Research Technician, Senior

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University, College of Engineering, seeks an Engineering Technician to support laboratory operations, assist with design, setup, fabrication, and testing of research experiments. You will work with graduate researchers and engineering teams to maintain safety, while guiding staff in best practices.

The role offers exposure to multiple innovative research initiatives and opportunities to contribute to high‑impact projects within a world‑renowned university.

Qualifications

• Vocational/technical/associate’s degree or equivalent.
• Experience with fabrication and shop equipment.
• Experience using heavy equipment, cranes, and power tools.
• Strong safety focus and the ability to STOP work if unsafe conditions are observed.

Responsibilities

• Test setup, construction, fabrication, testing, and demolition.
• Build experiments from design drawings for PIs and graduate staff.
• Use heavy equipment and power tools as needed in a safe manner.
• Suggest ergonomics and safety improvements to staff.
• Assist in building and maintaining a test schedule for experiments.
• Help translate ideas into viable research concepts.
• Ensure test setups can be constructed from plans and drawings.

Skills

Safety awareness

Team leadership

Industrial safety

Education

Vocational/Technical/Associate's degree or equivalent

Tools

Crane operation

Forklift operation

Power tools

Heavy equipment

Job description

Collaborate with graduate researchers, staff, and engineering teams to support safe, efficient, and high-quality laboratory operations. In this role, you will assist with the design, setup, instrumentation, construction, and execution of research testing, helping bring projects from concept to completion. You'll have the opportunity to work on multiple innovative research initiatives simultaneously while providing guidance and leadership to fellow engineering technicians.

This position offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact at a world-renowned institution recognized for innovation, discovery, and research excellence. Join a community of lifelong learners and contribute your expertise to advancing groundbreaking work that shapes the future.At Purdue University, you'll experience unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey.

What You'll Be Doing:

• Test setup, construction, fabrication, testing, and demolition.
• Using fabrication experience and knowledge to use design drawings to effectively build experiments for PI’s and graduate staff.
• May involve the use of heavy equipment, hot work, overhead cranes, and power tools.
• Ensure that work on the laboratory floor is done in a safe manner, make suggestions to graduate staff and lab staff on ergonomics and safety of work.
• Has the power and ability to STOP work if observing an unsafe work condition.
• Assist graduate staff build and maintain a test schedule for their experimental test programs.
• Help graduate and lab staff put a research idea/thought into a viable research concept.
• Making sure that a test setup or design can be constructed from test plans and drawings.

About Us:

The College of Engineering at Purdue University is among the best and largest Engineering schools in the world. With nearly 16,000 engineering students and more than 500 tenure track faculty in the college, this position has ample opportunity to have an impact at one of the world’s most influential universities.

For more information about our department, please visit:

• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be accepted (e.g., vocational/technical/associate’s degree and 4 years of experience).

Skills needed:

• Hot work, crane, forklift, heavy equipment use, hand and power equipment generally found in wood and metal shops

Who We Are:

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• This was formerly classified as an operational/technical position; an internal lateral transfer will retain same benefit standing
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan

Compensation Information:
Administrative and Operational Support 3
Pay Band S060
Job Code#20003838
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university