Research Associate

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 performing a variety of research duties within the assigned space.

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%)