Technician A – Manufacturing Systems Lab

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a full-time Technician A – Manufacturing Systems Lab to join the Industrial Engineering team in Ferguson Township.

You will assist in the setup of student laboratory exercises, train faculty and graduate assistants, and maintain a range of metal cutting, casting, welding, and electrical laboratory equipment to tight tolerances. Emphasis on safety and accurate data recording.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to a complete accredited indentured apprenticeship or equivalent to high school plus a 2-year technical college education.
• 3 to 4 years of effective experience.
• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Background check may be required by the University.

Responsibilities

• Set up and operate shop equipment including milling machines, lathes, and drill presses.
• Perform duties of machinist and welder; maintain safety practices.
• Prepare recommendations for lab equipment and materials; manage supplies.
• Assist in teaching labs and train faculty and graduate assistants.
• Maintain lab cleanliness and safe operation of all equipment.

Skills

Machining

Welding

Equipment operation

Education

Accredited apprenticeship or equivalent (high school + 2-year technical college)

Tools

Milling machines

Lathes

Drill presses

Induction furnace

Centrifugal casting machine

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Penn State is searching for a full time Technician A – Manufacturing Systems Lab - Grade 2 to join the team.

• Assist in the set up and operation of student laboratory exercises; work closely with small groups of students
• Train faculty and graduate assistants for instruction of class practicums
• Responsible for maintaining supplies and materials to ensure the efficient operations of the metal cutting laboratory, metal joining laboratory, materials casting laboratory, and electrical/computer laboratory
• Initiate purchase orders and maintain supplier information and catalogs
• Meet with sales representatives
• Prepare recommendations for new products to purchase
• Perform duties of machinist
• Set up and operate shop equipment such as milling machines, lathes, drill presses, etc.
• Work to tolerances of ±0.0001 inch from drawings and sketches
• Perform duties as foundry worker
• Set up and operate induction furnace, cupola, gas melting furnace, centrifugal casting machine, molding machines, core-making equipment, nondestructive testing equipment, hand molding, pattern making, and material analysis equipment
• Perform duties as a welder
• Operate various equipment in the lab for forging and metal joining; perform brazing, silver soldering, and heat treating
• When necessary, assist, replace, and assume the duties of the technician in any other Industrial Engineering Laboratory
• Perform duties involving carpentry, plumbing, metal joining, painting, electrical wiring, fork lift operation, and foundry work, as required
• Assure safe operation of equipment and use of safe practices by the students; correct unsafe practices and conditions where possible
• Report hazardous conditions to class instructor and supervisor.
• Maintain work and storage area in a clean and orderly condition
• Program and operate various computer-controlled equipment including robots, lathes, milling machines, and coordinate measuring instruments
• Operate state-of-the-art controls for electronic control welders, carbon-sulfur analysis equipment, programmable controller material handling system, etc.
• Attend workshops and seminars concerning the latest technology of new equipment
• Train faculty, staff, and students to operate and/or program new equipment
• Maintain new equipment according to information gained at workshops and seminars
• Submit expense accounts as appropriate
• Perform routine repair and regular preventative maintenance duties on laboratory equipment; troubleshoot major repairs
• Make recommendations as to what needs to be overhauled or discarded
• Work with supervisor and/or faculty member to obtain specific details regarding jobs to be done as appropriate; make minor adjustments to work specifications as required; refer problems to supervisor
• Operate equipment and record data in proprietary research projects
• Work closely with faculty and staff to modify instruments to convert them from one research function to another
• Perform demonstrations of laboratory exercises as requested; prepare material for exercises
• Set up and repair a wide variety of electronic, electrical, computer, and mechanical equipment in the General Engineering Laboratories
• Assess the value and importance of specific equipment being donated to the Department for use in the laboratories
• Make recommendations as to new laboratory layouts to accommodate new or discarded equipment or laboratory renovations
• Install new equipment and connect with existing equipment
• Supervise part-time student hired each semester to assist in the machining, welding, and materials casting areas

Requires the use of advanced shop mathematics, together with the use of complicated drawings, specifications, charts, tables, handbook formulas, all varieties of adjustable measuring instruments and the use of broad training in a recognized trade or craft. Equivalent to a complete accredited, indentured apprenticeship or equivalent to high school plus a 2-year technical college education. 3 to 4 years of effective experience.

Work Schedule: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Days Off: Saturday, Sunday

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Work Experience: 3 to 4 years of effective experience.

Required Certifications: None.

Background Checks/Clearances: Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Collective Bargaining Agreement: This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by Teamsters Local Union No. 8. More information can be found here: Collective Bargaining Agreement.

For details on starting pay rate and progression, please see the above collective bargaining agreement. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

• comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• robust retirement plans
• substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time
• 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

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