Specialty Trades Technician

North Carolina State University; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 56,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Programs

Disability Plans

Life Insurance

Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs

12 Holidays Each Year

Tuition and Academic Assistance

Childcare benefits

Job summary

North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC is seeking a Specialty Trades Technician to design, repair, and maintain precision instruments and equipment in the Physics and Astronomy department. You will collaborate with scientists and engineers to develop specialized apparatus, and operate metalworking and woodworking machinery with reading blueprints and following safety plans.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience, plus a valid driver’s

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and two years of related experience.
• Ability to read blueprints, drawings, and manuals.
• Valid driver’s license required; NC license must be obtained within 60 days of start date.
• Ability to operate metalworking and woodworking machinery and use basic hand tools.

Responsibilities

• Design, craft, assemble, repair, and maintain precision instruments and equipment.
• Inspect, disassemble, repair, and fine‑tune damaged components; collaborate with scientists, engineers, faculty and staff to develop apparatus.
• Operate standard metalworking and woodworking machinery and use related tools; follow safety plans.

Skills

Two years of experience

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical skills

Customer service skills

Coordination and prioritization

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CNC Haas lathes

SolidWorks/Fusion 360

Lathes

Milling machines

Surface grinders

TIG/MIG welding equipment

ProtoTrak milling

Job description

Working Title

Specialty Trades Technician

Salary / Compensation

• Anticipated Hiring Range: $56,000 - $60,000
• Position Classification Salary Range: $33,540 - $86,240

Work Schedule

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

Job Location

Raleigh, NC

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

Earliest Close Date: 10/28/2026 (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.)

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.

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.