Laboratory Manager (TEMP)

The Opportunity:

The laboratory manager will be responsible for day-to-day operations, designing future expansions, and testing new technologies for the Institute of Simulation and Training (IST) shared visualization, computational, and extended reality laboratories. The role requires practical experience evaluating, testing, installing, and operating novel displays and interactive devices, as well as advanced computing, rendering, and networking systems. The position will serve as a bridge between researchers and IT personnel toward a continuous, evolutionary design, operations, and maintenance process of the lab.

Responsibilities:

• Continuously evaluate evolving advanced systems facility research requirements.

• Manage technology upgrades and develop in-house solutions suitable to evolving applied research requirements.

• Ensure that installed software is up-to-date and supported by appropriate hardware.

• Plan for and execute regular hardware and software technology refreshes in order to ensure that advanced systems lab facilities keep pace with research requirements.

• Design and deliver the integrated software and hardware for complex computing systems, advanced display systems, related peripherals, and customized training and simulation hardware and software.

• Create and maintain all related hardware and software specifications.

• Incorporate practical knowledge of operating systems such as Linux, RTOS, Windows Servers, Containers, etc.

• Incorporate strong software skills and ability to integrate systems using common programming languages such as C++ and Python.

• Identify suitable contractual suppliers for all required subsystems and components.

• Procure subsystems from suppliers and connect and install newly procured subsystems.

• Design test parameters to confirm system and/or component capabilities.

• Test and debug installed systems and provide ongoing support and maintenance.

• Prepare and deliver product analysis and test reports in a timely manner.

• Interface with UCF Facilities representatives in order to assess adequacy and when necessary, design and implement facilities upgrades for critical supporting infrastructure such as electrical, cooling, and physical security systems.

• In coordination with UCF’s IT, maintain the security of advanced systems laboratory information technology.

• Create and maintain user accounts.

• Install software and monitor system performance.

• Ensure compliance with sponsor-mandated requirements, including Department of Defense and other federal sponsors, for information assurance and lab physical security.

• Maintain the lab’s project operational and demonstration-ready: Coordinate tours, coordinate external exhibits and other opportunities to showcase the technology and research, and explain the innovative nature of the work done at the laboratory.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree from an accredited institution in Computer Systems Engineering or a related field, or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Systems Engineering or a related field and at least five years of related professional experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).   

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with setup and operation of advanced research laboratory equipment and subsystems such as flight or ground vehicle simulators or motion capture systems

• Experience working with integrated project management tools to manage requirements, ensure proper project configuration management, and optimize design decisions

• Knowledge and experience using Model-Based Systems Engineering tools such as SysML or equivalent to document and manage project requirements, define project architectures, and manage project design efforts

Additional Application Materials Required:

Please attach a resume.

Special Instructions to the Applicants:

U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain security clearance preferred but not required.

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?  

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck. 

Are Benefits Important to You?

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state’s benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First.  OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off. 

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

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Benefits Eligibility

State Benefits eligibility for OPS employees are subject to criteria established by the State of Florida. The state’s benefits administrator, People First, determines eligibility and coordinates enrollment. If this position becomes eligible for state benefits the employee will be notified directly by People First.  OPS positions are not entitled to paid time off.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

The University of Central Florida is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer including Disabled/Vets.  Click on UCF's Equal Opportunity Statement to view the President’s Statement.

The UCF affirmative action plans for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected Veterans are available for inspection in the Office of Institutional Equity, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., upon request.

As a Florida public university, UCF makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request. 

The University of Central Florida is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.