Instructional and Research Support Engineer - Franklin & Marshall College

Franklin and Marshall College; Lancaster (Lancaster County); On-site; USD 78,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, PA seeks an Instructional and Research Support Engineer to design, repair, and maintain laboratory systems for Physics and Astronomy and related disciplines. You will set up instructional labs, manage equipment inventories, and train students and staff in using lab instruments.

This role supports faculty research and undergraduate teaching across natural sciences, including Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, and Earth and Environment, ensuring a safe,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• At least 5 years of instrumentation, laboratory support, research engineering, or similar role.
• Ability to diagnose and repair electronic and electromechanical systems.
• Strong organizational and communication skills; ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Drive).

Responsibilities

• Maintain, repair, and upgrade laboratory instruments and equipment used in undergraduate Physics and Astronomy courses.
• Set up instructional labs and manage inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Coordinate procurement, repairs, and vendor relationships; train students and staff.
• Collaborate with Physics and Astronomy faculty to develop new laboratory exercises and demonstrations.
• Support research projects for Physics and Astronomy and other natural science departments.
• Maintain a safe, organized laboratory and workshop environment.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Fusion 360

LabVIEW

MATLAB

Python

Job description

Instructional and Research Support Engineer

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 afull-time Instructional and Research Support Engineer

• 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.

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.