Technician A - Manufacturing Systems Lab

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a qualified individual to assist in the operation of several laboratory exercises and to ensure efficient functioning of the metal cutting and joining laboratories. The role includes training faculty and students, maintaining equipment, and performing routine repairs and maintenance.

Ideal candidates should have 3-4 years of effective experience, and the ability to use advanced shop mathematics and complex drawings. A competitive benefits package, including a 75% tuition discount, is offered.

Qualifications

• 3 to 4 years of effective experience in a relevant trade.
• Ability to operate complex laboratory equipment and perform maintenance.
• Competence in supervising student workers and assisting them.

Responsibilities

• Assist in laboratory exercises and train faculty and students.
• Maintain supplies, initiate purchase orders, and meet with suppliers.
• Operate, maintain, and repair laboratory equipment as needed.

Skills

Advanced shop mathematics

Use of complicated drawings

Experience with complicated measurements

Education

High school plus a 2-year technical college education

Equivalent to a complete accredited, indentured apprenticeship

Job description

Job Responsibilities

• 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, forklift 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

Job Requirements

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.

Visa Sponsorship

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.

Salary and Benefits

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.

EEO Statement

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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.