Mech Engineering Lab Systems Engineer

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University’s School of Mechanical Engineering in West Lafayette is seeking an Instructional Support Engineer to maintain and repair instructional lab equipment, develop documentation, and provide technical guidance for undergraduate labs across multiple campuses. The role drives laboratory modernization and safety initiatives, coordinating with IT and facilities teams.

The position supports the Malott Innovation and Prototyping Suite, manages access systems, and collaborates with faculty

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field.
• Three (3) years of related experience.
• Programming skills using microcontrollers.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day support for equipment and instructional apparatus used in Mechanical Engineering laboratories, coordinating with faculty and TAs to ensure labs are properly equipped, calibrated, and ready to support course schedules.
• Serve as a primary resource for instructional lab operations, including equipment functionality, lab setup, maintenance, troubleshooting, and engineered solutions to equipment failures.
• Provide strategic guidance in developing new laboratory experiments and apparatus, including consultation and support for Indianapolis labs.
• Develop and maintain documentation for the specification, design, fabrication, operation, testing, calibration, maintenance, and repair of instructional equipment.
• Develop, implement, and maintain laboratory safety policies and procedures; train users on safe use of equipment and facilities; review student projects for safety concerns.
• Oversee the Malott Innovation and Prototyping Suite, including maintaining tools, tracking tooling, supporting student projects, and training student employees.
• Manage the safe operation of the paint booth facility, including training, PPE requirements, maintenance, and repairs.
• Create and maintain CAD files, drawings, space maps, and signage for ME facilities; perform field verification and space planning.
• Coordinate building keys and access, maintain records, and manage rekeying when needed.
• Coordinate with Purdue IT on computers, printers, software, networking; assist users with tickets; support equipment moves and lifecycle planning.

Skills

Equipment troubleshooting

Safety communication

Field measurement

Space planning

Documentation

Root cause analysis

Laboratory safety

Cross-functional coordination

Prototyping support

IT coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in science/engineering/tech field

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Purdue University’s School of Mechanical Engineering in West Lafayette is seeking an Instructional Support Engineer to maintain and repair instructional lab equipment, develop documentation, and provide technical guidance for undergraduate labs across multiple campuses. The role drives laboratory modernization and safety initiatives, coordinating with IT and facilities teams.

The position supports the Malott Innovation and Prototyping Suite, manages access systems, and collaborates with faculty