Research/Lab Technician I - Engineering

Position Summary

The primary duty of the Lab Technician is to support the existing large-scale facilities and construct new experimental facilities when needed. This includes any task that is necessary to ensure that the lab is a safe and efficient place to work. The Lab Technician will be responsible for ensuring that the high-pressure combustion facilities can be operated in a safe manner to obtain accurate experimental data. The individual will interface with students and postdocs and ensure that they have the support they need to conduct experiments.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities:

• Maintain existing facilities and equipment, maintain maintenance log, and repair any pieces of equipment.
• Construct new experimental facilities.
• Perform appropriate measures to ensure lab safety.
• Assist lab personnel with miscellaneous projects and experiments, including setting up experiments and assisting with the running of experiments, and collecting data.
• Order equipment and parts for the lab including fittings and other common lab equipment; ensure inventory is always stocked. Write up, submit and file purchase orders.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions:

Working in a lab environment with high-temperature, high-pressure systems, and reactive, flammable chemicals, fuels and powders.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

More About This Job

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent.
• Vocational training in a mechanical field.
• At least 5 years of work experience.
• Experience with PC – Excel, Word, networks.
• Lab safety training.
• Ability to interact productively with a wide variety of people inside and outside the department and university.
• Experience with AutoCAD.
• Knowledge of process instrumentation, high temperature and high-pressure system and process plumbing.
• Experience with Swagelok fittings, vacuum system, construction and fabrication, mill and lathe work, thermocouples and heaters.
• Basic knowledge of TIG welding, leak detection.
• Experience with handling hazardous chemicals and operating laboratory equipment and machinery; comfortable working in such environments.
• Desirable to have had experience around combustors and combustion systems.
• Ability to purchase equipment and supplies for research laboratory.
• Excellent judgment and ability to adapt to changes.
• Calm under pressure.
• Able to maintain accurate and thorough lab notes.
• Careful attention to detail is essential.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects with minimal supervision and use independent judgment.

Preferred Qualifications (Skills):

Interpersonal Communication, Microsoft Office, Oral Communications, Workload Prioritization, Written Communication