General Summary of Position:

The Fabric Discovery Center at the University Massachusetts Lowell is seeking an Equipment & Laboratory Manager to provide technical and operational support to UMass Lowell Faculty, Students and Post-doctoral fellows, and industrial partners in identifying the appropriate fabrication equipment/processes and maintaining fabrication and testing equipment in the area of advanced functional fibers and flexible electronics.  More specifically, the Equipment & Laboratory Manager will a) operate and train users on textile equipment such as weaving and knitting, run plastics processing equipment, coating lines (roll-to-roll (RTR) and wire coating line) b) prepare standard operating procedures for operating, calibrating and maintaining fabrication and testing equipment, and train internal and external users, troubleshoot and carry out preventive maintenance of equipment located at the Center and c) maintain strong working relationships with internal and external partners that will support the growth of the Fabric Discovery Center.

Schedule equipment usage and facilitate with the operation of textile processing and testing equipment including yarn twisting, weaving, knitting, braiding equipment to assemble smart fabric/technical textiles.

Ability to run plastics processing equipment, such as compounders, extruders, RTR and wire coating lines will be advantageous.

Familiarity with printing techniques and electronic assembly to fabricate electronic prototypes is also preferred.

Provide guidance for the characterization of the materials and prototype devices using a wide range of chemical, mechanical and electrical techniques, including textile testing equipment, thermal and mechanical testing, spectrophotometry and electrical properties, etc.

Ability to learn about new characterization techniques.

Preparation of processing procedures, train internal and external users, troubleshoot and maintain equipment with the help of equipment suppliers and manufacturers.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes of textile and electronics as well as characterization of materials
• Bachelor's degree in materials/ plastics engineering/ chemical engineering/ mechanical engineering or related fields
• Knowledge of electronic circuitry, advanced textiles and fabrics, and polymers to build prototype
• A minimum 5 years hands-on experience
• Errors will result in delays to projects
• Exercises independent actions and discretion in troubleshooting problems and applying new techniques
• Requires ability to adapt to resolve problems and strong interpersonal skills
• Contact with industry partners, faculty members, other staff as well as graduate and undergraduate student

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Only current UML Employees within the Grants & Contracts (MTA/GRACE) bargaining unit will be considered during the first 10 business days of the posting. All other candidates will be considered after that period.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled; however, the posting may close when an adequate number of qualified applications are received.

This position is contingent upon funding.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.  Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.