ECE Laboratory Manager

Welcome to the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) !

The UCCS College of Engineering and Applied Science is seeking applications for a full-time Laboratory Manager in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The laboratory manager manages the day-to-day operations of the teaching and research laboratories of the electrical and computer engineering department to include maintenance and upkeep in order to ensure an efficient and effective lab working environment. Duties are determined by the supervisor.

Who We Are:

The mission of the ECE Department at UCCS to educate undergraduate and graduate students to become highly skilled in the principles and practices of Electrical and Computer Engineering and to address today’s indispensable need for highly trained electrical and computer engineers. Founded in 1965 by the support from Hewlett Packard (HP) in Colorado Springs, the ECE was the first department of the UCCS campus, and since then, has provided engineering talent to numerous companies in the region and across the country. The ECE undergraduate and graduate programs include a broad range of ECE topics, including but not limited to electronics, electromagnetics, microelectronics, VLSI Design, embedded systems, communications, power system, and control systems. In addition to its core undergraduate and graduate programs, the ECE department also administers Bachelor of Science in Data Analytics and Systems Engineering (BSDASE) which is a college-wide degree program. Advanced facilities and well-equipped education and research laboratories at the ECE department provide unique hands-on experience for students. At the graduate level, the ECE program provides the opportunity for master’s and Ph.D. students to work on timely cutting-edge research projects that are funded by national, government, and private industry agencies. https://eas.uccs.edu/ece

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS) is one of four campuses in the University of Colorado system and is home to over 9,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students. We have a strong focus in fueling student success by creating, using, and maintaining a multitude of different offices and programs. Overall, UCCS is constantly focused of preparing our students to have success in the future, and we understand that every single employee on our campus has a significant effect on that focus. Find more information about working at UCCS here: https://hr.uccs.edu/work-at-uccs .

The city, which was recently ranked as the number nine Best Places to Live by U.S. News & World Report in 2023, known as Olympic City USA, rests at the base of Pikes Peak, the inspiration for the song “America the Beautiful” and a must-see for residents and visitors alike. With a mild climate and 247 days of sunshine each year, the Springs boasts some of the state’s best recreation opportunities. Find out more about living in Colorado Springs through the Visit Colorado Springs page: https://www.visitcos.com/ .

Job Duties:

The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Formulates and implements short and long-range goals for the operation of the laboratories.
• Develops, implements, and monitors systems to evaluate current and projected laboratory services and productivity of the lab.
• Implements laboratory policies and procedures and coordinates with research staff and students on issues which impact laboratory services.
• Serves as a liaison between investigators, students, and faculty to solve specific operating problems and improve technical activities.
• Serves as a liaison between investigators, researchers, contractors, students, and faculty in cleanroom and MRL lab; helps them and provides required instructions and materials. Keep all the equipment and infrastructure in proper working conditions and applies for maintenance. 
• Advises on technical procedures, techniques and equipment and maintains conformance with specific operational standards, evaluates and recommends new techniques and/or technologies.
• Maintains quality checks on safety of laboratories and Ensures maintenance of the facilities according to good laboratory practices; develops and implements quality assurance programs relating to calibration and maintenance of equipment.
• Manages and coordinates the activities of a project(s) with responsibility for results in terms of costs, methods, and resources.
• Installs and maintains laboratory equipment in compliance with federal regulations.
• Assures that the laboratory technicians are properly trained in standard operating procedures and equipment specific requirements.
• Assists in the determination of fiscal requirements and in the preparation of budgetary recommendations.
• Inventories, orders, stores, and distributes materials, laboratory supplies, and equipment spare parts.
• Evaluates contents of inventory and determines need for additions or deletions.
• Writes and updates laboratory rules and writes memos as necessary to update personnel on equipment, facility, or project status.

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Job Competencies:

Knowledge of principles and practices of operation, maintenance, repair, and calibration procedures for a wide variety of high technology equipment related to the work assignment such as:  Digital Oscilloscopes, Network analyzers, Spectrum Analyzers, pneumatic, vacuum/ultra-high vacuum, high-temperature furnace; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty and staff; and excellent written and verbal communication skills. In addition, periodically recommend the faculty and the chair need for upgrading the laboratory instruments and the needed cost estimate.

Work Location: On-site

This position has been determined to be exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

What We Offer:

Salary Range: Generally starting at $54,958-72,000 per year

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers excellent benefits , some of which include:

• Medical insurance, with the lowest cost option being $0 to the employee
• Dental, Vision, Life and Disability insurance
• Generous paid vacation and sick time accruals (14.67 hours of vacation and 10 hours of sick accrued per month, prorated if part-time)
• Mandatory retirement plans. Employees contribute 5% of their annual compensation. CU doubles that and contributes 10%
• Tuition Assistant Benefit available to you or a dependent
• Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of employment
• Off Campus Housing Resources

Tentative Search Timeline:

• Priority will be given to applications submitted by March 17, 2024. However, this posting will remain open until filled.
• The potential dates for interviews with the search committee will be the week of March 18, 2024.
• The potential dates for interviews with the supervisor and appointing authority will be the week of April 1, 2024.
• The potential employee start date is April 15, 2024 or later. 

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living and working community. To assist in achieving this goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history check. 

UCCS is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. In compliance with applicable laws and in furtherance of its commitment to fostering an environment that welcomes and embraces diversity, the University of Colorado does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, disability, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, political affiliation or political philosophy in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. Alternative formats of this ad can be provided upon request for individuals with disabilities by contacting the Office of Human Resources at (719) 255-3372.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act requires that verification of employment eligibility be documented for all new employees by the end of the third day of work.

Please note that while the position details both required qualifications as well as preferred qualifications below, we want applicants to be aware that they do not need to have all of the preferred qualifications to be considered for this position. If you meet the minimum qualifications, have passion for the work, along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We encourage on-the-job training for any additional skills or knowledge that become relevant to the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or closely related fields from an accredited college or university. Additional professional experience related to the work assignment may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
•  At least three years of work experience in the field of electrical engineering.

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or closely related fields from an accredited college or university with a minor in Mechanical Engineering. Additional professional experience related to the work assignment may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
• At least three years of relevant work experience including technical experience in comparing the performance of high technology instruments, repairing, maintaining, installing, modifying, calibrating, certifying, and/or fabricating electronics equipment and facilities. 
•  At least one year of work experience as laboratory manager or assistant. 

Physical Requirements:

• The position requires one to stand or walk for at least 3 hours at a time. 
• Must be able to lift objects ~50 lbs. to waist height and carry objects weighing ~10 lbs. ~50 feet; balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crouching; reaching, handling, and fingering. 
• Must have the ability to see fine details. 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the established essential functions and meet the physical and environment demands described satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, ability, physical and environmental conditions required of the employee on the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, physical and environmental demands.

Applicants with disabilities: If you have a mental or physical impairment, which limits one of your major life activities (e.g. walking, hearing, seeing, speaking, breathing, or learning) and require special accommodations for testing or interviewing, it is your responsibility to notify the office scheduling the interview or test at least 3 working days before the interview or test date.  If you need special accommodations at the work site, you must notify the appointing authority or Human Resources.