Human Resources

Summary

The Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) department at Michigan Technological University is seeking a dedicated and skilled Laboratory and Academic Coordinator to manage and enhance our laboratory courses. This role is crucial for providing students with hands-on experience, maintaining cutting-edge equipment, and contributing to the development of our practical curriculum. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background and a passion for teaching and laboratory innovation.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

● Assist in the implementation of new laboratory experiments and course materials for Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering laboratory (practice) courses to ensure alignment with curriculum objectives and industry standards.
● Deliver engaging and practical instruction for multiple sections of MAE laboratory courses, guiding students through practical exercises and reinforcing theoretical concepts.
● Provide hands-on support and technical guidance to students during laboratory sessions, troubleshooting equipment, and assisting with experimental procedures.
● Manage, maintain, and upgrade MAE laboratory equipment, instrumentation, and software to ensure optimal functionality, safety, and readiness for instructional use.
● Assess student performance in laboratory settings, providing constructive feedback on technical skills and understanding.
● Serve as liaison and host for prospective student inquiries and visits.
● Collaborate with MAE faculty to integrate laboratory activities with lecture content and contribute to continuous course improvement.
● Assist in the training and direction of Graduate Teaching Assistants and undergraduate laboratory assistants and graders.
● Provide assistance with undergraduate advising activities as required.
● Develop and deliver departmental outreach activities.
● To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job responsibility satisfactorily. The required qualifications listed are representative of the education, experience, knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
● Other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

● Master’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering, or a closely related field, or a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering with appropriate years of related experience.
● Demonstrated experience in a laboratory setting, including equipment operation, maintenance, and experimental design for both physical and virtual/remote environments.
● Strong understanding of fundamental MAE concepts and practical applications.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively instruct and assist students.
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
● Ability to follow safety requirements, identify unsafe environment or situation, educate students on the safe operation of the laboratory equipment and best practices for the laboratory environment in cooperation with the department safety officer.

Required Experience

One year (Master’s degree) or three to five years (Bachelor’s degree) of experience in industry or academia in an MAE-related position.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

● Experience with standard MAE laboratory software (e.g., MATLAB, LabVIEW, Siemens Test.Lab, Amesim)
● Prior teaching or instructional experience at the university level
● Familiarity with curriculum development and assessment practices
● Experience with safety protocols and best practices in a laboratory environment.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively instruct and assist students.
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
● Ability to follow safety requirements, identify unsafe environment or situation, educate students on the safe operation of the laboratory equipment and best practices for the laboratory environment in cooperation with the department safety officer.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

● Demonstrated ability to work with faculty members to develop and deliver course material in laboratories.
● Demonstrated ability to succeed in recruitment activities, for example, summer youth programs.
● Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with people with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Required University Training:
• Employee Safety Overview
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Data Security Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

1

FLSA Status

Exempt

Appointment Term

12 months

Pay Rate/Salary

The minimum salary for this position is $70,000. The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.

Title of Position Supervisor

Sr. Director of Operations and Finance

Posting Type

Dependent on Funding