Senior Research Technician - Lab Build & Testing Lead

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

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.