Engineering Lab Technician - Mechanical Engineering

Kennesaw State University; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Kennesaw State University seeks a Laboratory Technician to support undergraduate engineering laboratories at the Marietta campus. You will maintain and repair lab equipment, assist with fabrication, and ensure safe operating practices across multiple labs.

Responsibilities include inventory management, procuring parts, and training students and faculty in safe lab procedures. A technical degree and driver’s license are required; advanced credentials are a plus.

Qualifications

• Associate's, technical, vocational or related degree and/or certificate from an accredited institution or equivalent experience.
• Current, valid and unrestricted driver's license.
• Two years (2) of related work experience.
• Preferred: Advanced degree in a related field.
• Preferred certificates in welding, CNC machining, tool and die in engineering technologies.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and repairs engineering lab equipment and maintains records.
• Prepares lab equipment for courses and purchases parts/components.
• Assists students and faculty with fabrication of components and projects.
• Maintains inventory and enforces safety practices to train students.
• Completes periodic training and keeps up with changing fabrication technologies.
• Provides guidance on safe equipment operation and lab procedures.
• Supports College maintenance by fabricating and repairing university equipment.
• Works 10–30% across departments on equipment setup and related tasks.
• Procures components/materials for fabrication and repair.
• Manages spare parts inventory and maintains lab cleanliness.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Electrical troubleshooting

CAD software

3D printing

Fabrication

Safety procedures

Inventory management

Education

Associate's degree in engineering technology

Advanced degree in related field (preferred)

Certificate in welding or CNC machining (preferred)

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD/CAM software

3D printers

CNC mills

Welders

Job description

About Kennesaw State University

Are you ready to transform lives through academic excellence, innovative research, strong community partnerships and economic opportunity? Kennesaw State University is one of the 50 largest public institutions in the country. With growing enrollment and global reach, we continue to expand our institutional influence and prominence beyond the state of Georgia. We offer more than 190 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to empower over 50,000 students to become thought leaders, lifelong learners, and informed global citizens. Our entrepreneurial spirit, high‑impact research, and Division I athletics draw students from throughout the region and from more than 100 countries across the globe. Our university's vibrant culture, career opportunities, rich benefits, and values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability make us an employer of choice. We are part of the University System of Georgia. We are searching for talented people to join Kennesaw State University in our vision. Come Take Flight at KSU!

Location

• Primary: Marietta campus - 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta, GA 30060.
• Secondary: Kennesaw campus - 1000 Chastain Road NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144.

Department Information

Department Specific Tasks And Responsibilities

• Prepares, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs mechanical engineering lab equipment (e.g., tensile/torsion, fluid flow energy loss, pumps, heat exchangers, vibration, etc.).
• Prepares Standard Operating Procedures, safety guidelines for labs or equipment, and other documents relevant to the use of mechanical equipment.
• Assists students and faculty with fabrication or 3D printing of components, test specimens, and parts and ensures students follow safe practices and receive proper training.
• Constructs complex precision components, mechanical devices and structures using manual/CNC fabrication and/or 3D printing methods.
• Determines mechanical equipment supply quantities and ensures stock is available.
• Prepares, operates, trains and oversees operation of a wide variety of mechanical equipment such as 3D printers, power tools, CNC mills/lathes, water jet cutters, welders, manual mills/lathes, robotic arms.
• Recommends and specifies new mechanical or aerospace engineering lab equipment or related upgrades.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of mechanical systems (pumps, hydraulics, heat exchangers, etc.).
• Basic electrical troubleshooting using a multimeter.
• Proficiency in the use of mechanical tooling (power and manual).
• Knowledge of or ability to efficiently learn mechanical and/or aerospace testing processes.
• Knowledge of or ability to efficiently learn G‑code and various CNC machining equipment.
• Knowledge of engineering and proper specifications for fabrication of parts.
• Operational knowledge of SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Proficiency in elementary chemistry, an understanding of toxicity levels, chemical reactions, etc.
• Proficiency in elementary physics (forces, load transfer, vibration, energy transfer).

Job Summary

Provide hands‑on technical services and practical application guidance to students and faculty in an undergraduate engineering research setting. Technician duties depend on the specialized field of study. Supports the instructional mission of the College and University by maintaining the mechanical aspects of the laboratories and specialized equipment in those laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and repairs engineering lab equipment and maintains associated records.
• Prepares engineering lab equipment for engineering lab courses and purchases parts and/or components for machines and/or specimens.
• Assists students and faculty with fabrication of components, lab projects, student projects, test specimens and research parts.
• Maintains inventory and contributes to best safety practices ensuring students receive proper training and follow safe practices in accordance with appropriate standards.
• Completes periodic training courses and maintains knowledge and skill with changing technology for fabrication, maintenance, and assembly.
• Provides guidance regarding safe equipment operation and implementation of laboratory procedures.
• Provides support to the College with maintenance by fabricating and repairing university equipment.
• Provides support to the College by working 10‑30% each week across multiple departments on college related tasks (e.g., equipment set up).
• Procures components and materials needed for fabrication, assembly, and/or repair of laboratory systems.
• Manages an inventory of spare parts and enforces practices of general laboratory organization and cleanliness.

Qualifications

Educational Requirements

• Associate's, technical, vocational or related degree and/or certificate from an accredited institution of higher education or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Current, valid and unrestricted driver's license.

Required Experience

• None.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher education in a related field.
• Certificate in an engineering technology field related to the assigned discipline.
• Certificate in welding, CNC machining, tool and die in engineering technologies related to mechanical, aerospace systems or manufacturing processes.
• Previous related industrial experience.
• Previous experience working with customers and/or in higher education.
• Two years (2) of related work experience.
• CNC machining experience producing high quality objects.
• Previous experience working in higher education.

Abilities

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Able to handle multiple tasks or projects at one time meeting assigned deadlines.
• Extensive knowledge of appropriate safety standards.
• Knowledge of basic programming and equipment related to assigned area.
• Knowledge of engineering materials and proper specifications for components.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, initiative, teamwork, problem solving, independent judgment, organization, communication (verbal and written), time management, project management and presentation skills.
• Proficient with computer applications and programs associated with the department (i.e., Microsoft Office suite, CAD/CAM software).
• Strong attention to detail and follow‑up skills.
• Strong customer service skills and phone and e‑mail etiquette.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Kennesaw State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to maintaining a fair and respectful environment for living, work and study. To that end, and in accordance with federal and state law, Board of Regents policy, and University policy, the University prohibits harassment of or discrimination against any person because of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment, pregnancy, and medical conditions related to pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity or national origin, religion, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran or military status by any member of the KSU Community on campus, in connection with a University program or activity, or in a manner that creates a hostile environment for members of the KSU community.

Other Information

• This is not a supervisory position.
• This position does not have any financial responsibilities.
• This position will be required to drive.
• This role is considered a position of trust.
• This position does not require a purchasing card (P‑Card).
• This position will not travel.
• This position does not require security clearance.

Background Check

• Standard Enhanced
• Education
• MVR
• 9 Panel Lab Drug Test

Per the University System of Georgia background check policy, all final candidates will be required to consent to a criminal background investigation. Final candidates may be asked to disclose criminal record history during the initial screening process and prior to a conditional offer of employment. Applicants for positions of trust with screening results which confirm a disqualifying criminal history will be immediately disqualified from employment eligibility.

All applicants are required to include professional references as part of their application process. Some positions may require additional job‑based screenings such as motor vehicle report, credit check, pre‑employment drug screening and/or verification of academic credentials.