Engineering Lab Assistant

Illinois State University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

403(b) Plan

Job summary

Illinois State University is seeking a part-time Engineering Lab Assistant to support daily lab operations in the College of Engineering. The role offers hands-on experience with lab equipment, data collection, inventory management, and research support under faculty supervision.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, dependable, and eager to learn in a technical environment. Requires enrollment as a student in good standing and the ability to work 18–25 hours per week.

Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled student in good standing at the university.
• Interest or coursework in engineering or related technical field.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow instructions.
• Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with setup, calibration, and operation of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of lab spaces.
• Follow lab safety protocols and ensure equipment is stored properly.
• Support research activities by preparing materials or samples.
• Inventory and track lab supplies and notify staff when items need restocking.
• Provide technical support for undergraduate labs and class demonstrations.
• Perform basic maintenance checks on lab tools and report malfunctions.
• Monitor, manage and maintain the Makerspace and its equipment.
• Monitor students in labs and design spaces to ensure safety.
• Lifting up to 25 lbs.

Skills

Enrolled student

Engineering coursework

Attention to detail

Basic computer skills

Teamwork

Job description

Title: Engineering Lab Assistant Employee Classification: Student Help Regular Division Name: Academic Affairs Department: Dean of College of Engineering

Job Summary

The Student Lab Assistant for the College of Engineering will support the daily operations of the GE Road Engineering building. This position offers hands‑on experience with lab equipment, data collection, inventory management, and research support under the supervision of faculty and staff. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, dependable, and eager to learn in a technical environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with setup, calibration, and operation of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of lab spaces.
• Follow lab safety protocols and ensure equipment is stored properly.
• Support research activities by preparing materials or samples.
• Inventory and track lab supplies and notify staff when items need restocking.
• Provide technical support for undergraduate labs and class demonstrations.
• Perform basic maintenance checks on lab tools and report malfunctions.
• Monitor, manage and maintain the Makerspace, where 18‑3D printers, 3 laser cutters, and a multitude of tools are located.
• Monitor students in all labs, classrooms, and design spaces to ensure safety.
• Lifting up to 25 lbs.

Additional Information

Student employees are eligible to participate in the University’s 403(b) Plan. More information can be found here.

Pay Rate

$15.00/hour

Required Qualifications

• Must be a currently enrolled student in good standing at the university.
• Interest or coursework in engineering or related technical field.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to follow instructions.
• Basic computer skills (Excel, Word, etc.).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior lab experience preferred but not required.
• Able to commit to the position for at least 2 consecutive semesters.

Work Hours

18‑25 hours per week. Flexibility between 7:30am‑8:30pm, Monday through Friday and 12:00pm‑8:30pm, Saturday and Sunday (hours will vary).

Functional Expectations

• Must be able to complete the following with or without a reasonable accommodation: Remain at a workstation for extended periods.
• Effectively communicate on a daily basis.

Proposed Starting Date

August 2026

Required Applicant Documents

Resume & Reference List

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

In addition, all appointments are contingent upon proof of eligibility for employment at Illinois State University to perform the required duties described above on your scheduled start date. The Immigration and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99‑603, requires all new employees to file an I‑9 in person and no later than three days from the beginning of employment. This may be accomplished within the department or through Human Resources. A list of the types of documentation you will be expected to provide is available at https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents. Failure to comply with this law will result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University, as your employer, is required by federal law to ensure proper tax withholding from wages and to ensure that the required reporting of employee wages, withholding, and employment taxes is accurate. For this reason, every employee must have a valid Social Security Number registered with the University at the time of employment and/or as soon after as possible, but no later than 45 days from the start date. Failure to comply with this law may result in cancellation of your appointment.

Illinois State University student employees are restricted to no more than 28 hours per week of on‑campus employment for all positions held.

International students are restricted by their visa status to no more than 20 hours per week of on‑campus employment when the university is in session but may work more when the university is not in session. International students should contact the Office of International Studies and Programs for guidance if they have questions concerning employment restrictions.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at [phone]. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at [phone].