Lab Engineer (8652C) - Mechanical Engineering

University of California, Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in higher education is seeking a Lab Engineer to support innovative research and instructional laboratories. This role involves overseeing laboratory operations, assisting in design and fabrication, and ensuring safety compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering principles, machining, and effective communication skills. Join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering equity and inclusivity while contributing to cutting-edge projects that shape the future of education and research. This is an exciting opportunity for those passionate about making a difference in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalent experience required.
• Working knowledge of engineering principles and safe machine operation.

Responsibilities

• Assist in overseeing laboratory facilities and provide training to students.
• Conduct design reviews and assist in the construction of experimental systems.
• Perform duties of Technical & Instructional Laboratory Safety Officer.

Skills

Engineering Principles

Manufacturing Best Practices

Machining

Metalworking

Welding

Effective Communication

Mechanical Modeling

Aerodynamic Imaging (Schlieren)

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Related Area

Tools

Graphical Data Acquisition Programs

Laboratory Computers

Job description

Lab Engineer (8652C) - Mechanical EngineeringAbout Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is a large academic department within the College of Engineering with 41 faculty, 21 career staff, and approximately 1000 students. The Department has research and instructional laboratories in Etcheverry Hall, Hesse Hall, and the Richmond Field Station. Mechanical Engineering's Technical & Instructional Support Group consists of 8 career staff and forms the primary support to research laboratories, 'hands on' instructional laboratories, and a complete student access instructional machine shop.

Responsibilities

30% Under general supervision, the Senior Laboratory Mechanician performs and/or assists in overseeing the performance of laboratory and experimental facilities, equipment, and instrument systems; participates in the construction, assembly, and testing of laboratory and experimental facilities, equipment, and instrument systems; provides training and supervision to students, in the laboratories on safety, proper use of tools and processes, contemporary laboratory testing, and advice on functional design issues related to working on unique and potentially volatile experiments.

30% Under general supervision, the Senior Laboratory Mechanican assists in conducting design reviews, provide recommendations on best practices for manufacturability of individual and group class and student club project designs. Work independently and collaboratively on the design, construction, assembly, debugging, testing, installation, and maintenance of experimental systems and instrument systems used by undergraduate students and graduate student instructors in instructional labs.

20% Under general supervision, the Senior Laboratory Mechanician would perform all the duties of a precision machinist/fabricator, working on unique and potentially volatile experiments. Work with faculty, staff and students in the design and fabrication of complex class and research projects. Operate all standard instruments in the area of machining, metalworking, and welding.

10% Under general supervision, Perform all of the duties of an electronics technician include design, repair, calibration and maintenance functions on analog and digital electronics and electromechanical systems. Write, modify and debug graphical data acquisition programs. Maintain and update laboratory computers and local networks Develop and maintain schematics and documentation of the laboratory systems.

10% Perform duties of Technical & Instructional Laboratory Safety Officer, conduct required monthly safety inspections, perform annual chemical inventory, disposal of waste materials. In collaboration with Technical Group Manager and Lead R&D Engineer 2 plan and participate in safety training for staff. Assist in coordination of corrections of outstanding safety inspection issues. Maintain and repair instructional laboratory machinery and equipment as necessary. Act as an information resource and communication link on safety matters.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• Working knowledge of engineering principles and methods in order to assist in the design, fabrication and instructional support of the educational and research laboratories.
• Working knowledge of manufacturing best practices and safe machine tool operation. Operate all standard instruments in the area of machining, metalworking, and welding.
• Organizational abilities to follow prioritized work assignments.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner, to assist in identifying any challenges or barrier.
• Fluency in Mechanical modeling and analysis.
• Fluency in aerodynamic imaging technique (Schlieren).

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $37.89 (Step 1) to $43.53 (Step 4) hourly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Non-exempt and paid biweekly.
Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.