Engineering Technician

Virginia Commonwealth University; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health benefits

Paid annual and holiday leave

Generous tuition benefits

Retirement planning options

Job summary

Virginia Commonwealth University is seeking an Engineering Technician in Richmond, Virginia. This role involves assisting the Equipment Manager with maintenance projects on capital equipment within the Division of Animal Resources.

Responsibilities include performing preventative maintenance on equipment, diagnosing various systems, and managing warehouse operations. Candidates should have a high school diploma and prior experience with mechanical/electrical systems, with a salary range of $50,000-$60,000 annually.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to foster an environment of respect and professionalism.
• Prior experience with mechanical and electrical systems.
• Willingness to work in a research environment with animals.

Responsibilities

• Assist the equipment manager with corrective maintenance projects.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on equipment.
• Diagnose and repair various systems including electrical and mechanical.

Skills

Mechanical systems experience

Electrical systems experience

Ability to use hand tools

Ability to follow instructions

Knowledge of MS Office

Willingness to work with animals

Driving ability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Engineering Technician – Office of Research & Innovation, Division of Animal Resources.

We are looking for an engineering technician to assist our Equipment Manager with corrective maintenance projects on the Division of Animal Resources’ (DAR) capital equipment. The goal is to eventually perform these tasks independently. This is a Monday‑Friday position.

Unit: VP Research MBU

Department: Animal Care Facility

Responsibilities

• Assist the equipment manager with corrective maintenance projects on the Division of Animal Resources’ capital equipment with the goal of eventually being able to perform these tasks independently.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance on various types of equipment owned by DAR, including ventilation systems, steam autoclaves, and wash systems.
• Diagnose and repair electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, steam, plumbing, and electronic systems.
• Manage operations and maintenance of the Hydropac pouch machine and its processes under guidance of the Equipment Manager—maintain the machine, ensure daily and emergency quantities, and follow water‑testing protocols.
• Share responsibility for running the Hydropac machine with the deliveries technician.
• Manage and maintain the warehouse under direction of the Equipment Manager, including keeping PPE inventory and other items.

Minimum Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work in and foster an environment of respect, professionalism, and civility with a population of faculty, staff, and students from all backgrounds and experiences, or a commitment to do so as a staff member at VCU.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Prior experience working with mechanical and electrical systems or facilities experience.
• Knowledge of MS Office products.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions and use hand tools and electrical multi‑meters.
• Willingness to work with and around animals in a research environment.
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive VCU‑owned vehicles.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with steam, pneumatic, and chemicals in an industrial setting.
• Previous experience with forklifts, box trucks, and pallet jacks.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting experience.
• Technical/trade school training.

Salary Range

$50,000-$60,000

Benefits

All full‑time university staff are eligible for VCU’s robust benefits package that includes comprehensive health benefits, paid annual and holiday leave, generous tuition benefits, retirement planning and savings options, tax‑deferred annuity and cash match programs, employee discounts, well‑being resources, abundant opportunities for career development and advancement, and more.

FLSA Exemption Status: Non‑Exempt

Hours per Week: 40

Restricted Position: Yes

ORP Eligible: No

Flexible Work Arrangement: Fully Onsite

University Job Title: 17231N – Engineering Technician FM 1

Contact Name: Niki Boyd
Contact Email: [e-mail]