"Equipment Technician"

Job Summary

The Department of Biological Sciences is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Equipment Technician to support the repair, maintenance, and calibration of scientific instrumentation and lab equipment across the department and broader College of Science. This position ensures the functionality and reliability of laboratory tools critical to teaching, research, and student success. Reporting to the Associate Dean for Research and receiving work lead direction from the Department Chair, the Equipment Technician works independently under general supervision to provide ongoing support for instructional and research equipment, including optical instruments, freezers, gas systems, and water purification systems. The role also involves fabrication, modifications, preventative maintenance, and training oversight for student assistants.

Key Responsibilities

• Repair, maintain, and calibrate electromechanical and laboratory equipment, including microscopes and optical tools
• Design and fabricate parts or modify equipment based on faculty specifications to support instructional needs
• Maintain preventative maintenance records and coordinate with external service representatives as needed
• Monitor and repair refrigeration units, ultra-cold freezers, and ice machines
• Manage inventory and distribution of gas cylinders (CO₂, nitrogen, oxygen, liquid nitrogen)
• Oversee maintenance of water purification systems (Millipore and Barnstead)
• Document repairs, order parts, and provide recommendations for equipment upgrades or replacement
• Train and supervise student assistants as needed

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to communicate with constituents in a professional and respectful manner
• Ability to compose and appropriately format correspondence and reports
• Working knowledge of software applications: word processing, spreadsheets, database management
• Ability to perform accurately in a detail-oriented environment
• Ability to handle multiple work priorities, organize and plan work and projects
• Strong oral communication skills. Must possess excellent customer service and public relations skills
• Extensive knowledge of the methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the installation, maintenance, repair and operation of scientific instrumentation
• Ability to troubleshoot instrument problems. The incumbent also will be expected to take the initiative to learn how to operate and repair complex and specialized devices
• Ability to analyze equipment problems and determine what repairs are needed
• Ability to review and prepare specifications for technical equipment
• Ability to install, repair, and maintain a wide variety of equipment. Knowledge of drafting techniques
• Thorough knowledge of repair, maintenance, troubleshooting and overhaul of scientific instrumentation
• Performs duties under all safety and environmental regulations, rules, policies and guidelines
• Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement or established processes and practices
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships in a diverse multicultural environment

Required Qualifications

Equivalent to three (3) years of progressively responsible journey-level or skilled experience in the maintenance, repair and operation of scientific or technical equipment in the specialty area to which assigned, including one year involving design modifications and fabrication of complex and highly technical equipment or equivalent to two years of semi-skilled experience maintaining and repairing scientific or technical equipment or related equipment experience as part of instructional support activities may be substituted for one year of the required experience or equivalent to two years of trade school or technical arts training with specialization in the type of equipment repair to which assigned. Completion of an apprenticeship program or completion of a full military specialization in the required type of equipment maintenance and repair may be substituted for one year of the required experience. A Federal Communications Commission license is required for some positions.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience maintaining microscopes and other optical equipment.

Compensation

Classification: Equipment Technician III, Specialized Equipment. Anticipated Hiring Range: $6,667/month - $7,250/month. CSU Salary Range: $4,845/month - $8,765/month. San José State University offers employees a comprehensive benefits package typically worth 30-35% of your base salary. For more information on programs available, please see the Employee Benefits Summary.

Application Procedure

Click Apply Now to complete the SJSU Online Employment Application and attach the following documents: Resume, Letter of Interest. All applicants must apply within the specified application period: September 26, 2025 through October 12, 2025. This position is open until filled; however, applications received after screening has begun will be considered at the discretion of the university.