Engineering Technician - Lab and Facilities Support

Flexible Laboratory & Research Support 45%:

• Provides flexible, hands-on technical coverage across departmental research and instructional environments, including wind tunnels, the Plasmadynamics and Electric Propulsion Laboratory, and undergraduate instructional laboratories, maintaining operational continuity as needs shift.
• Assists with the operation of departmental research and test equipment as assigned. Becomes trained and qualified in additional areas over time and works with guidance from the Lab Operations Manager or area technicians when supporting unfamiliar systems.
• Maintains student group work areas, including assisting with technical aspects of designing, building, and testing prototype experiments and test rigs.
• Supports the upkeep of shop and laboratory equipment and tooling. Completes Environment, Health & Safety training required for each area before performing work independently.
• Builds displays, scientific apparatus, and models using a variety of materials.
• Assists the Aerospace Technical Team with work requiring multiple personnel.
• Mentors and advises students on the development, fabrication, and assembly of mechanical components.
• Contributes to, maintains, and follows standard operating procedures for departmental equipment.
• Trains and supervises operators in the operation of large equipment.

Infrastructure Maintenance and Improvements 30%:

• Maintains, repairs, and operates large equipment such as vacuum pumps, air compressors, and mechanical systems across Aerospace Engineering facilities, including off-campus sites.

Cross-Functional Coverage & Safety 25%:

• Serves as a cross-trained backup for other technical functions as directed, including electronics and data acquisition support under the direction of the responsible area technician.
• Assists the technical team with tasks requiring additional personnel.
• Serves as an Emergency Response Team member.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in a technical vocation or related technical environment.
• Ability to safely and effectively use various tools and equipment, including basic hand tools.
• Ability to move equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to move throughout campus buildings and technical work areas, including spaces accessible by stairs and/or elevators.
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Working knowledge of safety, compliance, and hazardous materials protocols.
• Competency using a personal computer, email, and common software applications, such as Gmail, Google Workspace, and Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and coordinate efforts across multiple stakeholders.
• Adaptability and willingness to support varied technical assignments, learning new equipment and procedures with guidance.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, facilities management, or a related field.
• Four or more years of experience in a technical vocation.
• Experience supporting research operations in laboratory environments, preferably within academia.
• Demonstrated versatility across multiple technical environments, such as wind tunnels, fabrication shops, vacuum systems, or propulsion laboratories.
• Experience with welding and instrument making.
• Experience with 3D printing.

A salary above the posted range may be considered for an exceptionally qualified candidate, particularly one who demonstrates proven versatility across the range of technical environments supported by this cross-functional role.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

This position requires work in laboratory, shop, instructional, and facilities environments. The role routinely requires moving equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. The position may require moving throughout campus buildings and technical facilities, ascending and descending ladders, working in stationary positions, and positioning oneself to inspect, install, maintain, or repair equipment. Work may involve the use of hand tools, shop equipment, personal protective equipment, and adherence to Environment, Health & Safety protocols. This position may also require inspecting work areas, equipment, and facilities to identify and address safety concerns.