Director of Engineering Labs

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.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year strategic planfor engineering lab operations aligned with university andschool-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, andrisk 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.

Oversight of 3 Lab Managers

Oversight of 50+ Student Engineering Lab Assistants

A bachelor’s degree in engineering and five years of related field experience required. Master’s preferred. Preference will also begiven 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

• Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writingto convey clear,…