Electrical Engineering Laboratory Technician

Department: Dean’s Office, School of Engineering and Computing | Primary Work Location: Fairfield - Benson Campus | Direct Supervisor: Dean | Employee Type: Non-exempt | 12-month role

Basic Function

The Electrical Engineering Laboratory Technician supports the instructional and research activities of the entire School of Engineering and Computing as it pertains to Laboratories and Makerspaces, by preparing, maintaining, and operating laboratory equipment and facilities. The technician works closely with faculty, staff, and students to ensure that electrical engineering laboratories are safe, functional, well-organized, and ready for scheduled courses and research activities. The successful candidate will have strong hands-on technical skills, attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and effective learning environment.

Unusual Work Conditions

• Standing, walking, bending, reaching, and working at laboratory benches for extended periods.
• Lifting and moving equipment and materials consistent with university-established requirements.
• Working with low- and high-voltage electrical and electronic equipment in accordance with established safety procedures.
• Use of hand tools, soldering equipment, test instruments, computers, and other laboratory equipment.
• Occasional work outside normal business hours to support laboratory courses, special events, recruiting, or research activities.
• Minimal travel required for equipment training (5%).

Requirements

• Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with electrical and electronic laboratory equipment.
• Working knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits, measurement techniques, and laboratory practices.
• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical documentation.
• Experience using common electronic test and measurement equipment.
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and vendors.
• Commitment to laboratory safety and careful handling of electrical equipment.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of an academic department.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with soldering, PCB assembly, electronic repair, and fabrication.
• Familiarity with programming or scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, C/C++, or LabVIEW.
• Experience with calibration and preventative maintenance of electronic instrumentation.
• Familiarity with electrical safety standards, lockout/tagout procedures, and laboratory safety practices.

Responsibilities

Infrastructure

• Maintain the physical space and equipment in laboratories and makerspaces.
• Maintain, test, calibrate, and repair laboratory equipment, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, function generators, power supplies, electronic loads, data-acquisition systems, and related instrumentation.
• Troubleshoot electrical and electronic circuits, equipment, wiring, and experimental setups.
• Maintain accurate records of equipment, maintenance, calibration, repairs, and laboratory activities.
• Ensure laboratories comply with university safety policies and applicable electrical and laboratory safety requirements.
• Identify and report safety hazards, damaged equipment, and unsafe laboratory conditions.
• Assist with procurement by obtaining quotations, researching technical specifications, and recommending equipment, components, and supplies.
• Maintain clean, organized, and accessible laboratory workspaces.
• Assist with the development, documentation, and improvement of laboratory experiments and procedures.
• Maintain laboratory inventories of electronic components, tools, supplies, cables, and equipment.
• Monitor equipment condition and coordinate repairs, replacement, and preventative maintenance as needed.

Academic Programs

• Support the delivery of courses and curriculum for the offerings in the School that require lab facilities, including:
• Prepare laboratories, equipment, components, and experimental setups for undergraduate and graduate courses, research, and senior design projects.
• Assist faculty and instructors with laboratory demonstrations, experiments, and troubleshooting.
• Assist students with the proper and safe use of laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Assist faculty and research personnel with laboratory setup and technical support for research and other special projects, as assigned.
• Maintain an organized, clean, and safe teaching environment.

Professional Development

• Maintain relevancy through upskilling, training, and/or licensure on equipment and technologies on an annual basis.

Process Improvement

• Constantly find ways to improve the efficiency of the various processes and activities in the lab and academic programs.

Teamwork

• Contribute to an environment of collaboration within the School of Engineering.
• Maintain an outfacing weekly calendar and communicate availability to students, faculty, and staff.
• Support the Dean’s office as well as other department’s needs as required.
• Support other Fairfield initiatives outside the School of Engineering, as appropriate.

Schedule

Work hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm