Electrical/Mechanical Technician (TSA IV)

University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin seeks an Electrical/Mechanical Technician (TSA IV) to support fabrication, testing, and maintenance of electro-mechanical systems at the Pickle Research Campus.

The role requires advanced hands-on work, interpreting drawings and assembly instructions, and collaborating with engineers and scientists to advance prototype development and testing efforts.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED.
• Four years' experience in the skilled construction and maintenance of specialized electronic equipment using hand and machine tools.
• Experience using common electronic test equipment such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and continuity testers.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook sufficient to create and maintain documentation, spreadsheets, inventory records, and reports.
• Proficient math skills including fractions, measurements, area and perimeter calculations, rounding, and basic arithmetic functions.
• Demonstrated ability to follow both written and verbal instructions accurately and consistently.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, prototype, and produce electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Evaluate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain specialized electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Interpret and apply electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, engineering documentation, and assembly instructions.
• Support prototype development, integration, testing, and production activities.
• Construct, terminate, encapsulate, and test acoustic arrays and cable assemblies.
• Perform routine data entry to support tracking and logistics.
• Maintain accurate quality assurance, testing, calibration, and assembly documentation.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Fabrication

Reading schematics

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Digital multimeters

Oscilloscopes

Power supplies

Continuity testers

Job description

Electrical/Mechanical Technician (TSA IV)

Hiring Department: Applied Research Laboratories

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

Purpose

The Research Operations Division within the Advanced Technology Laboratory is seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Electrical/Mechanical Technician (TSA IV) to support the fabrication, integration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance of specialized electro‑mechanical systems.

This position requires advanced, hands‑on technical work involving the assembly, repair, modification, and testing of prototype and production equipment in support of research and development activities. This role works closely with engineers, scientists, and fellow technicians to support laboratory operations, prototype development, system integration, and testing efforts while maintaining high standards of quality and workmanship.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate, prototype, and produce electro‑mechanical assemblies.
• Evaluate, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain specialized electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Interpret and apply electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, engineering documentation, and assembly instructions.
• Support prototype development, integration, testing, and production activities.
• Construct, terminate, encapsulate, and test acoustic arrays and cable assemblies
• Perform routine data entry to support tracking and logistics.
• Maintain accurate quality assurance, testing, calibration, and assembly documentation
• Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED.
• Four years' experience in the skilled construction and maintenance of specialized electronic equipment using hand and machine tools.
• Experience using common electronic test equipment such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and continuity testers.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook sufficient to create and maintain documentation, spreadsheets, inventory records, and reports.
• Proficient math skills including fractions, measurements, area and perimeter calculations, rounding, and basic arithmetic functions.
• Demonstrated ability to follow both written and verbal instructions accurately and consistently.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

US Citizen. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) or more years of experience supporting research, laboratory, manufacturing, prototype development, defense, or production environments.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot electrical, mechanical, and electro‑mechanical systems at the component, subsystem, and system level.
• Current or previous J‑STD‑001 and/or IPC‑A‑610 certification.
• Experience performing precision assembly and soldering under magnification or microscope‑assisted environments.
• Experience fabricating, terminating, testing, and troubleshooting cable and harness assemblies.
• Demonstrated experience troubleshooting and repairing electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Experience with potting compounds, adhesives, encapsulation, conformal coatings, and related manufacturing processes.
• Experience supporting prototype development, engineering integration efforts, and pre‑production builds.
• Familiarity with inventory control systems, procurement processes, and vendor coordination.
• Experience working in research, laboratory, manufacturing, defense, or prototype development environments.
• Experience performing equipment calibration and maintaining calibration records.
• Experience interpreting and making minor modifications to engineering drawings using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD software.
• Experience using GitLab for source control, version management, issue tracking, documentation management, and collaboration within technical or engineering teams.
• Active security clearance preferred; candidates without a current clearance must be eligible to obtain and maintain the required security clearance.
• Physical ability to climb ladders and lift items weighing over 50 lbs
• Possession of a Texas Boater Education Certificate or the ability to obtain certification within six months of hire.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

Salary Range

$52,000-$58,500 +/negotiable depending on qualifications.

Working Conditions

• Work in a shared integration laboratory with access to machining and fabrication equipment.
• Work in a production environment building assemblies that utilize adhesives, potting compounds, solvents, and other potentially hazardous materials.
• Occasional work at the Lake Travis Test Station.
• Occasional interstate and intrastate travel.
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards.
• Physical ability to climb ladders and lift items weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Some weekend, evening, and holiday work may be required.

Required Materials

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University‑Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP‑3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Visit our website (www.arlut.utexas.edu) for additional information about Applied Research Laboratories.