Assistant Laboratory Mechanic (0886)

Northern Illinois University; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL, seeks a Laboratory Mechanic to support College of Liberal Arts and Sciences by building, repairing, and maintaining research equipment used in teaching and experiments.

You will perform tests, repairs, and maintenance, fabricate parts from sketches using machine tools, and assist in training staff and students in safe tool usage. Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance
• Skill in performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed
• Possession of basic computer skills
• Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively in writing and speaking
• Ability to understand written instructions
• Ability to use tools and equipment
• Mechanical aptitude

Responsibilities

• Tests, operates and perform scheduled maintenance on laboratory tools and equipment including electrical and mechanical repairs.
• Repairs laboratory equipment as issues are identified.
• Basic electrical and mechanical testing and repairs.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of facility.
• Under direction, makes and fits laboratory equipment and apparatus from sketches or drawings.
• Fabricates parts using CAD/CAM software to create part files for CNC machines.
• Collaborates with faculty, students and staff to develop prototypes for projects.
• Assists in training and supervision of employees of lower rank and instructs students or staff in proper use of tools and machinery.

Skills

CAD/CAM software

CNC machine tools

Maintenance

Electrical repairs

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Machine tools

Job description

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Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

With 17 departments and spanning the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the largest of NIU’s six undergraduate colleges. By the nature of our mission, we touch virtually every new student to the university, regardless of their major, through the wide array of general education courses housed within our departments.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Mechanic has the opportunity to interact with faculty, students and staff as they work with CLAS departments to create, build and repair equipment and parts used for research and instruction by the Liberal Arts and Science community.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Testing, Repair, and Maintenance

• Tests, operates and perform scheduled maintenance on laboratory tools and equipment including electrical and mechanical repairs.
• Repairs laboratory equipment as issues are identified.
• Basic electrical and mechanical testing and repairs.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness of facility.

Design and Fabrication

• Under direction, makes and fit laboratory equipment and apparatus as requested from units within CLAS , using machine tools.
• Under direction, fabricates parts or components with CAD / CAM software to create part files for CNC machine tools. Maintain records of work performed.
• Under direction, works from clear sketches or detailed drawings to fabricate parts and components to required specifications.
• Collaborates with faculty, students and staff to develop prototypes for projects.

General Shop Duties

• Demonstrates use of simple laboratory equipment with responsibility for giving out instructions on operating, maintenance, and storage procedures.
• Maintains the organization and cleanliness of the machine shop
• Updates annual machine shop inventory
• Assists in the training and supervision of employees of lower rank and instructs or assists students or staff in proper use of tools and machinery.
• Other related duties as assigned, which may include working in elevated or confined spaces.

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance
• Skill in performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed
• Possession of basic computer skills
• Ability and willingness to follow instructions
• Ability to effectively communicate information verbally and in writing so that others can understand
• Ability to understand written instructions
• Ability to use tools and equipment
• Mechanical aptitude.

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

None

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

• Experience with CAD / CAM software.
• Experience with CNC machine tools.

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

Additional Requirements (SPS)

N/A

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

N/A

• Stand for extended periods of time
• Climb ladders
• Work in confined spaces
• Lift up to 50lbs.

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 11/16/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

Percent of Staff Year 1.00

Standard Hours Per Week 37.50

Working Hours

Working Hours Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm, one-hour lunch

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Director of Civil Rights Office, Title IX Coordinator
Health Services 2nd floor
[e-mail]
815-753-0455

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Affir­ mative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at [e-mail] .