Senior Laboratory Mechanic - RRC Scientific Instrument Shop, Vice Chancellor for Research

About the role

The Senior Laboratory Mechanic performs skilled fabrication, modification, assembly, testing, and support work for custom research apparatus, prototype instruments, fixtures, jigs, and shop-related equipment. The position works from drawings, sketches, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files, verbal requirements, and researcher-provided concepts to produce research-ready components and assemblies.

Responsibilities

• Designs, fabricates, modifies, fits, and assembles custom research apparatus, prototype instruments, precision components, fixtures, jigs, setup aids, soft jaws, templates, and custom work-holding to safely and accurately produce reliable, research-ready components and assemblies.
• Performs troubleshooting, modification, assembly, maintenance, and repair of approved research apparatus and shop equipment within the approved shop scope.
• Performs soldering, brazing, welding, bonding, fastening, mechanical assembly, and basic instrument-level electrical integration.
• Reviews drawings, sketches, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files, verbal concepts, and researcher requirements for manufacturability. Communicates with researchers, customers, and shop personnel within assigned work to clarify technical requirements, intended use, material needs, tolerances, schedule constraints, and fabrication concerns.
• Supports assigned customer orders by reviewing technical requirements, documenting work performed, tracking labor and material usage, communicating job status, and escalating scope, cost, schedule, safety, or manufacturability concerns to the Supervisor.
• Performs in-process and final inspection using appropriate precision measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, indicators, gauge pins, height gauges, surface plates, and other shop metrology equipment. Verifies critical dimensions, fit, function, finish, and assembly requirements before delivery.
• Trains or assists other shop personnel, interns, or student workers as assigned.
• Participates in shop safety, equipment maintenance, cleanup, organization, and special projects.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Any combination totaling four (4) years (48 months) from the categories below:
• Successful completion of a machinist apprentice (or a closely related program) in an approved training program or in a training program established by an employer served by the State Universities Civil Service System.
• Work experience comparable to that performed at the Laboratory Mechanic level of this series or in other positions of comparable responsibility.
• Coursework in welding, electrical/electronics, HVAC, industrial technology machining or manufacturing or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
• 30 semester hours equal to one (1) year (12 months)
• 60 semester hours (or an Associate's degree) equals to two (2) years (24 months)
• Three (3) years (36 months) of work experience in the design and construction of laboratory apparatus/precision instruments (such as, but not limited to scale models of machine tools, special machinery, progressive dies, jigs, and fixtures).
• Preferred qualifications include:
• Experience fabricating one-off or low-volume prototype parts where drawings, tolerances, materials, and customer requirements may evolve during the project.
• Experience working with technical and non-technical customers to clarify requirements and produce practical fabrication solutions.
• Experience with prototype fabrication, three-dimensional (3D) printing, laser marking or engraving, small-batch manufacturing, and custom fixture development.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks, Fusion 360, FeatureCAM, or comparable Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software.
• Experience with basic instrument-level electronics, including low-voltage wiring, power supplies, sensors, actuators, electronic modules, connectors, cable management, soldering, continuity testing, and safe integration of electronic components into mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to interpret and apply tolerances, fits, finish requirements, and basic Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with metals, plastics, polymers, composites, and other materials commonly used in research apparatus.
• Ability to document work clearly, including setup notes, inspection results, fabrication concerns, material usage, labor usage, and recommended next steps.
• Ability to recognize when a requested design may be unsafe, impractical, outside shop scope, or likely to fail, and escalate concerns before fabrication.
• Knowledge of materials and of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, and the ability to make calculations needed for designing and constructing apparatus.
• Skill in performing maintenance on shop equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Skill in determining causes of operating errors and deciding what corrective action is appropriate.
• Ability to perform precision work and develop the necessary jigs, fixtures, and workholding required in the construction of laboratory apparatus.
• Ability to install equipment, machines, wiring, components, or modules to meet approved specifications and to operate such equipment safely.
• Ability to effectively communicate information verbally and in writing so that others can understand.
• Ability to understand written instructions.
• Ability to train and direct others as assigned.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret drawings, sketches, and diagrams of systems involving mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic devices, and the ability to produce simple sketches for production purposes.