University Lab Instructor Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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Job Description

Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK), the oldest institution of higher learning in South Texas and a proud member of the Texas A&M University System, stands as the region's premier university. TAMUK offers the widest range of academic programs and degrees in South Texas, provides exceptional learning and residential facilities, conducts impactful research, awards substantial scholarships, and has awarded more than 80,000 degrees in the institution's 100-year history. The university is recognized for its unwavering commitment to student success, meaningful research, and deep community engagement. With a welcoming campus culture and strong regional partnerships, TAMUK offers faculty and staff a unique opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of students and the broader South Texas region.

Location:The University is located in historic Kingsville, a friendly, safe city of 25,000 that is the home of the legendary King Ranch. Corpus Christi and its beaches are just 40 miles to the northeast, and the border with Mexico is 120 miles to the south at Brownsville or 119 miles to the west at Laredo.

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The Workforce Instructor [Metallurgy & Manufacturing], under the direction of the Chief Workforce Development Officer or designee, serves as the primary instructor for TAMUK's METAL (Metallurgical Engineering Trades Apprenticeship & Learning) initiative. This is a grant-funded position that delivers hands-on instruction in metallurgy, casting, forging, materials science, and related manufacturing technologies while leading K-12 outreach, workforce workshops, and career awareness activities. The instructor collaborates with industry, school districts, community organizations, and university faculty to expand workforce pathways supporting advanced manufacturing and the defense industrial base.

Instruction & Curriculum Delivery

• Serve as the lead instructor for METAL Level 1 manufacturing bootcamps.

• Deliver classroom, laboratory, and hands-on instruction in:

  • Metallurgy fundamentals

  • Ferrous and non-ferrous metals

  • Metal casting processes

  • Sand casting

  • Investment casting

  • Lost foam casting

  • Forging fundamentals

  • Heat treatment

  • Materials science

  • Manufacturing safety

  • Metal finishing and post-processing

  • Manufacturing quality and inspection

• Demonstrate safe operation of casting equipment, furnaces, molds, hand tools, and manufacturing equipment.

• Evaluate participant performance through practical skills demonstrations, projects, and competency-based assessments.

• Provide individualized coaching and academic support to maximize participant success.

• Maintain student attendance, credential attainment, assessment records, and instructional documentation.

Laboratory & Equipment Management

• Prepare laboratories and instructional areas for bootcamp delivery.

• Operate, inspect, maintain, and organize lab equipment and instructional tools.

• Prepare molds, casting materials, alloys, and laboratory supplies.

• Monitor inventory of instructional materials, consumables, tools, and PPE

• Ensure compliance with university environmental health and safety policies.

• Recommend equipment purchases and laboratory improvements to support manufacturing instruction.

K-12 Outreach & Engagement

• Plan and deliver outreach activities for K-12 students throughout South Texas.

• Conduct hands-on manufacturing demonstrations, STEAM events, workshops, camps, and career exploration activities.

• Support recruitment into METAL bootcamps, workforce training programs, engineering pathways, and registered apprenticeships.

• Build relationships with educators, counselors, Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, and community partners.

Program Administration

• Maintain accurate instructional records and participant documentation.

• Prepare reports required for grant compliance, program evaluation, credential attainment, and performance metrics.

• Coordinate instructional schedules, laboratory usage, equipment needs, and participant communications.

• Assist with participant recruitment and program promotion.

• Support implementation of grant-funded manufacturing initiatives and special projects.

• Provide individualized coaching and academic support to maximize participant success.

• Maintain student attendance, credential attainment, assessment records, and instructional documentation.

Required Education

Associate degree in Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Technology, Engineering Technology, Mechanical Technology, Welding Technology, Materials Science, or closely related field; equivalent industry experience may be substituted.

Required Experience

• Experience providing technical instruction or workforce training.

• Three (3) years of experience or applied learning in one or more of the following:

  • Metal casting

  • Foundry operations

  • Forging

  • Metallurgy

  • Manufacturing

  • Fabrication

  • Welding

  • Industrial production

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or related discipline.

• Experience teaching adult learners.

• Experience working with Career and Technical Education programs.

• Knowledge of metallurgy, casting, forging, manufacturing processes, and industrial safety.

• Ability to safely operate laboratory and manufacturing equipment.

• Strong instructional and presentation skills.

• Ability to engage learners of diverse ages and experience levels.

• Excellent organizational and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and outreach events simultaneously.

• Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.

Why Join the Javelina Nation?

Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a supportive, mission-driven culture focused on excellence in teaching, research, and service. All employees enjoy:

• A welcoming campus community

• Opportunities for professional development

• Competitive benefits through the Texas A&M University System

• A rewarding experience of helping students achieve their academic and career goals

Shared Values: TAMUK employees uphold the Shared Values of Care, Integrity, Pride, Innovation, and Excellence, which form the foundation of the University's culture and guide its strategic plan. More information on TAMUK's Strategic Plan and Shared Values can be found here.

4DX:TAMUK employees actively engage in Franklin Covey's 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX) activities within their departments. TAMUK utilizes 4DX as the framework for pursuing strategic goals by creating a culture of high performance. This requires participation from all faculty and staff. More information on 4DX can be found here.

Caring Campus: TAMUK employees embody the Institute for Evidence Based Change's Caring Campus mindset, maintaining a collegial and caring attitude towards students and each other to foster student engagement and a positive, collaborative work environment. More information on Caring Campus can be found here.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience

Texas A&M University-Kingsville offers a career filled with purpose and opportunity in addition to competitive wages. In addition to base pay, TAMUK provides eligible employees a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support employees' well-being, professional growth, and financial security.

BENEFITS (rules, policies, eligibility apply)

With our generous benefit package, robust professional development opportunities, strong retirement programs, and dedication to service excellence, TAMUK is a truly engaging and rewarding place to work.

Insurance:

• Medical

  • $0 - $30 per month for Employee Only coverage after university contribution ($920 value).

  • Up to 83% of premium covered by the university:

    • Employee and Spouse

    • Employee and Children

    • Employee and Family coverage

• Dental & Vision

• Life Insurance, Accidental D&D, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending Account and Day Care Spending Account

On-Campus Wellness Opportunities:

• TAMUK's Wellness Program is designed to enrich lives through health and wellness programming that is meaningful and impactful.

Work Life Solutions:

• Counseling, Work Life Assistance, Financial Resources, and Legal Resources

Tuition Benefits:

• Employee Tuition Assistance Program

• Book scholarships

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Retirement:

• Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) or Optional Retirement Plan (ORP), dependent on position

• Voluntary Tax Deferred Account/Deferred Compensation Plan

Employee Leave:

• 8+ hours of vacation per month

• 8 hours of sick leave per month

• 8 hours of paid Birthday leave

• 12-15 paid holidays per year

A federal proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Texas A&M University-Kingsville will not pay this fee. If immigration sponsorship may be required for employment, consult with private immigration counsel, at the individual's expense, is recommended to determine whether the individual's current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Texas A&M University-Kingsville subject to this fee.

In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbott issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B petitions unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if sponsorship for employment visa status is required now or in the future, this moratorium may affect the university's ability to employ the selected final candidate. TAMUK will adhere to applicable regulations regarding visa opportunities.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, lifting, bending, and demonstration of processes.

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

• Frequent travel throughout South Texas for outreach activities and engagement.

• Occasional evening and weekend work.

• Work performed in classrooms, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, and community settings.

Other Requirements and Factors

• This position is security sensitive

• This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.

• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures

• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application

• Cover Letter/Letter of Interest addressing qualifications

• Curriculum Vitae or Resume

• Contact information for 3 professional references

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution's verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution's procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.