Mechanical Laboratory Technician I

Dr. Robert K. Jabs School of Business; Riverside (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Mechanical Lab Technician I supports the College of Engineering by assisting faculty, staff, and students with projects and maintaining laboratory equipment through training, oversight, and routine maintenance. This role ensures a safe, organized environment across the Lab facilities in Riverside.

Responsibilities include guiding safe use of equipment, maintaining safety policies, and assisting with instrument setup, calibration, and instructional activities for students and staff.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate’s degree or equivalent with 6–12 months of related lab experience.
• Experience operating mechanical lab equipment and safety protocols is essential.
• Ability to organize materials, maintain inventories, and support instructional activities.

Responsibilities

• Guide faculty, staff, and students on safe use of lab equipment.
• Maintain safe, clean, and organized lab environments.
• Assist with setup and execution of instructional projects.
• Procure and organize materials for coursework and projects.
• Ensure proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.

Skills

Lab safety

Equipment operation

Data collection

Recordkeeping

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Associate’s degree

Tools

Machinery

Robotics systems

Laboratory software

Job description

Summary

The Mechanical Lab Technician I provides critical support to the College of Engineering by assisting faculty, staff, and students with projects and maintaining laboratory equipment through training, oversight, and routine maintenance. This role helps ensure a safe, well-organized environment that supports instructional activities and coursework within the Bourns Machining Lab and/or the Adams Business Park Machining Lab (collectively referred to as the Lab), as well as across the College of Engineering.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provide guidance and technical support to faculty, staff, and students on the safe and proper use of laboratory equipment, tools, and machinery within the Lab and the College of Engineering.
• Ensure all lab activities adhere to established safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and functional laboratory environment.
• Procure, prepare, and organize materials, samples, and components needed for instructional activities and projects.
• Assist faculty and students with the setup and execution of laboratory instruction and course-related projects.
• Ensure proper storage, documentation, handling, and disposal of laboratory materials, including hazardous waste.

Summary

The Mechanical Lab Technician I provides critical support to the College of Engineering by assisting faculty, staff, and students with projects and maintaining laboratory equipment through training, oversight, and routine maintenance. This role helps ensure a safe, well-organized environment that supports instructional activities and coursework within the Bourns Machining Lab and/or the Adams Business Park Machining Lab (collectively referred to as the Lab), as well as across the College of Engineering.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Lab Support

• Provide guidance and technical support to faculty, staff, and students on the safe and proper use of laboratory equipment, tools, and machinery within the Lab and the College of Engineering.
• Ensure all lab activities adhere to established safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and functional laboratory environment.
• Procure, prepare, and organize materials, samples, and components needed for instructional activities and projects.
• Assist faculty and students with the setup and execution of laboratory instruction and course-related projects.
• Ensure proper storage, documentation, handling, and disposal of laboratory materials, including hazardous waste.

Equipment Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and minor repairs of laboratory equipment, tools, and machinery.
• Coordinate with external vendors and service providers for specialized maintenance and repair services.
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure equipment functionality and compliance, including safety equipment such as emergency showers and eyewash stations throughout the Lab and College of Engineering.
• Maintain accurate inventory records of equipment, tools, and supplies, and initiate procurement as needed.

Collaboration And Training

• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and technical personnel to improve lab operations, processes, and workflow efficiency.
• Partner with faculty to train students on equipment operation, safety practices, and laboratory techniques. 13. Support the development and delivery of laboratory instruction and projects, including staffing open lab hours as needed.
• Assist in creating and updating lab manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and safety documentation.
• Ensure compliance with ABET accreditation standards and laboratory requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Other Knowledge Skills And Abilities

• Demonstrated commitment to living out and upholding the University’s Christ‑centered mission and values.
• Demonstrated experience as a laboratory technician, machinist, or in a related role, preferably within a mechanical engineering, robotics, or research environment.
• Strong foundational knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, laboratory practices, and equipment operation.
• Proficiency in operating mechanical engineering tools, machinery, robotics systems, and related software.
• Working knowledge of laboratory safety standards, procedures, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple assignments.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data collection, recordkeeping, and procedural documentation.
• Effective problem-solving skills, including diagnosing and resolving equipment issues.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and researchers.
• Proficiency in using personal computers and standard software applications.
• Knowledge of business English, basic mathematics, and general office practices and procedures.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to collect, analyze, and present data, and prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and adapt policies, procedures, and technical guidelines.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound administrative and procedural decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective recordkeeping systems and processes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical requirements described here are representative of those necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. The role regularly requires standing, walking, and sitting, as well as sufficient manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard and other office or laboratory equipment. It also requires visual acuity to read both text and numerical data and the ability to communicate effectively in person and by phone. Additionally, the position occasionally requires lifting and/or moving objects weighing up to 15 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics outlined here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this role. Work is primarily conducted in a laboratory and office setting within the College of Engineering, where the noise level is generally moderate. The role may involve occasional exposure to laboratory equipment and materials; however, adherence to established safety protocols helps minimize potential health and safety risks.

Education and/or Experience

Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from an accredited two-year college or technical school; and six months to one year of related experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.