Associate Director of Advanced Manufacturing

K-State Olathe seeks an Associate Director of Advanced Manufacturing to oversee the Material Properties Lab, promote lab capabilities, identify industry-aligned research opportunities, and support workforce education in bulk solids and advanced manufacturing. Advanced Manufacturing is a new initiative at Kansas State University Olathe ( designed to serve the growing manufacturing industry in the Greater Kansas City Region and nationally. New facilities are being built for student labs and research of advanced manufacturing and bulk solid handling. In this role, the Associate Director will support program operations in several ways. This includes leading laboratory and technical operations for the Material Properties Lab while supporting professional educational programming, and outreach efforts that advance the center’s mission in advanced manufacturing. The Associate Director is responsible for the operational oversight of daily lab functions, executing testing, preparing client reports, maintaining a safe and compliant laboratory environment, and serving as a technical resource to clients and partners. This position also contributes to the development and delivery of technical education and workforce training, while helping expand industry relationships, identify emerging opportunities, and promoting the lab’s capabilities and expertise through external representation and partnerships. Job duties include: Strengthen Materials Property Lab operations by developing SOPs, safety protocols, PPE requirements, equipment planning, and processes that keep the lab current with industry needs. Manage lab budget and financial planning by tracking expenses, consumables, time usage, equipment depreciation, and fee structures. Lead client lab workflow by scoping projects, preparing quotes, managing required documentation, conducting testing, preparing reports, and serving as the technical point of contact. Promote program visibility by sharing Advanced Manufacturing, Bulk Solids, and Material Properties Lab expertise through industry publications, webinars, conferences, trade shows, speaking events, and marketing channels. Advance program growth by identifying emerging technologies, industry needs, and research concepts that may create new opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and applied research. Develop industry-aligned curriculum by collaborating with the director and Professional & Continuing Education team on workforce development and professional education programs in Bulk Solids. Support course delivery and expansion by teaching content in PCE and/or academic programs and identifying new industry-relevant topics, such as PLC Automation, Robotics, and related areas. Worksite Description This position is Hybrid eligible. The first 90 days must be 100% on-site to allow for training and onboarding. After that period, hybrid eligibility will be discussed with the supervisor. A commitment to being in the office is required when duties require in-person attendance. All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho. What You'll Need to Succeed Minimum Qualifications Requires a bachelor's degree and five years of relevant experience in manufacturing operations, industrial or applied technical environments, or engineering technology. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess advanced theoretical knowledge, specialized methodologies, and critical problem-solving skills essential for managing complex research operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential learning inherent in a formal degree program. Preferred Qualifications Hands on experience in Industrial Automation, Robotics, Pneumatic or Mechanical conveying. Knowledge of industrial safety practices. Proven knowledge of basic gas laws, material properties, chemistry, and physics relevant to advanced manufacturing, industrial, or applied technical environment. Demonstrated strong written communication skills and the ability to communicate confidently and professionally with clients. Demonstrated ability to teach and deliver presentations in a structured academic, professional, and/or workshop setting on technical topics related to advanced manufacturing, bulk solids, or industrial automation. Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and CAD software. Additional Role Information Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. Capable of moving and lifting up to 50lbs. Comfortable wearing the necessary Personal Protective Equipment. Willing to travel to customer sites, technical conferences, or other campuses on an occasional basis. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Benefits Anticipated Hiring Pay Range: $70,000 - $95,000 #J-18808-Ljbffr