Laboratory Coordinator IV, Senior Laboratory Coordinator, Laboratory Manager

Job Title

Laboratory Coordinator IV, Senior Laboratory Coordinator, Laboratory Manager – Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Texas A&M Engineering.

This staff position oversees the daily operation, safety, training, and strategic development of The Crucible Laboratory, a multidisciplinary maker and testing space for undergraduate students. The role will shape the facility from its early stages, ensuring safe and innovative use of equipment, supervising student assistants, coordinating with faculty and industry partners, and supporting project‑based learning integration into the curriculum.

• Oversee daily operations of The Crucible, including scheduling, equipment availability, and user access management.
• Manage, support, maintain, and develop safe operation of materials synthesis and processing equipment such as furnaces, polymer processing machines, forging tools, rolling systems, 3D printers, and galvanizing modules.
• Oversee sample preparation and characterization equipment, including CNC milling machines, hardness testers, optical microscopes, desktop SEM and related instrumentation.
• Establish and enforce comprehensive laboratory safety protocols in compliance with university, state, and federal regulations.
• Develop and deliver mandatory safety and equipment training programs; certify students and staff to operate equipment where safety hazards exist.
• Support faculty in designing experimental setups and instructional modules for coursework, capstone design, honors projects, and engineering initiatives.
• Coordinate industry‑sponsored projects, hackathons, and design competitions hosted within The Crucible.
• Oversee installation, commissioning, and maintenance of hot‑dip galvanizing & coatings modules.
• Manage procurement of equipment, consumables, and maintenance contracts; monitor budget and ensure efficient resource utilization.
• Maintain inventory control, calibration schedules, preventive maintenance logs, and documentation for compliance and accreditation.
• Assist in planning future expansion of The Crucible, including proposal writing, equipment upgrades, and facility improvements.
• Collaborate with faculty advisors to ensure alignment of lab activities with academic objectives.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental educational and research missions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
• Four years of related experience for Laboratory Coordinator IV, five years for Senior Laboratory Coordinator, and six years for Laboratory Manager.

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a related field.
• Hands‑on experience with materials processing, fabrication, and testing equipment.
• Experience managing laboratory operations or technical facilities.
• Experience training and supervising students or technical staff.
• Experience with metal and polymer additive manufacturing systems.
• Experience with CNC machining and desktop characterization tools.
• Experience coordinating industry-sponsored educational projects.

• Strong knowledge of laboratory safety practices and regulatory compliance.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Background in project‑based learning environments or makerspaces.
• Familiarity with budget management and equipment procurement processes.

Main Campus – College Station, TX.

Texas A&M Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We are committed to an inclusive environment that respects individual differences and promotes a culture of belonging.

All hired employees must complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification (I‑9) form and present original, unexpired documentation proving identity and authorization to work in the United States within three days of employment start. Failure to comply may result in delay of start date and other consequences.