"Staff Associate II"

The Department of Civil Engineering & Engineering Mechanics has an open position for a Staff Associate II to join the Robert A W Carleton Strength of Materials Laboratory (Carleton Lab) as Senior Laboratory Engineer. The Senior Fabrication Engineer operates and oversees the Carleton Lab Machine Shop and is responsible for fabrication of unique testing and research components, training of users, and safety. The Senior Fabrication Engineer independently engineers, designs, and modifies experimental components and test setups with input from relevant stakeholders.

The duties and responsibilities of the Senior Fabrication Engineer include:

Technical and Research Support

• Fabrication of all manner of unique testing components and setups including test specimens, fixtures, and data acquisition, with an emphasis on mechanical testing experiments
• In concert with other laboratory staff, provide engineering expertise to researchers in all phases of experimental design and testing
• Problem solve directly with researchers and PIs to further research objectives
• Provide consultations for advanced fabrication techniques and CAM programming
• Plan and implement new services and capabilities for machine shop/lab users based on demonstrated need
• Seize opportunities for learning new skills to support research

Teaching and Training Support (Student and Research-facing)

• Instruct and train laboratory users on machine shop tools and laboratory testing equipment
• Support undergraduate and graduate teaching, capstone projects, and student clubs (e.g., AISC Steel Bridge team) with an emphasis on fabrication and technical execution
• Mentor, train, and supervise undergraduate, M.S. and Ph.D. students performing work in machine shop and laboratory in concert with the other Laboratory Staff

Laboratory Operations Support

• Oversee Machine Shop space and proactively maintain and support machine shop and laboratory equipment. Maintain machine tools in safe operating order and ensure machine shop cleanliness.
• Work collaboratively with other lab staff to support lab operations
• Ensure regulatory and safety compliance pursuant to OSHA, EH&S, EPA, FDNY, etc. and act as lead Machine Shop safety officer
• Perform tasks relevant to laboratory operations, at the direction of the Laboratory Management

With minimal supervision the Staff Associate II is expected to:

• Independently engineer, design, and fabricate experimental components and test setups for research and teaching projects;
• Be able to independently identify new machine shop capability needs and work with other Lab Staff to implement them;
• Develop and maintain a positive relationship with students and faculty and work directly with them independent of Lab Management;
• Prioritize objects and work independently on a daily basis, with progress and workflow overseen by the supervisor.

Education: B.S. in Civil Engineering, Engineering Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Architecture, or related field.

Skills and/or knowledge:

• Knowledge of machining/rapid prototyping (subtractive and additive manufacturing)
• Experience in presenting technical knowledge to effectively mentor and support undergraduate and graduate students and researchers
• Mechanical design and/or engineering concepts
• Innovative and experience-based problem-solving skills
• Experience using and maintaining machine shop and/or laboratory equipment
• 4 years of related experience

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Pay Transparency Disclosure

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Posted: 27-Jan-26

Location: New York, New York

Categories: Academic/Faculty

Internal Number: 180467