Instructional and Research Support Engineer

Diplomatic Congress of Franklin & Marshall College; United States; On-site; USD 78,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA seeks a full-time Instructional and Research Support Engineer to maintain, repair, and upgrade physics lab instruments and equipment used in undergraduate courses.

The role collaborates with Physics & Astronomy faculty to design new demonstrations, support research projects, and manage lab spaces, safety, and inventory. Strong troubleshooting, repair skills, and cross-disciplinary teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or closely related field.
• At least 5 years of instrumentation, laboratory support, or research engineering experience.
• Ability to diagnose and repair electronic/electromechanical systems.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to work across disciplines.
• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Docs, Gmail, Sheets, Slides, Drive).
• Commitment to community and belonging.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and upgrade laboratory instruments and equipment for 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 equipment use.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop and implement new laboratory exercises and demonstrations.
• Support research projects with instrumentation design, data collection, and troubleshooting.
• Maintain a safe, organized lab/workshop environment including electronics and machine shop spaces.

Skills

Instrumentation

Diagnostics

Communication

Teamwork

Google Suite

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Franklin & Marshall College Job Posting: Instructional and Research Support Engineer

Category: Academic Affairs Subscribe: New Job Alerts

RSS Job Feed Department: Physics and Astronomy Locations: Lancaster, PA Posted: Sep 17, 2026 Closes: Open Until Filled Type: Exempt Position ID: 204909

About Franklin & Marshall College:

Franklin & Marshall College is a residential college dedicated to excellence in undergraduate liberal arts education. Its aims are to inspire in young people of high promise and diverse backgrounds a genuine and enduring love for learning, to teach them to read, write, and think critically, to instill in them the capacity for both independent and collaborative action, and to educate them to explore and understand the natural, social, and cultural worlds in which they live. In so doing, the College seeks to foster in its students' qualities of intellect, creativity, and character, that they may live fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to their occupations, their communities, and their world.

To learn more about Lancaster, please go to https://landinlancasterpa.com

Job Description

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

Job Details

• 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

Posted: Sep 17, 2026 Closes: Open Until Filled.

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.

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. To learn more about our Benefits, please visit our Benefits Page.

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.