Research Assistant for W.M. Keck Center

The University of Texas at El Paso; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 38,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Prescription, Life Insurance

Dental and Vision

Retirement programs

Paid vacation & sick leave

Job summary

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) seeks a Research Assistant to support the Keck Center’s additive manufacturing operations. This role emphasizes hands-on machine maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting across the full suite of additive systems, with supervision opportunities as needed.

Under limited supervision, you will perform data analysis, assist in project planning, and help develop SOPs while collaborating with engineers and researchers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• At least one year hands-on experience with additive manufacturing equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Familiarity with CAD, G-code, and slicing software.

Responsibilities

• Operate, calibrate, and maintain additive manufacturing equipment.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot hardware/software issues.
• Develop and maintain SOPs for equipment use, maintenance, safety, and calibration.
• Support day-to-day operations and production runs.
• Train staff on equipment usage and data management.
• Ensure safety compliance and proper lab practices.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Experience with machine tools

Hands-on maintenance

Ability to troubleshoot

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

CAD

G-code

Slicing software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position Information

Hiring Department

W.M. Keck Center

Reports To

Executive Director

Job Location

El Paso, TX; Onsite

Posting End Date

Open until filled. This posting may close once a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received.

Hours

40 hours per week, standard Monday- Friday 8:00am- 5:00pm, flexibility is required on evenings and weekends

FLSA status

Exempt

Earliest Start Date

As soon as possible.

Salary

$42,436 annually

Required Application Materials

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• List of three references

Incomplete applications will not considered.

Note

This is a full time, temporary contingent upon availability of funds position with a possibility of extension and is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, and vision.

Position Summary

Under limited supervision and with latitude for independent judgment, the Research Assistant supports the W.M. Keck Center’s additive manufacturing operations. The role focuses heavily on hands‑on machine maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting across the full suite of additive manufacturing systems with a predominant focus on technical, operational, and equipment-focused responsibilities that ensure continuity of research and production activities. May supervise the work of others.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Collects, compiles, and analyzes research data.
• Uses statistical methods and relational databases to analyze data sets.
• Prepares or assists with preparing reports of research findings.
• Assist with planning, developing, coordinating, and administering research projects.
• Assists with formulating research objectives, programs, and priorities.
• Assists with authoring or editing technical reports and summary findings.
• May assist in designing and creating computer programs for research applications.
• May train users on the operation and data management of research equipment.
• Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.
• Complies with all State and University policies.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Keck Center-Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates, calibrates, and maintains additive manufacturing equipment to ensure optimal machine performance across Keck Center operations.
• Diagnoses and troubleshoots hardware and software issues that arise during machine operation, collaborating with engineering and research staff to resolve recurring or critical problems.
• Assists in developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for equipment use, maintenance, safety, and calibration.
• Supports day‑to‑day operational readiness by ensuring machines are clean, stocked with materials, and functioning within expected tolerances.
• Leads or assists with routine preventive maintenance schedules and tracks equipment performance logs.
• Supports research efforts by operating equipment for test builds, production runs, and sample fabrication required by various research and industry projects.
• Maintains familiarity with CAD, slicing, and machine control software, and provides input on parameter selection, build planning, and system improvements.
• Assists in training other staff, students, and interns on safe and effective machine usage and proper lab practices.
• Participates in collaborative efforts with other researchers to ensure alignment between project needs and operational capabilities.
• May contribute to the preparation of technical reports, logs, and documentation required by research sponsors or internal records.
• Ensures adherence to ITAR and export compliance protocols when handling sensitive projects or equipment.
• Understands that participation in the Keck Center requires proactive engagement, a commitment to hands‑on excellence, and tangible contributions to the success of operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities

May carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's objectives, policies and applicable laws. May mentor or supervise student researchers, interns, or lower-level technicians assigned to assist with operational duties.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree

and

Experience: At least one year of hands‑on experience in additive manufacturing equipment operation, and material characterization

Applicants Must Demonstrate

• Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with machine tools or manufacturing systems
• Basic understanding of CAD, G‑code, and slicing software.
• Ability to work independently on assigned machine tasks and collaboratively across a multidisciplinary team.
• Capacity to learn and apply complex troubleshooting protocols involving electromechanical, optical, and thermal subsystems.
• Demonstrates commitment to safety, accountability, and technical integrity in all work performed.

Why Pick UTEP

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP ) is a comprehensive public research university that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education, and economy of the community we serve.

UTEP is America's leading Hispanic-serving university. Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande, 84% of our 26,000 students are Hispanic, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 170 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.

This is an especially exciting time to join UTEP as it advances the goals of its 2030 Strategic Plan . Built around the institution’s core strengths—its location, its people, its supportive culture, and its community partnerships—the plan lays out a bold vision for the next decade, aimed at maximizing the University’s regional impact and national stature.

About The Department

The UTEP Keck Center serves as a hub for interdisciplinary innovation, bringing together researchers, students, and industry partners to address complex challenges through collaborative, applied research. The Center offers a dynamic, mission‑driven environment that supports cutting‑edge projects, fosters professional growth, and advances impactful work across multiple fields.

What UTEP Offers

Miner Perks and Benefits

• Benefit Package includes: Medical, Prescription, Life Insurance and Wellness platform
• Voluntary Benefits: Dental, Vision, Additional life insurance, UT Flex, Short and Long - term disability plans
• Retirement Programs
• Longevity Pay
• Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Discounts & Perks
• Employee Education Assistance program
• And much more! Visit our Benefits Summary Page for more information on our additional benefits.

Disclaimer: Eligibility for perks and benefits may vary based on part-time or full‑time employment.

Additional Information

Note: To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.

The primary accountabilities are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Incumbents may perform all or some of the primary accountabilities listed. Specific tasks or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents’ performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents’ immediate supervisor or manager. This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code

51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information. A valid driver’s license issued by the State where the applicant resides and insurability as defined in UTS 157 may be required to perform the position's essential functions.

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to walk. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and color vision.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to wet or humid conditions (non-weather related); work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; be exposed to fumes or airborne powder particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; extreme cold or extreme heat (non-weather related); radiation (works with high powered lasers); near risk of electrical shock; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment ranges from quiet conditions to loud noises.

In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to a learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.

The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee’s or prospective employee’s right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries—including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident—about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at [phone], by email at [e-mail] , or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 223C.

For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at [e-mail] .