Lab and Equipment Operations Manager - Siebel Center for Design
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign· startup· Higher Education· Sep 28, 2026 · 29d ago
Urbana, IL
In office
Full-time
Manager
$50K–$65K
Job description
Lab and Equipment Operations Manager
Siebel Center for Design
The Grainger College of Engineering
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The Siebel Center for Design in The Grainger College of Engineering seeks applicants for a Lab and Equipment Operations Manager position.
Primary Position Function
The Lab and Equipment Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of the Siebel Center for Design's (SCD) lab spaces, fabrication equipment, and audio/visual systems in support of SCD activities, events, and academic programming. This position ensures that all SCD labs operate safely, effectively, and in alignment with the center's mission to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across the campus.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Lab Operations and Staff Management
· Manage daily scheduling, staffing, and operations of all SCD lab spaces, including a fabrication tool shop, an assembly and construction workshop, equipment checkout and storage spaces, and a media recording studio. Directly supervise, schedule, hire, train, and manage up to 40 student staff working in lab operations, including graduate assistants, hourly employees, and volunteers.
· Maintain all health, safety, and compliance requirements for lab spaces; implement and administer certification and training programs for all staff and users of the labs in accordance with policies.
Equipment Maintenance and Setup
· Maintain and manage all SCD audio/video and recording equipment, including setup and operation of portable monitors, audio, and video equipment for recording labs and special events; track maintenance schedules and develop equipment replacement recommendations.
· Maintain and manage all SCD fabrication lab equipment and supplies, including a CNC router, water-jet cutter, laser cutters, advanced printers, 3D printers, woodworking tools, a spray booth, and additional equipment; maintain inventory systems and support data-informed procurement decisions.
SCD Events and Activities Support
· Provide technical setup and support for all SCD events and activities, including room configuration and equipment needs for classes, workshops, lectures, performances, and special events.
· Coordinate scheduling and logistical support for hosted events at SCD, including event planning, setup and equipment proposals for receptions, performances, conferences, and student events.
· Deliver training workshops on lab equipment usage, safety protocols, and certification requirements as established by the Associate Director.
· Night and weekend hours are occasionally required.
· Other duties as assigned.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
· Work will be done in lab spaces shared with other staff, students, and production personnel.
· Ability to move items weighing up to 50 pounds.
Work Schedule, Travel, or Other Job Expectations
· Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. High School Diploma or equivalent.
2. Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below:
• college course work in facility management, operations management, or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
§ 60 semester hours or an Associate’s Degree equals one (1) year (12 months)
2. training from a vocational, technical, or an armed forces program which includes building operations such as coordination of building maintenance, construction management, hospitality, or closely related experience.
3. work experience which includes building operations such as coordination of building maintenance and work orders, construction management, hospitality, or closely related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s Degree.
· Three (3) years of experience working in a fabrication space or production shop.
· Experience managing a staff of more than 10 people.
· Experience working in a University setting.
· 10-hour or 30-hour OSHA General Construction Certification; fall protection; personnel lifts; forklift; Haz Comm; PPE; proper lifting techniques.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
· Working knowledge of woodworking tools, CNC routers, 3D printing, laser cutting technology, and understanding of CAD/CAM processes.
· Working knowledge of audio-visual equipment and classroom technology.
· Experience with Google Suite, Adobe Creative Suite and large format printing.
· Knowledge of the methodologies, practices and tools of design thinking, innovation strategy and prototyping.
Appointment Information
This is a full-time Civil Service 2378 – Facility Operations Coordinator position appointed on a 12-month service basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after the closing date. The budgeted salary range for this position is $50,310 - $65,000. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. This position will be expected to work at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus on a full-time basis per the University’s Workplace Flexibility policy . This position is not eligible for any type of sponsorship for work authorization.
For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at sucss.illinois.gov .
Application Procedures & Deadline Information
Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on October 27, 2026 . Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Please upload your cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Dawn Creath at dcreath@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.
At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next . Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.
Champaign-Urbana
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .
Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodation portal , or by contacting the Office for Access & Equity at 217-333-0885, option #1, or accessibility@illinois.edu .
Requisition ID : 1038156
Job Category : Professional and Administrative
Apply at: jobs.illinois.edu
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Benefits
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Dental
Vision
Paid Time Off