Technical Associate II

Posting Description

TECHINICAL ASSOCIATE II, Mechanical Engineering, will manage the day-to-day operations of the Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Lab and support the engineering, logistical, and administrative needs of a research group of approximately 30 students, postdocs, and staff; and coordinate and contribute to the design, prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, transport, and iterative improvement of bench-scale and pilot-scale mechanical and electromechanical systems. Areas of work may include solar-powered devices, data acquisition and power management systems, brackish water desalination systems, irrigation systems, agricultural equipment, assistive technologies, and custom mechanical testing equipment. Responsibilities will include coordinating domestic and international field pilot activities, including prototype installation, testing, logistics, and collaboration with research teams and external partners. Will help manage multiple concurrent projects by developing plans, setting milestones, monitoring progress, and adapting priorities as needed. Will provide guidance to students and junior staff and support research planning across a range of lab initiatives. Will also oversee shared lab operations and resources, including onboarding materials and processes, online documentation and code repositories, weekly lab activities, and the operation and maintenance of the lab’s fabrication facility and machine shop. Will coordinate space and equipment usage, support maintenance and upgrades, and oversee sourcing and resupply of lab consumables. In addition, will contribute to sponsor reports, presentations, and academic publications, with opportunities to participate in or lead technical writing efforts. Requires strong engineering program management skills, excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, leadership experience, and technical expertise in mechanical and/or electromechanical design.

Job Requirements

REQUIRED: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or related technical field preferred, or equivalent experience; and a minimum of four years of experience working in an academic engineering research and/or commercial R&D environment.