Technical and Engineering Service Manager

The Nebraska Manufacturing Extension Partnership ( NMEP ) helps Nebraska manufacturers grow, evolve, and compete by delivering practical, results-driven expertise. The NMEP is part of the National Manufacturing Extension Partnership program, a federally supported network that enables access to best practices, specialized expertise, and shared resources across the country. Embedded within the University of Nebraska, NMEP leverages university research, talent, and technological capabilities to drive innovation. By combining national reach with local relationships and academic resources, NMEP partners with manufacturers to improve productivity, strengthen leadership and workforce capabilities, and adopt advanced technologies.

As the Technical and Engineering Service Manager , you will:

• Develop and lead new engineering programs and services to support Nebraska industry, with primary responsibility for program design, structure, and implementation.
• Serve as subject matter expert in engineering and manufacturing by advising manufacturing clients, UNL stakeholders, and partners on emerging trends, technologies, and industry best practices to inform decision-making and future planning.
• Lead the development and execution of technical program strategy for NMEP , with decision-making authority over program direction in collaboration with other service areas.
• Lead, direct, coach, and oversee project managers and other staff by delivering leadership and team engagement.
• Engage with business owners, CEOs, and executive leaders to justify client needs and demonstrate the return on investment of improving their businesses.
• Independently assess complex, multi-disciplinary, strategic, managerial, operational, and technical problems and recommend appropriate and effective solutions to achieve desired goals.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including College of Engineering, IANR , educational institutions, and industry partners to support program development, service delivery, and outreach efforts.

About Us

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we’re proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming and supportive work environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn’t just a workplace; it’s a place to build your career and make a real impact in Nebraska.

When you join our team as a full-time, regular staff member, you’ll enjoy:

• Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, parental leave, and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance options including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Employee & dependent scholarship program to pursue higher education
• Generous retirement plans with university match

Learn more about working for UNL : https://go.unl.edu/aboutus

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See https://go.unl.edu/nondiscrimination

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or closely related field plus 5 years of hands-on experience in manufacturing or engineering environments
• Practical expertise in product design, prototyping, 3D Scanning, fabrication, injection molding, tool and die, or related production processes
• Working experience with SolidWorks or comparable CAD platforms, and other engineering design software
• Demonstrated experience consulting with or supporting manufacturing businesses
• Proven ability to lead projects and , teams.
• Ability to mentor and develop others.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Valid driver’s license with ability to meet University driver eligibility requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or Business/Technology Management plus 10 years of industry experience with exposure to multiple manufacturing technologies
• Experience with automation, robotics, controls, and digital manufacturing
• Prior leadership experience in technical program development or applied research
• Experience working with universities, start-up / technology scaling

Posted Salary $96,700/year minimum