent lab coverage
• Develop staff capabilities in safety, equipment use, and support functions

Student & Instructional Support

• Support instruction of Capstone Senior Design courses
• Mentor student teams in design, fabrication, and testing
• Provide hands-on technical guidance and troubleshooting support

Program & Facility Development

• Drive continuous improvement of the lab as a modern maker space
• Build relationships with campus partners, vendors, and industry sponsors
• Support long-term planning, growth, and visibility of the facility

Minimum Qualifications

EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).

Department may hire employee at one of the following job levels:

Supervisor, Mechanical Engineering Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience or a master's (or equivalency) degree.

Senior Supervisor, Mechanical Engineering Management: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 4 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 2 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences

• Demonstrated oral and written communications skills; and a commitment to providing excellent service
• Background in design engineering with hands-on manufacturing experience
• Experience with 3D printing and machining (CNC and/or conventional)
• Experience with mechatronics, control systems, electronics, or automation
• Proficiency in CAD/CAM tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and/or FEA analysis
• Experience mentoring students or supervising technical staff
• Knowledge of lab safety practices and operation of technical facilities
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail

Type
Benefited Staff

Special Instructions Summary

Additional Information

The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems ("URS"). Eligible new hires with prior URS service, may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS' post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at or or University Human Resource Management at if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.

This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.

The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.

Veterans' preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran's status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.

To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator's office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.

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As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.