Professional Technician I - IV - Mechanical Engineering

Division: Academic Affairs / College of Engineering
Department: College of Engineering Mechanical Engineering Department
Bargaining Unit: Faculty Federation - Librarians & Technicians
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Dean, College of Engineering (general supervision); Chairperson, Mechanical Engineering Department (daily oversight and performance evaluation)
Supervises: Teaching/research assistants and/or student workers

About the Role

Provide technical support for the development, operation, and maintenance of instructional and research laboratory facilities, apparatus, and equipment in the Mechanical Engineering Department and interdisciplinary spaces. Assist instructors and students with the preparation, use, and safety of experimental/test procedures, apparatus, equipment, and materials. The position supports both instructional laboratories and research facilities of the Mechanical Engineering faculty, as well as College research activities in other units or locations.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, install, and operate equipment, instrumentation, and other apparatus in classroom or laboratories in support of instructional and research activities.
• Adjust, calibrate, and test technical, laboratory, and/or other instructional equipment and components according to specifications, standards, diagrams, technical manuals, and/or instructions of faculty or professional staff.
• Maintain, modify, calibrate, and repair Mechanical Engineering and interdisciplinary lab equipment.
• Identify needs, specifications, vendors, and prices and place orders for equipment used in instructional laboratories and research projects in collaboration with faculty, department, and chair.
• Research equipment needs for teaching spaces and provide recommendations for procurement.
• Procure, receive, and maintain adequate stock of materials and supplies for teaching and research purposes.
• Fabricate, rebuild, or repair new or used lab equipment for teaching or research purposes as requested and approved by the chair or faculty.
• Maintain a computer inventory system of all equipment and material related to the Mechanical Engineering Department.
• Ensure security of College/University equipment and property.
• Monitor ventilation/services in labs according to established procedures; coordinate repairs with the Department of Facilities and Physical Plant and make recommendations for related renovation needs.
• Maintain a teaching schedule of all lab activities for each semester, including records, logs, and schedules of equipment use, maintenance, and repair.
• Assist faculty in setting up equipment and material for experiments and demonstrations, including availability during lab sessions or demonstrations.
• Serve on pertinent committees.
• Coordinate the departmental safety program, including maintaining compliance with federal, state, local, and University safety codes and hazardous material handling (and disposal) procedures in coordination with University Environmental Health and Safety.
• Foster a creative, collegial, effective learning community and be receptive to new responsibilities as the department laboratories mature.
• Stay current with engineering laboratory practices and technology developments to ensure safety and make recommendations for procurement, repairs, and lab renovations.
• Assist with department outreach and recruitment activities, including Open House and Accepted Student Day, and provide customized laboratory tours for external constituents.
• Act as data custodian for electronic key systems—department and interdisciplinary spaces.
• Support research activities of faculty and graduate students, predominantly in summer and for Mechanical Engineering, but also for other College of Engineering departments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean; coordinate planned absences with supervisor.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology or closely-related field.
• Previous hands-on experience with the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Available during evening and weekend hours as teaching/project schedules dictate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in engineering or related field.
• Experience working in a higher education laboratory setting.
• Experience working with technicians, engineers, and representatives of equipment vendors and manufacturers.
• Experience operating sophisticated engineering research equipment/instrumentation.
• Experience training others in laboratory procedures, equipment operation, and maintenance.
• Familiarity with data acquisition equipment and software such as LabVIEW.

Skills

• Significant technical knowledge and capabilities in laboratory equipment/instrument operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Strong oral and written communication skills for interaction with faculty, students, and external vendors.
• Excellent teamwork skills; ability to work independently and exercise good judgment; committed to continuous learning and professional development.
• Knowledge of health and safety practices and precautions applicable to an engineering laboratory.
• Ability to establish a cooperative working environment with faculty and students.

Pay

$70,000 - $100,000

Benefits

• 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• State Pension Retirement Plan
• Optional Retirement Savings Plans
• Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
• Twelve (12) paid holidays
• Additional benefits for Faculty Federation - Librarians/Technicians