Advanced Manufacturing & Service Center Laboratory Specialist

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

NC State University’s Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering seeks an Advanced Manufacturing & Service Center Laboratory Specialist. The role focuses on operating CNC machines, water jet, laser cutter, and 3D printers, and fabricating components for research and instruction.

You will train students, manage lab safety, maintain equipment logs, and collaborate with the Research Fabrication Facility Supervisor.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency and two years of related experience.
• Knowledge in operating, demonstrating and training of specialized devices (milling machines, lathes, grinders, water jet, 3D printers).
• Knowledge in AutoCAD or SolidWorks for water jet and 3D printers.
• Valid NC Driver's License required.

Responsibilities

• Operate water jet and CNC machines; assist ME 416/ME 200 labs as needed.
• Assist with CNC programming, setup and operation for Research Fabrication Facility and Senior Design Lab.
• Train students on machine use and ensure lab safety compliance.
• Maintain logs of machine use and maintenance; perform routine maintenance.

Skills

CNC operation

Water jet

Laser cutting

3D printing

AutoCAD/SolidWorks

Lab safety

Engineering drawings

Education

High school diploma or equivalency

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Advanced Manufacturing & Service Center Laboratory Specialist

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Job Posting Information

Posting Number

Posting Number PG195065SP

Internal Recruitment

Internal Recruitment No

Working Title

Working Title Advanced Manufacturing & Service Center Laboratory Specialist

Anticipated Hiring Range

Anticipated Hiring Range $60,000 - $70,000

Work Schedule

Job Location

Department

Department Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

About the Department

The Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering at North Carolina State University is one of the largest academic units at NC State, offering BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Mechanical Engineering (ME) and Aerospace Engineering (AE) and conducting a large research enterprise in support of technology advancement in the State of North Carolina and throughout the US.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community. Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

50% of the position will involve working with Senior Design laboratory and Research Fabrication Shop in the department. Primary focus will involve manufacturing machining equipment. Position will be expected to fabricate specialized components or devices for use in research or course instruction.

The range of duties includes, but is not limited to: primary operation of water jet; assist Laboratory Manager with ME 416 and ME 200 class as needed; assist Research Fabrication Facility Supervisor with fabrication of research projects that require machine work; assist Research Fabrication Facility Supervisor with all CNC programming, set‑up and operation of all CNC machines in MAE Department’s Research Fabrication Facility and the ME Senior Design Laboratory; assist in the consultation with researchers and faculty concerning materials, design etc.; assist with the laser cutter and 3D printing: laboratory audits; MAE annual inventory certification and assist building liaison.

Laboratory safety is an important element of this position. Work requires knowledge of advanced manufacturing concepts and design, precision machining, 3D modelling and CNC machine operation, manufacturing practices and procedures, laboratory operations, regulatory and safety requirements, and planning. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and required knowledge of CNC (laser cutter, waterjet, lathes, milling machines) and additive manufacturing equipment, as well as knowledge of reverse engineering using laser scanners. Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and required knowledge of calipers, micrometers and laser scanning arm. Responsible for lab safety training for all new graduate students and training undergraduate and graduate students on machines. Performing work in a manner so as to provide proper safety conditions to all personnel and property involved.

50% of the job will be operation of the hot press facility that is part of Service Center. The job involves:

• Set up and operate machine
• Maintain logs on machine use
• Collaborate with Environmental Health and Safety to develop and maintain a lab safety plan
• Develop machine protocols to ensure the safety of operators and equipment
• Train new users on machine operation
• Supervise new users as necessary on machine operation
• Assist machine users and customers with recipe and process development
• Assist machine users with accessing the machine
• Work with users and customers to troubleshoot issues
• Perform routine maintenance on machine
• Maintain logs on machine maintenance
• Maintain a safe and clean environment
• Coordinate with OEM to complete repairs as necessary
• Use assistive devices to load and unload heavy samples
• Maintain appropriate levels of machine consumables on hand to ensure machine readiness at all times
• Deliver customer needs while testing using the hot press

• Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

High school diploma or equivalency and two years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Knowledge in operating, demonstrating and training of specialized devices as milling machines, lathes, grinders, water jet and 3D Printers.
• Knowledge in Auto-Cad or Solid Works for the water jet and 3D-Printers.

• N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

Valid NC Driver's License required No

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Job Open Date 06/18/2026

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.)

Earliest Close Date---- (Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time.) 06/25/2026

Position Number 00110716

Position Type SHRA

Position Classification Band Level Advanced

Position Classification Salary Range $ 33,540 - $ 86,240

Salary Grade Equivalency NC11

Alternate Option If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0

Appointment 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Time Limited Position No

Department Id 140901 - Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity. If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail] . Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit. NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How did you learn of this opportunity?
  • NCSU Website
  • NCSU Executive Search Services
  • Monster.com
  • CareerBuilder.com
  • InsideHigherEd.com
  • Other Online Job Board
  • Carolina Job Finder / Employment Guide
  • Job / Career Fair
  • The Chronicle of Higher Education
  • HERC
  • Professional Journal
  • Print Advertisement (Newspaper / Periodical)
  • Professional Organization
  • Direct Contact from NCSU HR Representative / Recruiter
  • NCSU Employee Referral
  • Social Media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Other)
  • Other
• If you selected "Other" for the previous question, please provide the source you learned about this opportunity from.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Specialty Trades Technician position.
  • High school diploma/GED and two years of experience in the field of work related to the position's role
  • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in a related field
  • Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctorate in unrelated field and at least two years of experience in the field of work related to the position's role
  • Combination of post-high school education and experience to equal at least two years of experience in the field of work related to the position's role (ex: 1 year towards a related degree and 1 year of related experience)
  • Did not complete high school but have a combination of high school education and experience to equal at least 6 years of field of work related to the position's role (ex. 1 year of high school and 5 years of related experience)
  • None of the above
• * In the space below, please describe your professional experience as it relates to this role.

  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Contact Information for References

Optional Documents

• NC STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH, NC 27695 PHONE: [phone]