Advanced Manufacturing Program Coordinator
An Advanced Manufacturing Program Coordinator runs the day-to-day operations of a manufacturing program, keeps the curriculum aligned with a fast-changing industry, and bridges faculty, students, and regional employers. This is a sample job description from Excelon Associates that you can adapt as a template for your own hire.
What does an Advanced Manufacturing Program Coordinator do?
The Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of the Advanced Manufacturing program while keeping the curriculum aligned with the rapidly evolving landscape of modern manufacturing. The position combines technical expertise with program leadership to deliver a best-in-class educational experience for students preparing for careers in CNC machining, robotics, additive manufacturing, and other advanced technologies.
The Coordinator serves as the bridge between faculty, students, and employers, aligning academic content with regional workforce needs. Beyond instruction, the role oversees the maintenance and enhancement of lab facilities, leads program accreditation efforts, and works with industry partners to build pipelines for internships and employment.
Advanced manufacturing covers modern, technology-driven production methods, including CNC machining (computer-controlled cutting), CAD/CAM systems (computer-aided design and manufacturing), robotics, and additive manufacturing (3D printing). The Program Coordinator runs the academic program that trains students across these technologies.
Who does this role connect?
What are the key responsibilities?
- Coordinate the daily operations of the Advanced Manufacturing program, ensuring alignment with academic and industry standards.
- Deliver instructional content in areas such as CNC machining, CAD/CAM systems, robotics, and additive manufacturing.
- Supervise, maintain, and upgrade lab facilities, including advanced manufacturing equipment and software.
- Serve as the primary liaison with regional employers, building partnerships to align curriculum with current and emerging industry demands.
- Mentor students in both technical and professional skills, preparing them for successful careers in advanced manufacturing.
- Assist in student recruitment, retention, and placement to ensure positive graduate outcomes.
- Collect and analyze program data, recommending updates to maintain relevancy and competitiveness.
What qualifications are required?
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related field required; master’s preferred.
- Minimum of three years of relevant industry experience in advanced manufacturing or closely related fields.
- Teaching, training, or program coordination experience preferred.
- Proficiency in CNC programming, robotics, CAD/CAM systems, and additive manufacturing.
- Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills, with a proven ability to collaborate across departments and with external partners.
Why is this role important?
Advanced manufacturing is changing quickly, and the gap between what a program teaches and what regional employers actually need can open fast. This role keeps the two aligned, preparing students for real careers in CNC machining, robotics, and additive manufacturing rather than for outdated equipment.
By maintaining strong employer partnerships and modern lab facilities, the Coordinator builds the pipeline of skilled talent that local industry depends on and that drives graduate outcomes.
A hiring note from Excelon
The best candidates here have actually run the machines, not just taught them. Industry experience on current CNC, robotics, and additive equipment is what lets a coordinator keep a lab relevant and earn credibility with employer partners. We weigh hands-on manufacturing background and existing regional relationships heavily, because both translate directly into internships and hires for students.
A manufacturing program is only as current as its lab and its employer relationships. This role owns both.
Frequently asked questions
What does an Advanced Manufacturing Program Coordinator do?
The Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of an advanced manufacturing program, keeps the curriculum aligned with modern manufacturing, delivers instruction in areas like CNC machining and robotics, maintains lab facilities, and builds employer partnerships.
What qualifications are required?
This sample role requires a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial technology, or a related field, with a master’s preferred, plus a minimum of three years of relevant industry experience in advanced manufacturing or a closely related field.
What technologies does the program cover?
The program covers CNC machining, CAD/CAM systems, robotics, and additive manufacturing, and the Coordinator delivers instruction and maintains lab equipment and software across these advanced technologies.
Who does this role work with?
The Coordinator serves as the bridge between faculty, students, and employers, aligning academic content with regional workforce needs and building partnerships that create internship and employment pipelines.
Why is this role important?
The role connects technical education with regional employer demand, preparing students for careers in CNC machining, robotics, and additive manufacturing while keeping the program relevant to a rapidly evolving industry.
Need to hire an Advanced Manufacturing Program Coordinator?
Excelon Associates recruits technical education and workforce development leaders for colleges nationwide, connecting institutions with professionals who can build forward-looking programs in robotics, automation, and precision manufacturing. Retained executive search since 2007, headquartered in Asheville, NC.
More Sample Job Descriptions
Templates you can adapt for your own roles.