Laboratory Manager, Transportation

Position Description

Pay Grade: Coordinator 8

This position is is responsible for overseeing the daily operations, safety, maintenance, and instructional readiness of Wake Tech's state-of-the-art automotive and transportation labs. This includes equipment and facilities supporting automotive systems, collision repair, electric vehicles, motorcycle safety, and industry-specific training platforms. The role supports instructional delivery, ensures compliance with regulatory and industry standards, and plays a key role in showcasing the Hendrick Center to visitors and partners. The Laboratory Manager will also help support expansion of new labs and future training programs.

Responsibilities and Duties (*Essential Functions)

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described.

• Manages instructional lab environments, equipment, and tool rooms across Automotive Systems Technology, Collision Repair, Motorcycle Safety EV systems and conversions (e.g., EV Switch vehicles); simulation trainers and diagnostic platforms; and engine and transmission dynos, lifts, tire and wheel balancing machines
• Paints booths, air compressors, grinders, welding and fabrication tools
• Oversees check-in/check-out of all shared tools and diagnostic equipment; implements and enforces tool accountability procedures
• Supports faculty with setup, takedown, and equipment staging for instructional use

Assists students during open lab hours to ensure safe and appropriate equipment use

Performs minor repairs and troubleshooting and schedules vendor service for equipment calibration and maintenance

Follows and enforces safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance protocols (e.g., ASE Education Foundation, OSHA, EPA, hazardous waste handling)

Tracks equipment and supply inventory; submits purchase requests and coordinates ordering with administrative staff

Collaborates with industry partners, donors, and vendors to support facility tours, demos, and training events

Provides support for special events, advisory meetings, and community engagement initiatives

Onboards new instructors by training them on lab safety, equipment use, and operational procedures

Assists with the planning, installation, and operation of future labs, including potential off-site delivery locations

Maintains organized, clean, and fully functional lab environments aligned with 5S principles

Supervises student lab assistants as assigned

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong knowledge of automotive vehicle systems, diagnostics, and repair tools

Familiarity with vehicle safety protocols and lab environment risk mitigation

Excellent organizational and time-management skills

Ability to communicate clearly with students, faculty, vendors, and industry partners

Experience with inventory systems, equipment procurement, and tool management processes

Adaptable and capable of supporting multiple campuses and potential off-site programs

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree, a related technical degree, or equivalent certifications in automotive technology, collision repair, diesel and heavy equipment, or a similar field

Three years of relevant experience in lab management, vehicle service, collision and paint, or diesel and heavy equipment technology

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Automotive OEM equipment and dealer-level diagnostic tools; engine/transmission dynos, EV conversion kits, simulation trainers; or compliance processes for ASE, EPA, OSHA, or hazardous materials

Experience supervising workers or technical teams

OSHA 10 or 30 certification

As an equal employment opportunity employer, Wake Tech values our workforce. Wake Tech is committed to reaching students in every part of Wake County and rallying around them to go as far as their dreams, talents and resilience will take them. As an institution of higher education, we are committed to valuing the unique experiences of the Wake Tech community. We strive to be self-reflective of the kind of student body we represent and the culture we are building, and we care deeply about supporting each employee's professional growth.