Engineering Lab Manager Jobs in Watsonville, CA (NOW HIRING)

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The IRD for this job is: 06-09-2026
ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ
UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
Originally founded in 1997, the Baskin School of Engineering is the first professional school at UC Santa Cruz. Over the past 25 years, Baskin Engineering (BE) has become a unique 21st-century school of engineering, applied science, and technology, characterized by evolutionary growth fueled by ongoing research opportunities that open new areas of intellectual inquiry. Baskin Engineering has grown to include six academic departments, a variety of research centers and institutes, and has ambitious plans for further programmatic growth. The focus of Baskin Engineering educational programming is to instill strong basic knowledge for sound practice in ethical engineering for the well-being of society, and its diverse curricula facilitate creative thinking and prepare students for productive and rewarding careers. Baskin Engineering is focused on building collaborative connections and expanding instruction and research activities for faculty and students in Santa Cruz and at the UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley campus in Santa Clara.
Baskin Engineering champions new ideas and upholds the UCSC Principles of Community.
The Experiential Learning Facility is a ~5,750 sf creative and maker space located in a series of rooms in the basement of the Jack Baskin Engineering Building on the University of California, Santa Cruz campus. A former machine shop, Slugworks supports working with metals, composites, plastics, fabrics, and electronics. Tools and equipment include CNC mills, sheet metal bending and cutting, TIG welding, laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC routers, traditional drill presses, traditional metal mills, overhead tracked cranes, miter saws, hand tools (drills, Sawzall), grinders, soldering irons, signal generators, oscilloscopes, and more. Slugworks rooms are equipped with 110 and 220-volt power circuits, air handling, pneumatic air, and water/sinks. Limited support for wood fabrication is currently provided, with greater capability and expansion planned.
JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of the Slugworks Lab Manager, the Slugworks Facility Assistant Lab Manager supports the day-to-day operations of the Baskin Engineering creative/makerspace. The incumbent works collaboratively with the Slugworks Manager to maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-equipped environment for students engaging in experiential learning and project work. The Assistant Lab Manager shares responsibility for equipment maintenance, safety compliance, student staff supervision, and operational continuity. This role enhances the Slugworks' capacity to serve its growing user community while allowing the Slugworks Manager to focus on strategic initiatives, program development, and higher-level administrative responsibilities.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Budgeted Salary: $92,550 - $108,100/year. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.
Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits
Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment
Job End Date: None
Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
Union Representation: TX Union
Job Code Classification: 004757 (RSCH AND DEV ENGR 2 TX)
Travel: Never or Rarely
JOB DUTIES
40% - Safety & Training Support
Plays a critical role in fostering a culture of safety within Slugworks:

• Leads the "Training the Trainers" initiative by preparing and certifying student staff to safely supervise equipment areas and assist with peer training.
• Develops and conducts student-facing machine certifications and safety walkthroughs, ensuring all users demonstrate competency before accessing equipment independently.
• Assists in the development, posting, and enforcement of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all equipment and processes.
• Supports the training and certification of users on low-to-moderate risk and higher-risk equipment.
• Helps maintain training records and access control systems, ensuring only authorized users operate equipment.
• Contributes to the creation and delivery of safety orientations, workshops, and Canvas-based training modules.
• Monitors user activity to identify and address unsafe behaviors or practices in real time.
• Stays current on EH&S regulations and assists with compliance documentation, chemical inventory, and hazardous waste coordination.

25% - Student Staff Supervision & Mentorship
Supports the recruitment, training, and daily supervision of Slugworks student technicians:

• Assists in interviewing, hiring, and onboarding student staff in collaboration with the Slugworks Manager.
• Provides direct supervision and mentorship to student workers, including shift coverage, task delegation, and performance feedback.
• Assists with student staff timesheet approval and monitors adherence to work schedules.
• Supports leadership development among student staff through informal mentorship and structured training opportunities.
• Fosters an inclusive, collaborative team environment that models excellent customer service and safety practices.

15% - Lab Operations & Equipment Management
Shares responsibility for the day-to-day operational continuity of Slugworks. Working alongside and in coordination with the Slugworks Manager:

• Conducts regular facility inspections to ensure equipment is functioning properly and the space remains clean, organized, and safe for users.
• Performs routine maintenance on tools and equipment and coordinates with vendors or BELS staff for complex repairs.
• Assists in managing inventory of consumables, supplies, and personal protective equipment, placing orders as authorized and tracking expenditures.
• Ensures students and users properly clean, store, and dispose of materials after use, maintaining the facility in accordance with safety standards.
• Interfaces with Baskin Engineering Lab Support (BELS) staff, Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), and Baskin Engineering Facilities as needed to support smooth operations and address maintenance or compliance issues.
• Supports procurement processes and maintains records of equipment warranties, service contracts, and supply orders.
• Serves as a key point of contact for daily operational questions and troubleshooting, reducing interruptions to the Slugworks Manager's workflow.

10% - Student Project Support & Collaboration
Engages directly with diverse Slugworks user community:

• Provides engineering and design guidance to students, clubs, and project teams using the facility.
• Provides direct residential club oversight and space management, including coordinating storage allocations, project workspaces, and access for active student organizations.
• Assists student organizations with project logistics, tool access, general lab safety, and basic budgetary/procurement questions.
• Participates in quarterly stakeholder meetings with student groups, clubs, and instructional staff to gather feedback and identify operational improvements.
• Collaborates with other Baskin Engineering staff who support student clubs, particularly regarding campus event preparation, competition preparation, and travel logistics.
• Helps document and archive student projects to promote visibility and celebrate achievements within the Slugworks community.

10% - Outreach & Communication
Contributes to the Slugworks' communication and resource coordination efforts:

• Assist in maintaining website, Canvas training, and social media content, including equipment listings, training schedules, and facility hours.
• Helps track and map resources offered at Slugworks and other comparable on-campus or community facilities.
• Supports cross-campus collaboration on training approaches and shared resource initiatives.
• Participates in Slugworks Executive Planning Committee meetings and contributes to a cohesive, well-coordinated lab support environment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Demonstrated experience with makerspace, machine shop, or teaching lab operations, including familiarity with common fabrication tools (3D printers, laser cutters, mills, lathes, welding equipment, hand and power tools).
• Basic understanding of health and safety compliance regulations relevant to a makerspace environment (hazard communication, PPE, machine guarding, hazardous waste).
• Effective oral and written communication skills to interact with diverse users including students, faculty, and staff.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize competing tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to independently address operational challenges.
• Customer service orientation with ability to maintain a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Experience supervising/mentoring students or junior staff.
• Familiarity with budget tracking and procurement processes.
• Proficiency with Windows and Macintosh operating systems, and willingness to learn new software platforms (Canvas, access control systems, inventory management tools).
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a small team.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physical sciences, art/design with technology focus.
• Experience working in a higher education makerspace, machine shop, or similar instructional facility.
• Formal training or certification in relevant areas (e.g., welding certification, CNC operation, laser safety officer training).
• Experience with access control systems (e.g., Kisi, Brivo) and learning management systems (e.g., Canvas).
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and accessible design of learning spaces and programming.
• Experience coordinating with student organizations or project-based design courses.
• Familiarity with environmental health and safety compliance in an academic setting.
• Experience with basic equipment maintenance and repair.
• Experience coordinating with student organizations, including advising clubs on project execution, safety practices, and event logistics.
• Experience facilitating community meetings, town halls, or user groups to gather feedback and implement iterative improvements.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
• The selected candidate will be required to work all scheduled hours on-site.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to work in conditions of variable temperature/weather with possible exposure to strong, unpleasant odors, high levels of noise and vibrations, and exposure to dust and allergens.
• Ability to safely perform the physical requirements necessary to move light to moderate objects up to 60 lbs., with or without accommodation.
• Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known