Graduate Student Project Assistant Jobs in Irving, TX

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

About SMU

SMU's more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and over 80 countries to take advantage of the University's small classes, meaningful research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs.

SMU serves approximately 7,000 undergraduates and 5,000 graduate students through eight degree-granting schools: Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences, Cox School of Business, Lyle School of Engineering, Meadows School of the Arts, Simmons School of Education and Human Development, Dedman School of Law, Perkins School of Theology and Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies.

SMU is data driven, and its powerful supercomputing ecosystem - paired with entrepreneurial drive - creates an unrivaled environment for the University to deliver research excellence.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical, enterprising leaders in their professions and communities. SMU's relationship with Dallas - the dynamic center of one of the nation's fastest-growing regions - offers unique learning, research, social and career opportunities that provide a launch pad for global impact.

SMU is nonsectarian in its teaching and committed to academic freedom and open inquiry.

About the Position:

This role is an on-campus, in-person position.

The Director of Manufacturing & Research Shop Operations provides high-level strategic and operational leadership for all modern manufacturing, machining, and fabrication facilities across the Lyle School of Engineering. 

This role is responsible for transforming traditional machine shops into advanced, safety-driven research and education fabrication hubs. The Director supports undergraduate, graduate, and faculty research by overseeing the design, maintenance, and upgrade of complex laboratory equipment, ensuring integration with modern manufacturing standards (e.g., CNC, 3D printing, advanced automation). 

The Director leads shop personnel, strictly enforces university and industrial safety compliance, and serves as the primary technical design consultant for senior design projects and advanced faculty research apparatus. 

Essential Functions:

• Strategic Facility & Equipment Management: Lead the modernization, maintenance, and continuous upgrade of all instructional and research fabrication labs across the Lyle School. Evaluate, procure, and install advanced manufacturing equipment (e.g., CNC machining, additive manufacturing/3D printing, laser systems) to ensure facilities meet modern industry standards. 
   

• Engineering Consultation & Research Support: Serve as the primary engineering consultant to faculty, post-docs, and graduate students for the design, fabrication, and testing of complex scientific research apparatus and instrumentation. Utilize solid modeling and computer-based engineering design tools to validate and optimize parts for manufacturability.
   

• Safety Compliance & Training Leadership: Establish, strictly enforce, and document comprehensive safety protocols across all manufacturing and machine shop spaces. Develop and deliver mandatory safety and operational training programs for all users (faculty, staff, and students) to ensure a culture of zero-incidents and compliance with environmental health and safety regulations.
   

• Student Project & Curriculum Support: Provide high-level technical/design guidance and fabrication support for undergraduate senior design projects, manufacturing systems courses, and first-year engineering design assignments. Mentor students in modern manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacturability principles.
   

• Staff Supervision & Resource Operation: Supervise shop staff, including machinists and student workers. Manage work under scheduling, shop inventory, budgeting, and the procurement of raw materials and tooling for the ME department and broader Lyle School needs. Helps to maintain relevant manufacturing and fabrication equipment across Lyle including, but not limited to CDHAM and other labs as needed.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a closely related field is required. 

Master's is preferred. 

A minimum of 7 years of experience in progressive industrial/academic experience is required. 

A minimum of 5 years experience in management or supervisory roles in an advanced machine shop or manufacturing environment is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Candidate must demonstrate the ability to communicate broadly across the University and develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of constituencies. Must also demonstrate strong written communication skills.

Candidate must possess strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify and analyze problems, as well as devise solutions. Must also have strong organizational, planning and time management skills.  

Candidate must have strong interpersonal and pedagogical skills to effectively mentor students and collaborate with academic researchers on highly complex, custom fabrications.

Expert-level use and knowledge in traditional machining (lathe, mill) and modern advanced manufacturing (CNC programming, 5-axis, 3D printing, laser systems) is required.

Candidate must demonstrate experience in developing and enforcing rigorous laboratory and machine shop safety protocols as well as possess excellent project management and budgeting skills.

A strong working knowledge in CAD/CAM software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Mastercam) and design-for-manufacturing principles is required.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Sit for long periods of time

• Bend, squat, stand, kneel

• Push/pull

• Reach above shoulders

• Handle objects (dexterity)

• Carry/lift over 25-50 lbs

• Exposure to excessive noise

• Working around heavy machinery 

• Exposure to dust, fumes, gases, radiation and/or microwave

Deadline to Apply:

Priority consideration may be granted to applications received by September 8th, 2026.

Position will remain open until filled. 

EEO Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.

Benefits:

SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.

SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU's retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.

The value of learning at SMU isn't just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.