Engineering Technician - Automation & Mechanical Systems

The Jackson Laboratory; Bar Harbor (ME); On-site; USD 35,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, ME seeks an Engineering Technician – Automation & Mechanical Systems to support JMCRS and Research Services. You will assist in assembly, testing, calibration, maintenance, and data capture of automated systems and instrumentation, contributing to safer, more efficient lab operations.

Ideal candidates have hands-on experience with instrumentation, CAD, and environmental testing, plus the ability to read drawings and follow protocols in a dynamic research

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with 2 years in a technical/industrial role.
• Strong technical aptitude for mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation systems.
• Hands-on experience with tools and test equipment.
• Ability to read technical drawings and schematics.
• Familiarity with automation components (sensors, actuators, conveyors).
• Willingness to learn in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with assembly, installation, testing, and verification of mechanical and automation systems.
• Set up and support DAQ systems, data loggers, sensors, and test instrumentation.
• Perform equipment calibration, verification, maintenance, and low-voltage troubleshooting.
• Conduct environmental and laboratory testing using established protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of test results, equipment settings, and system modifications.
• Manage test equipment, tools, parts, and materials for engineering projects.
• Collaborate with engineers on test development, prototypes, and system integration.
• Participate in cross-functional projects across JMCRS and Research Services.
• Review test data and provide feedback on equipment and system performance.
• Support equipment documentation, training, maintenance, and validation activities.
• Follow institutional safety protocols and safe work practices.

Skills

Technical aptitude

Instrumentation experience

Mechanical assembly

Electrical understanding

Safety awareness

Documentation & data review

Education

Associate's degree in engineering technology, electronics, automation, or related field

Tools

CAD

Test equipment

Lean Six Sigma knowledge

Data acquisition (DAQ)

Job description

Engineering Technician – Automation & Mechanical Systems

The Engineering Technician – Automation & Mechanical Systems will support engineering efforts across The Jackson Laboratory’s JMCRS (Jackson Mice & Clinical Research Services) and Research Services. This position will have a particular focus on research instrumentation and test systems, including data acquisition (DAQ) and data loggers; sensors and instrumentation used to measure temperature, humidity, airflow, pressure, lighting, and vibration; calibration and equipment verification; electrical and low-voltage troubleshooting; environmental or laboratory testing; protocol-based test execution; and the structured recording and review of test data. The role will assist the Controls/Automation Engineer and Mechanical Engineer in the design, assembly, testing, and maintenance of automated and mechanical systems.

The ideal candidate will have a strong technical aptitude, experience working in industrial or laboratory environments, and a proactive approach to supporting engineering projects that improve efficiency, reduce ergonomic risks, and enhance operational capabilities.

The salary range is $25.34 - $36.75. Salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Key Responsibilities (What you bring)

• Assist with assembly, installation, testing, and verification of mechanical and automation systems.
• Set up and support DAQ systems, data loggers, sensors, and test instrumentation.
• Perform equipment calibration, verification, maintenance, and low-voltage troubleshooting.
• Conduct environmental and laboratory testing using established protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of test results, equipment settings, and system modifications.
• Manage test equipment, tools, parts, and materials for engineering projects.
• Collaborate with engineers on test development, prototypes, and system integration.
• Participate in cross-functional projects across JMCRS and Research Services.
• Review test data and provide feedback on equipment and system performance.
• Support equipment documentation, training, maintenance, and validation activities.
• Follow institutional safety protocols and safe work practices.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED 2 years of experience in a technical, mechanical, or industrial support role.
• Strong technical aptitude and familiarity with mechanical, electrical, or instrumentation systems.
• Hands‑on experience with tools, test equipment, instrumentation, or mechanical assembly.
• Ability to follow technical instructions and engineering drawings.
• Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems.
• Good organizational and communication skills.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.
• Familiarity with automation components (e.g., sensors, actuators, conveyors).
• Understanding of safety and ergonomic principles in equipment design.
• Exposure to Lean or Six Sigma practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Hands‑on experience with tools, equipment, and mechanical assembly.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, and instructions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate's degree in engineering technology, electronics, instrumentation, automation, industrial technology, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience supporting research, laboratory, industrial, test, or engineering operations.
• Experience performing calibration, equipment verification, protocol-based testing, or structured collection and review of test data.
• Technical certification or formal training in electronics, instrumentation, automation, metrology, or electrical systems.
• Experience with CAD, test documentation, Lean or Six Sigma practices, or documentation and validation activities in a regulated environment.

About JAX

The Jackson Laboratory is an independent, nonprofit biomedical research institution with a National Cancer Institute‑designated Cancer Center and nearly 3,000 employees in locations across the United States (Maine, Connecticut, California, New York, Florida), Japan and China. Its mission is to discover precise genomic solutions for disease and empower the global biomedical community in the shared quest to improve human health. Founded in 1929, JAX applies over nine decades of expertise in genetics to increase understanding of human disease, advancing treatments and cures for cancer, neurological and immune disorders, diabetes, aging and heart disease. It models and interprets genomic complexity, integrates basic research with clinical application, educates current and future scientists, and provides critical data, tools and services to the global biomedical community. For more information, please visit www.jax.org.

EEO Statement

The Jackson Laboratory provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment in all job classifications without regard to race, color, religion, age, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, gender, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, marital status, national origin, veteran status, and other classifications protected by applicable state and local non‑discrimination laws.

Bar Harbor

The Jackson Laboratory's 43-acre scenic Bar Harbor campus is nestled between the Gulf of Maine and the mountains of Acadia National Park. Some of the best hiking and biking in the world (over 50 square miles of mountains, lakes, views, and dramatic coastline) is accessible from our campus. We are one mile from downtown Bar Harbor, which offers a vibrant downtown district with a plethora of restaurants, shops, museums, and galleries.

Ellsworth

The Charles E. Hewett Center in Ellsworth, Maine, is a state‑of‑the‑art facility that serves researchers world wide. The facility represents the culmination of nine decades of unmatched experience and leadership in breeding and caring for laboratory mice. Ellsworth, Maine, is one of Maine’s fastest growing cities. With a growth rate of nearly 20%, Ellsworth is a bustling year‑round community and acts as a hub for surrounding towns. It is located nearby Acadia National Park and hosts numerous special events, concerts and festivals each year. Residents have access to fabulous shopping, recreation, museums, galleries, and dining at a variety of independent restaurants.

Farmington

JAX Genomic Medicine is transforming medicine by improving patient care, lowering costs, and increasing life span and health span. JAX Genomic Medicine’s research focuses on the complex genetic causes of disease and on the development of genomic solutions tailored to each person's unique genetic makeup. JAX Genomic Medicine sits on a 17-acre site on the campus of the University of Connecticut Health Center. The 183,500-square‑foot facility opened in the fall of 2014. Now, it houses over 300 biomedical researchers, technicians, and support staff in state‑of‑the‑art computing facilities and laboratories. In Connecticut, JAX resides in the scenic town of Farmington, in the state’s capitol region. The Hartford region, which offers some of the best public schools in the country, is made up of both bigger cities and smaller, charming historic New England towns.

Sacramento

The JAX Mice, Clinical and Research Services facility is located in Sacramento, the state capital of California. Sacramento is less than a two‑hour drive from San Francisco, Napa Valley, and scenic Lake Tahoe, and a short flight to both Los Angeles and Orange County. Sacramento is the birthplace of the nation’s Farm to Fork movement, and offers excellent restaurants, gastro‑pubs, wineries, theaters, and museums. Outdoor activities are plentiful: Boating, white water rafting, and riding the scenic bicycle trails are popular. Housing and other costs of living are more affordable in Sacramento and its surrounding suburbs than in most other neighboring areas in the North Bay, making Sacramento one of the hottest housing markets in the country year after year.

Augusta

JAX’s Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative (MCGI) is located in Augusta, Maine, in the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care (HACCC), at Maine General Hospital. It began operations in 2016 with three overarching goals: to provide cancer genomic testing for Maine cancer patients; to develop and deliver physician education about clinical genomic cancer diagnostics; and to build a network in Maine of oncology practices conducting studies in genomic medicine.