Prove-Out Operations and Industry Engagement Manager*G2007393

Pittsburg State University is accepting applications for a Prove-Out Operations and Industry Engagement Manager in the department of Research and Innovation that is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and strategic utilization of the Prove-Out facilities within the National Institute for Materials Advancement. This role ensures a safe, efficient, and compliant environment that supports applied research, pilot-scale production, prototyping, and industry collaboration. In addition to facility operations, this position plays a critical role in industry engagement, client development, and revenue-generating activities. The Manager serves as a key liaison between university researchers, industry partners, government agencies, and external clients to expand facility utilization and support innovation and commercialization efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Facility Operations and Management - 40%

Oversees daily operations of Prove-Out facilities, including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and process utility systems

Conducts routine inspections to ensure safety, functionality, and compliance

Coordinates preventive maintenance and repairs with internal staff and contractors

Maintains compliance with university policies and OSHA/regulatory standards

Manages facility access, safety systems, and operational readiness

Maintains records of maintenance, equipment, and facility usage

Supports setup and coordination of pilot-scale and demonstration activities

Research, Pilot Operations, and Industry Engagement - 30%

Identifies and pursues opportunities to increase facility utilization and revenue generation

Supports applied research and pilot-scale operations in collaboration with researchers and partners

Assists with installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of specialized equipment

Develops and maintains relationships with industry partners and external clients

Promotes facility capabilities to support R&D, prototyping, and scale-up activities

Supports development of sponsored projects, fee-for-service work, and client engagements

Project and Capital Improvement Management - 20%

Manages facility renovation, infrastructure upgrades, and equipment installation projects

Develops project scopes, budgets, and schedules

Coordinates with engineers, architects, contractors, and stakeholders

Ensures projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget

Supports planning of future facility capabilities and expansions

Other Duties as assigned – 10%

Performs additional responsibilities as delegated to support the mission and strategic goals of the division and university

Education and Experience

Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire

Bachelor's degree in science, engineering, engineering technology, industrial technology, business, facilities management, or a related field

One year of experience in research, manufacturing, pilot-scale, industrial, laboratory, or facility operations

Demonstrated ability to coordinate projects, operations, or technical activities

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in science, engineering, engineering technology, industrial technology, business, facilities management, or related field. This degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced theoretical knowledge, highly specialized methodologies, and critical problem-solving skills fundamental to this work. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential experience inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Education and Experience

Master's degree in science, engineering, engineering technology, industrial technology, facilities management, business, or a related field

One year of experience managing projects involving budgets, contractors, equipment installation, or capital improvements

One year of experience with installation, commissioning, operation, or troubleshooting of specialized research, manufacturing, or pilot-scale equipment

Experience working with industry partners, external clients, or sponsored research projects

Experience with facility operations, maintenance, safety, or regulatory compliance

Experience supporting applied research, product development, prototyping, or technology commercialization

Knowledge of OSHA regulations and safe laboratory or industrial work practices

License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation

Valid Driver’s License

Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and sex offender check.

Salary Range : Commensurate with Experience

Job Type: Unclassified

Appointment Duration: 12 months

Work Schedule: Full Time, Monday – Friday, weekends as needed, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, evenings as needed

Application Documents Required*:

Resume

Cover Letter

Names and Contact Details for three (3) Professional References

Transcript

*Consolidate into two documents to upload.

Open Until Filled.

Search Committee Chair: Mary Louise Widmar, mwidmar@pittstate.edu

Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.

PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.

Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing a respectful and supportive environment for all employees.

About Pittsburg State University

Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State’s 373-acre campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art athletics, arts, and research facilities.

Its residential and online undergraduate and graduate student population of nearly 6,000 is guided by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrative team.

Pitt State’s hands-on learning environment and engagement by alumni working in a variety of professional sectors creates incredible academic, internship, and employment opportunities for students. Academic programs often bring home national honors.

The university enjoys a close relationship with Pittsburg residents as well as city and business leaders. Throughout town, you’ll see gorilla statues in front lawns and red and gold Gorilla spirit at local businesses . Students, faculty, and staff are highly engaged in the local school district and with service projects, and in turn the community is highly supportive of and engaged in university activities .

Faculty, staff, and students have access to many amenities , including discounts and free access to concerts, plays, athletic events on campus as well as discounts on meals and services off campus.

Pitt State has developed unique partnerships in downtown Pittsburg, 1.4 miles north of the main campus. There, Block22 and the historic Hotel Besse offer innovative student housing options and the new Kelce College of Business building , scheduled to open in July 2026, w ill feature state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and space for professional development and public events.

The university has earned institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and two elite classifications from the Carnegie Foundation.