Professional Aide (Equipment Support Specialist)

Michigan State University; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Michigan State University seeks an Equipment Support Specialist to provide hands-on technical support for fermentation and related process equipment at the Bioeconomy Institute Lansing pilot plant. The role is temporary/on-call with up to 29 hours per week, Monday–Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm, assisting with setup, maintenance, troubleshooting and documentation.

Responsibilities include equipment upgrades, preventive maintenance on pumps and motors, sanitation, and inventory management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant hands‑on technical experience.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with willingness to learn new systems and processes.
• Experience supporting or performing mechanical repairs on pumps, motors, appliances, process equipment, or similar equipment.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and standard shop equipment.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and comply with safety requirements.
• Ability to comprehend basic equipment manuals and technical documents.
• Ability to organize parts, track inventory, move equipment, and maintain supplies and records.
• Physical ability to bend, kneel, climb, stand for extended periods, and lift or carry up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the setup, operation, cleaning, maintenance, repair, and upgrade of fermentation vessels and related process equipment.
• Perform routine mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance on pumps, motors, appliances, and process equipment.
• Support troubleshooting activities by assisting with diagnostics, equipment inspections, and basic repair procedures.
• Safely use hand tools, power tools, meters, and standard shop equipment to support maintenance and repair activities.
• Assist with agitation systems and other processing equipment as assigned.
• Support cleaning, sanitation, chemical handling, and equipment preparation activities, including CIP or related protocols, as applicable.
• Organize parts and materials; track inventory; move equipment; maintain supplies; and support equipment and maintenance records.
• Read and follow written and verbal instructions, safety requirements, and basic equipment manuals or technical documentation.
• Work safely in the pilot plant while adhering to established safety procedures and protocols.
• Perform other technical support duties as assigned to support operational needs.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Hand tools usage

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree in technical or mechanical field

Tools

Pumps

Motors

Meters

Shop equipment

Job description

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

Position Summary

The Equipment Support Specialist provides hands‑on technical support for the operation, maintenance, repair, and upkeep of fermentation and related process equipment in the Bioeconomy Institute Lansing pilot plant. This role supports day‑to‑day equipment readiness and functionality by assisting with equipment setup, cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, upgrades, and documentation. The position works closely with technical staff to ensure equipment is maintained in accordance with safety protocols, operational requirements, and applicable procedures. This is a temporary position and offers up to 29 hours per week during operations hours Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with the setup, operation, cleaning, maintenance, repair, and upgrade of fermentation vessels and related process equipment
• Perform routine mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance on pumps, motors, appliances, and other process or facility equipment
• Support troubleshooting activities by assisting with diagnostics, equipment inspections, and basic repair procedures
• Safely use hand tools, power tools, meters, and standard shop equipment to support maintenance and repair activities
• Assist with agitation systems and other processing equipment as assigned
• Support cleaning, sanitation, chemical handling, and equipment preparation activities, including CIP or related protocols, as applicable
• Organize parts and materials; track inventory; move equipment; maintain supplies; and support equipment and maintenance records
• Read and follow written and verbal instructions, safety requirements, and basic equipment manuals or technical documentation
• Work safely in the pilot plant while adhering to established safety procedures and protocols
• Perform other technical support duties as assigned to support operational needs

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of three (3) years of relevant hands‑on technical experience
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude with willingness to learn new systems and processes
• Experience supporting or performing mechanical repairs on pumps, motors, appliances, process equipment, or similar equipment
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and standard shop equipment
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and comply with safety requirements
• Ability to comprehend basic equipment manuals and technical documents
• Ability to organize parts, track inventory, move equipment, and maintain supplies and records
• Physical ability to bend, kneel, climb, stand for extended periods, and lift or carry up to 50 pounds

Desired Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in a technical or mechanical field preferred
• Interest in or experience with biotechnology, fermentation, food processing, brewing, or related technical environments
• Experience working in sterile, sanitary, controlled, or regulated environments
• Experience in a pilot plant, fermentation facility, biotechnology setting, food processing operation, brewery, laboratory, or manufacturing environment
• Familiarity with fermentation vessels, tanks, pumps, valves, hoses, fittings, clamps, piping, sensors, motors, and related process equipment
• Experience with agitation systems or similar processing equipment
• Familiarity with electronics, controls, basic diagnostics, or repair work
• Experience with preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, equipment setup, repairs, upgrades, or changeovers
• Experience with cleaning, sanitation, chemical handling, or equipment preparation protocols
• Experience organizing parts, maintaining inventory, tracking tools or equipment, and documenting maintenance activities
• Ability to read basic equipment manuals, diagrams, parts lists, maintenance instructions, or SOPs

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Resume, Cover Letter, 3 references

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Summary of Physical Demands

Physical ability to bend, kneel, climb, stand for extended periods, and lift or carry up to 50 pounds