Mechanical Engineering Technician

Virginia Tech; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Virginia Tech’s Vehicle Technology Research Institute (VTTI) is seeking an ME technician to perform diverse tasks in analysis, design, fabrication, and data collection in support of multiple research projects.

You will leverage CAD skills to design brackets, mounts, and enclosures, instrument vehicles with sensors and data-acquisition systems, and help develop power and communication cables. You’ll also prepare detailed test procedures and reports, ensuring compliance with codes and standards.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, efficiently and safely.
• Demonstrated experience using CAD and other design tools.
• Demonstrated experience using computers including Windows, Word, Excel, Outlook and research via Internet.
• Ability to interpret and follow technical manuals, mechanical drawings and schematics.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose problems and suggest corrections.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fabrication practices and techniques.
• Familiarity with soldering tools, mills, lathes, MIG and TIG welding.
• Knowledge of basic vehicle electrical and electronic systems.
• Ability to prepare detailed reports.
• Ability to follow a prescribed research protocol to perform data analyses.

Responsibilities

• Using CAD and other design tools to create and modify parts.
• Designing and fabricating brackets and mounts.
• Designing and building power and communication cables.
• Instrumenting vehicles with data acquisition systems and sensors.
• Integrating and testing sensors and electronic components.
• Building enclosures and improving hardware solutions.
• Assessing and documenting test procedures.
• Conducting data analysis and data reduction for research projects.
• Contributing to study presentations and reports.

Skills

CAD tools

Data analysis

Independent work

Problem diagnosis

Fabrication practices

Soldering tools

Vehicle electrical systems

Report writing

Data reduction

Tools

Windows

Excel

Word

Job description

Job Description

This position will be responsible for independently performing a range of mechanical engineering (ME) related tasks involving analysis and identifying solutions to ME problems. Overall, the role requires the development of tools and hardware solutions in support of VTTI’s various projects and programs.

• Using coding knowledge, CAD abilities, and mechanical skills.
• Designing and fabricating brackets and mounts.
• Designing and building power and communication cables.
• Instrumenting vehicles with data acquisition systems, sensors and other related equipment.
• Integrating and testing sensors and electronic components.
• Building enclosures and improving current hardware solutions.
• Assessing and documenting test procedures.
• Conducting various data analysis and data reduction tasks in support of research projects.
• Contributing to and reviewing study presentations and reports.

It is crucial for this role to ensure design elements meet federal, state and agency requirements, from codes, standards, specifications, to any other regulations. This will require conducting detailed and/or complex inspections of research apparatuses throughout all cycles of studies and activities.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, efficiently and safely.
• Demonstrated experience using CAD and other design tools.
• Demonstrated experience using computers including programs and software such as Windows, Microsoft Office and Word, Excel, and Outlook, and internet search engines for research.
• Ability to interpret and follow technical manuals, mechanical drawings, and schematics.
• Demonstrated ability to accurately diagnose problems and suggest corrections.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of fabrication practices and techniques.
• Demonstrated familiarity with soldering tools, mills, lathes, MIG and TIG welding.
• Demonstrated knowledge of basic vehicle electrical and electronic systems.
• Demonstrated ability in preparing detailed reports
• Demonstrated ability to follow a prescribed research protocol to perform data analysis and reduction tasks

Preferred Qualifications

• Product finishing experience: including automotive painting, powder coating, or other product finishing techniques.
• Experience with CNC milling and associated software.
• Equipment diagnostic experience.
• Product assembly experience.
• Printed Circuit Board (PCB) soldering and assembly.
• Experience installing aftermarket equipment in vehicles.
• Experience safely operating a forklift.
• Experience with 3D scanners.
• Experience with programming language such as Python, Matlab, VBscripting.

Pay Band

4

Overtime Status

Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

$22 - $28/hr; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

30

Review Date

11/18/2026

Additional Information

We are unable to sponsor work visas for this position.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hand-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Natalie Jett at [e-mail] during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.