Research Associate

Job Details

San Marcos, TX

Texas State University

Research Associate

Posting Number: 2026524

Location: San Marcos

Department: Ingram School of Engineering

Recruitment Type: Open Recruiting

Job Type: Full-Time

Monthly Salary: $4,369.00 - $5,000.00

Job Category: Exempt

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, engineering technology, or agriculture; or a combination of education and job experience.
• Hands-on proficiency with common welding processes (e.g., SMAW, GMAW/MIG, GTAW/TIG, basic thermal cutting)
• Experience in safe setup and operation of manual machine tools (lathe, mill, drill press, saws), carpentry, and basic shop equipment
• Capable of working in a Scissor lift up to 24 feet.
• Comfortable working on a step ladder up to 15’
• Proficiency using Microsoft Suite programs such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
• Capable of repeatedly lifting at least 60 lbs and working in hot, dusty, noisy environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience towing and backing up a trailer
• Forklift, skid steer, and backhoe experience
• Attention to detail, documentation discipline, and ability to maintain organized lab notebooks and digital data.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings
• Familiar with OSHA (Occupational Safety Health Administration) and EHS (Environmental Health and Safety) guidelines and wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Job Description:
Responsible for conducting a variety of duties in the metal shop to include machining, cutting, wielding, and fabrication of components.

Job Duties:

• Fabricate and assemble structural test specimens, fixtures, and support frames (cutting, machining, welding, drilling, and bolting components to match engineering drawings and test plans) (30%)
• Set up, operate, and perform basic maintenance on fabrication and lab equipment (e.g., welders, saws, mills, drills, hydraulic jacks, actuators, scissor lift, fork lift, work on tall ladders (>15’), and basic data acquisition hardware) (30%)
• Install specimens and fixtures in test frames, including positioning components, aligning load paths, and securing connections under the direction of the lead research engineer in a large-scale structural testing facility (15%)
• Maintain a safe, organized laboratory and shop area, including inspecting PPE and safety devices, and documenting fabrication work and equipment usage (15%)
• Other duties as assigned (10%)

Additional Information to Applicants:

Job Open Date: 05/12/2026

Job Close Date: 05/21/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Normal Work Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

Normal Work Hours Start: 8:00AM

Normal Work Hours End: 5:00PM