Director of Engineering Labs

Job description

The Director of Engineering Labs provides strategic leadership for engineering laboratory operations, facilities, and infrastructure across the School of Engineering. This position oversees lab managers, staff, and student employees while ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient lab environments that support teaching, research, and innovation. The Director leads capital planning, facility development, budget management, and technology integration initiatives. Working closely with academic leadership and industry partners, the role advances the university's engineering capabilities and aligns laboratory operations with the institution's mission and long-term strategic goals. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year strategic plan for engineering lab operations aligned with university and school-level priorities Serve as a thought partner to Deans and senior leadership on research growth, infrastructure investment, and academic innovation Lead long-term capital planning, including lab expansion, modernization, and emerging technology integration Establish and monitor KPIs and performance metrics to evaluate operational effectiveness Provide leadership over multiple layers of management (e.g., lab managers, staff, and students) Build and sustain a high-performing leadership team, including succession planning and leadership development Direct all aspects of performance management, workforce planning, and organizational design Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement Oversee enterprise-wide lab operations across multiple campuses/locations Direct and approve large-scale operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities Ensure effective stewardship of resources through data-driven decision-making and financial forecasting Provide executive oversight of procurement, vendor management, and contract negotiations Establish and enforce institution-wide safety, compliance, and risk management frameworks Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and regulatory requirements, including environmental and safety standards Lead high-level audit readiness, inspections, and risk mitigation strategies Serve as the primary escalation point for critical incidents and compliance issues Partner with faculty and research leadership to enhance lab capabilities supporting advanced researched initiatives Represent the School of Engineering in external partnerships with industry Lead initiatives that position the university as a leader in engineering education and applied research Oversee the design, development, and build-out of new lab facilities in partnership with Engineer Leadership and Planning & Construction when applicable. Ensure all lab environments meet future-focused academic needs Drive innovation in lab design, utilization, and technology integration Works effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s Christian model and Mission – Training Champions for Christ. Other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES Oversight of 3 Lab Managers Oversight of 50+ Student Engineering Lab Assistants QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS A bachelor’s degree in engineering and five years of related field experience required. Master’s preferred. Preference will also be given to a candidate who is a creative problem solver who thrives when presented with a challenge and possesses an in-depth understanding of engineering testing equipment and systems, materials processing and testing, and relevant industry practices. Knowledge of local, state, and federal property and safety regulations is required ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB Communication and Comprehension Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information. Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner. Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University. Strong organizational skills. Computer skills. Problem Solving Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature. Physical and Sensory Abilities May be required to travel May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard. Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally. Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus. Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business. Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds. WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting. It is well lighted, and the noise level is moderate. Working environment may include facilitation of events outdoors occasionally. Driving Requirements If the employee is required to travel in performing the duties and responsibilities of the position, the use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel. Proof of a valid driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, LU Driving Approval, and liability insurance is required when driving in the performance of the employee’s position. Time Type Full time Location Onsite Pay Range Compensation is determined based on factors such as qualifications, experience, education, skills, and certifications, along with University needs and external market conditions. Market benchmarks may be used, as appropriate, in combination with internal equity to ensure pay is fair and aligned with the broader compensation structure. The position may also be eligible for comprehensive benefits , including health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition assistance. $95,000.00 - $125,000.00 The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. The University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements. The University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions), and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.