SR. TECHNICIAN - TECHNICIAN - Machinery Instrumentation & Assembly

Southwest Research Institute; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio, Texas, seeks a mechanically skilled technician to assist engineers in setting up and running tests on rotating machinery for the energy industry. You will engage in fixture assembly, piping, and cryogenic test systems while maintaining safety and housekeeping standards.

Responsibilities include constructing testing loops, operating equipment such as forklifts and cranes, and collaborating with clients and vendors to report results.

Qualifications

• Requires 2–10 years of related mechanical experience (e.g., equipment repair, plumbing, HVAC).
• Familiarity with mechanical tools, general laboratory equipment, and piping systems.
• A valid/clear driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Construct and maintain testing systems, including flow loops, pressure stands, and cryogenic temperature chambers.
• Troubleshoot testing systems and participate in continuous safety improvements.
• Operate SWRI equipment such as forklifts, cranes, telehandlers, work trucks, and carts.
• Perform general maintenance and repair of lab equipment and piping, hoses, and fittings.
• Assemble machinery components and supporting test loop hardware, including piping flange assembly and alignment of rotating machinery.
• Communicate progress, problems, and test results with SWRI staff, clients, and vendors.

Skills

Test equipment handling

Troubleshooting

Safety compliance

Forklift operation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Mechanical tools

Job description

Who We Are

The rotating machinery group at Southwest Research Institute takes concepts for machinery that support the energy grid and distribution system of the future and turns them into working prototypes. By joining our team, you will receive $500 on your first paycheck minus applicable taxes.

Role

Objectives of this Role:

• Assist engineers with set up and perform tests on rotating machinery for the energy industry. This includes turbochargers, compressors, pumps, gas turbines, and other related systems.
• Test fixture assembly and modification for test execution including Construct pipe loops from pipe, tubing, flanges, valves, and other hardware.
• General maintenance of equipment, facilities, and tools.
• Adhere strictly to safety protocols and guidelines in all aspects of work, incorporating best practices in housekeeping, tool handling, and material storage, to maintain a safe work environment.
• Demonstrate a proactive approach to learning and applying new skills, managing work task to meet project deadlines.
• The ability to function as a contributing member of a technician team.
• Problem-solving skills with excellent troubleshooting and reasoning with strong communications skills.

Daily and Monthly Responsibilities

• Construct and maintain testing systems that include mechanical systems such as flow loops, stands that apply pressure, and cryogenic temperature chambers.
• Participate in troubleshooting of these systems.
• Operate SWRI equipment. Forklift, Crane, Telehandler, work truck, golf cart.
• General maintenance repair of lab equipment and hardware including piping, pneumatic systems, cooling systems, cryogenic systems.
• Assembly of machinery components and supporting test loop hardware, potentially including piping flange assembly, pipe fittings, piping supports and clamps, tubing and fittings, hoses, foundation hardware, bolted joints, alignment of rotating machinery, heated interference fits.
• Communicate with SWRI staff, clients, and vendors regarding work status, progress, problem/solutions, and testing results.
• Participate in continuous operational and safety improvement processes while working in a collaborative team environment.

Requirements

• Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
• 2-10 years: Related mechanical experience (examples include equipment repair, plumbing, oilfield operations, HVAC, etc.).
• Familiarity with mechanical tools, general laboratory equipment, and piping systems.
• A valid/clear driver's license is required.

Special Requirements

Must be a U.S. person (i.e., U.S. citizen, non-U.S. citizen national, lawful permanent resident, asylee, or refugee) due to ITAR work in section.

Job Locations

San Antonio, Texas

Additional Information

For more information about this division, visit the Mechanical Engineering home page.

For benefits information at our San Antonio location, click here.

For benefits information at all other locations, click here.