Mechanical Laboratory Technician

Duties and Responsibilities

• Equipment Fabrication and Maintenance: Construct, modify, and maintain laboratory and experimental equipment in alignment with prototype and lab processes. Ensure all work is documented appropriately.
• Planning and Documentation: Interpret general instructions, plan assembly sequences, prepare sketches and schematics, and maintain quality assurance documentation.
• Design and Development Support: Assist in the design, assembly, and development of laboratory, experimental, and commercial equipment, as well as new designs and processes.
• Operational Testing: Operate equipment and perform tests that require knowledge of specialized processes, utilizing precision measuring instruments such as calipers, micrometers, and depth gauges.
• Experiment Execution: Execute laboratory experiments or manage complex laboratory functions, ensuring accurate data collection, reduction, summarization, and communication to engineering teams.
• Troubleshooting and Problem Solving: Identify and correct operational problems in equipment or tests, adjust operating parameters, and develop solutions for complex issues, including designing specialized components.
• Safety and Compliance: Work safely in accordance with established procedures, monitor operations for regulatory and safety compliance, and stay current with required safety training.
• Specialized Conditions: Handle toxic, hazardous, and radioactive materials, and perform duties confidently while wearing personal protective equipment, including a full-face respirator.

Qualifications

• Typically requires associate's degree or equivalent with five or more years of experience. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
• Chemical Lab/Production Experience: Experience working in a chemical laboratory or chemical production environment is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with common hand tools and laboratory equipment. Experience with Chemical Vapor Infiltration (CVI) and Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) vacuum systems, including vacuum pump operation and maintenance, is desirable.
• Machining Skills: Experience with lathe, milling machine, and drill press operation is highly desirable.
• Clearance: Ability to acquire and maintain a Secret Clearance is highly desirable.
• Chemical Handling: Experience handling chemicals and using a respirator is preferred. Must be able to wear a full-face respirator as required.
• CAD Proficiency: Ability to interpret, understand, and create CAD drawings is desirable.
• Math Skills: Strong mathematical aptitude, including the ability to convert between decimals, fractions, and imperial/metric units.
• Complex Assignments: Capability to perform complex assignments under limited review.
• Specialized Systems: Willingness to work on systems with unusual conditions such as high pressure, high voltage, high energy, cryogens, or radioactive materials.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs. for extended periods. May operate heavy equipment such as forklifts, cranes, lifts, and company vehicles. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record are required.
• Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of computer operations and applications pertinent to the field is required. Experience with water cooling systems, plumbing, pumps, motors, controllers, and basic electronics is desirable.
• Software Proficiency: Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel is desirable.
• On-Call Availability: Must be available for emergent repairs on a call-in basis.