Specialty Trades Technician

North Carolina State University; North Carolina; On-site; USD 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Retirement Programs

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Life Insurance

Job summary

NC State University’s Physics and Astronomy Department in Raleigh, NC seeks a Specialty Trades Technician to design, repair, and maintain precision instruments and specialized equipment. You will work with scientists, engineers and staff to develop apparatus meeting exact requirements.

The role requires operating metalworking and woodworking machinery, reading blueprints, and adhering to safety plans. A valid NC driver’s license is required; minimum high school diploma and two years related

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize tasks.
• Strong communication skills; customer service oriented.

Responsibilities

• Design, repair, and maintain precision instruments and equipment.
• Inspect, disassemble, repair and fine-tune components to restore accuracy.
• Operate lathe, milling machines, grinders, and basic hand tools; read blueprints.
• Adhere to shop safety plans and lifting up to 60 pounds as needed.

Skills

Two years related experience

Coordination and prioritization

Good communication skills

Analytical skills

Customer service skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CNC Haas lathes

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Job description

Posting Details

Job Posting Information

Posting Number: PG195278SP

Internal Recruitment: No

Working Title: Specialty Trades Technician

Anticipated Hiring Range: $56,000 - $60,000

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 4:00pm

Job Location: Raleigh, NC

Department: Physics and Astronomy Department

About The Department

The Physics and Astronomy Department provides: (1) High quality Physics instruction to the University community through courses in introductory physics; (2) educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students in physics through high quality curricula, faculty, and research facilities; (3) outreach programs that advance scientific knowledge. Our research programs cover a varied spectrum including astrophysics, general relativity, condensed matter theory and experiment, computational physics, biophysics, nanoscale science, physics education, experimental nuclear physics, particle and nuclear theory, experimental optics, and experimental atomic and molecular physics. The department enrolls approximately 120 graduate students and 140 undergrad physics majors. The department size is approximately 57 faculty members. While working in this department, you will be expected to foster a supportive and welcoming environment.

NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

What we offer:

• Medical , Dental , and Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Programs
• Disability Plans
• Life Insurance
• Accident Plan
• Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
• 12 Holidays Each Year
• Tuition and Academic Assistance
• And so much more!

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Essential Job Duties

In this role you will design, craft, assemble, repair, and maintain precision instruments and unique or specialized equipment to ensure accurate and reliable operation for their intended use. Responsibilities include inspecting, disassembling, repairing, and fine-tuning damaged or miscalibrated components to restore full operational precision, as well as collaborating with scientists, engineers, faculty, and staff to develop specialized apparatus that meets technical requirements.

You will also be expected to operate standard metalworking and woodworking machinery, including lathes, milling machines, surface grinders, ProtoTrak milling machines, TIG and MIG welding equipment, and basic hand tools. Knowledge of CNC Haas lathes and SolidWorks/Fusion 360 modeling software is recommended. You must also be able to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and manuals, while maintaining and adhering to the shop’s safety plan. lifting of up to 60 pounds occasionally is also a requirement, with or without reasonable accommodations.

Other Responsibilities

Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.

Qualifications

Minimum Experience/Education

High school diploma or equivalency and two years of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to coordinate and prioritize tasks
• Good computer, verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytical skills
• Excellent customer service skills

Required License or Certification

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Valid NC driver’s license must be obtained within 60 days of start date and must be maintained.

Valid NC Driver's License required: Yes

Commercial Driver's License Required?: No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date: 10/21/2026

Positions will be posted until 5:00 PM ET on this date. Positions remaining posted after this date are still accepting applications but may close at any time. Earliest Close Date: 10/28/2026

Notice to Applicants

Please make sure that the work history you list on your application is identical to the work history listed on your resume. The application must be filled out completely, do not use the phrase “see resume”.

Special Instructions

Please include as attachments a resume, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Position Details

Position Number: 00110244

Position Type: SHRA

Position Classification Band Title: Specialty Trades Technician

Position Classification Band Level: Journey

Position Classification Salary Range: $ 33,540 - $ 86,240

Salary Grade Equivalency: NC10

Alternate Option: If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week): 1.0

Appointment: 12 Month Recurring

Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather: Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather

Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events: Non Mandatory - Emergency Event

Time Limited Position: No

Department Id: 170601 - Physics and Astronomy

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.