Instructional and Research Support Engineer

AMERICAN VACUUM SOCIETY INC; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 78,000 - 96,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental coverage

Vision care

Retirement plan contributions

Education benefits for employees and a

Job summary

Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA, invites applications for a full-time Instructional and Research Support Engineer to assist the Physics & Astronomy department by maintaining, upgrading, and repairing laboratory instruments and by building custom apparatus for teaching and research.

This position collaborates across sciences, supports undergraduate instruction, and trains students and staff in equipment use, while ensuring a safe, well-stocked workspace.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field.
• At least 5 years of instrumentation or laboratory support experience.
• Ability to diagnose and repair electronic/electromechanical systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and upgrade laboratory instruments used in undergraduate courses.
• Set up instructional labs and manage inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Coordinate procurement, repairs, and vendor relationships; train users.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop new laboratory exercises and demos.
• Support research projects with custom apparatus design and data systems.
• Maintain a safe, organized lab and workshop environment.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Instrumentation

Laboratory support

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Communication skills

Google Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Fusion 360

Job description

Instructional and Research Support Engineer

Franklin & Marshall College is recruiting for a full-time Instructional and Research Support Engineer

Category: Academic Affairs

Department: Physics & Astronomy

Locations: Lancaster, PA

Type: Exempt

Position ID: 204909

• Location: F&M Campus - Lancaster, PA
• Classification: Full-time, Exempt
• Schedule: 40 hours, Monday - Friday.
• Reports to: Department Chair, Physics & Astronomy
• Department: Physics & Astronomy
• Approved Salary Range: Approved up to $87,000.00 annually

Job Description

The Instructional and Research Support Engineer provides technical and research support for the Department of Physics and Astronomy and collaborates with faculty across the natural sciences, including Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, and Earth and Environment. This position plays a central role in enabling high-quality undergraduate instruction and faculty research by designing, building, maintaining, and troubleshooting scientific equipment and laboratory systems.

Essential Functions

• Maintain, repair, and upgrade laboratory instruments and equipment used in undergraduate Physics and Astronomy courses. Set up instructional labs during the academic year and manage inventory of supplies and equipment. Coordinate procurement, repairs, and vendor relationships. Train students and staff in effective use of laboratory equipment and tools.
• Collaborate with Physics and Astronomy faculty to develop and implement new laboratory exercises and demonstrations.
• Support research projects for Physics and Astronomy faculty, including custom apparatus design, data collection systems, and instrumentation troubleshooting.
• Support research projects and teaching laboratory instrumentation for faculty in other natural science departments, including custom apparatus design, data collection systems, and instrumentation troubleshooting.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and well-stocked environment in laboratory and workshop spaces (including instructional labs, electronics shop, and machine shop spaces).
• All other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in instrumentation, laboratory support, research engineering, or a comparable technical role.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose and repair electronic and electromechanical systems.
• Strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Google Suite Products (Docs, Gmail, Sheets, Slides, Drive)
• Evidence of a commitment to community and belonging.
• Successful interview.
• Successful completion of background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education or academic research setting.
• Proficiency in machining and the operation of standard machine shop equipment (lathe, mill, etc.).
• Experience with software development, including scripting or programming for instrument control or data analysis (e.g., Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar).
• Experience designing and implementing data acquisition systems.
• Fabrication skills, including mechanical fabrication, soldering, 3D printing, and prototyping.
• Proficiency with CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Fusion 360) for designing custom components and apparatus.

Additional Information

Offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of reference checks, a criminal background verification, and verification of credentials. The College will coordinate these verifications.

Full-time members of the Franklin & Marshall College professional staff receive competitive starting pay and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health coverage, dental, vision, generous retirement savings plan contributions, education benefits for employees, spouses and dependent children, and enjoy access to all College facilities including dining venues to suit all tastes, recreation and fitness facilities, and libraries, plus access to College performances, lectures, and events.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Franklin & Marshall College is committed to having an inclusive campus community where all members are treated with dignity and respect. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, the College does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender/gender-identity, sex, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran's status, genetic information, family or marital status, sexual orientation, or any other protected class.