Senior Laboratory Mechanic - RRC Scientific Instrument Shop, Vice Chancellor Research

Senior Laboratory Mechanic

Under supervision from the Supervisor of the Scientific Instrument Shop within the Research Resources Center (RRC), the Senior Laboratory Mechanic performs skilled fabrication, modification, assembly, testing, and support work for custom research apparatus, prototype instruments, fixtures, jigs, and shop-related equipment. The position works from drawings, sketches, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files, verbal requirements, and researcher-provided concepts to produce research-ready components and assemblies.

Work includes manual and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, precision measurement, fitting, assembly, basic instrument-level electrical integration, troubleshooting, documentation, and safe operation of shop equipment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Designs, fabricates, modifies, fits, and assembles custom research apparatus, prototype instruments, precision components, fixtures, jigs, setup aids, soft jaws, templates, and custom work-holding to safely and accurately produce reliable, research-ready components and assemblies.
• Performs troubleshooting, modification, assembly, maintenance, and repair of approved research apparatus and shop equipment within the approved shop scope.
• Performs soldering, brazing, welding, bonding, fastening, mechanical assembly, and basic instrument-level electrical integration.
• Work may include low-voltage wiring, Direct Current (DC) power supply and module installation, sensor and actuator connections, connector assembly, cable routing, strain relief, labeling, continuity checks, and safe enclosure integration.
• Reviews drawings, sketches, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files, verbal concepts, and researcher requirements for manufacturability.
• Communicates with researchers, customers, and shop personnel within assigned work to clarify technical requirements, intended use, material needs, tolerances, schedule constraints, and fabrication concerns.
• Performs shop mathematics and identifies missing dimensions, unclear tolerances, material concerns, fixture needs, assembly risks, and fabrication constraints before work begins.
• Supports assigned customer orders by reviewing technical requirements, documenting work performed, tracking labor and material usage, communicating job status, and escalating scope, cost, schedule, safety, or manufacturability concerns to the Supervisor.
• Performs in-process and final inspection using appropriate precision measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, indicators, gauge pins, height gauges, surface plates, and other shop metrology equipment.
• Verifies critical dimensions, fit, function, finish, and assembly requirements before delivery.
• Trains or assists other shop personnel, interns, or student workers as assigned.
• Participates in shop safety, equipment maintenance, cleanup, organization, and special projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• 1. High school diploma or equivalent
• 2. Any combination totaling four (4) years (48 months) from the categories below:
• A. Successful completion of a machinist apprentice (or a closely related program) in an approved training program or in a training program established by an employer served by the State Universities Civil Service System.
• B. Work experience comparable to that performed at the Laboratory Mechanic level of this series or in other positions of comparable responsibility.
• C. Coursework in welding, electrical/electronics, HVAC, industrial technology machining or manufacturing or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
• 30 semester hours equal to one (1) year (12 months)
• 60 semester hours (or an Associate's degree) equals to two (2) years (24 months)
• 3. Three (3) years (36 months) of work experience in the design and construction of laboratory apparatus/precision instruments (such as, but not limited to scale models of machine tools, special machinery, progressive dies, jigs, and fixtures).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience fabricating one-off or low-volume prototype parts where drawings, tolerances, materials, and customer requirements may evolve during the project.
• Experience working with technical and non-technical customers to clarify requirements and produce practical fabrication solutions.
• Experience with prototype fabrication, three-dimensional (3D) printing, laser marking or engraving, small-batch manufacturing, and custom fixture development.
• Familiarity with Solid Works, Fusion 360, Feature CAM, or comparable Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software.
• Experience with basic instrument-level electronics, including low-voltage wiring, power supplies, sensors, actuators, electronic modules, connectors, cable management, soldering, continuity testing, and safe integration of electronic components into mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to interpret and apply tolerances, fits, finish requirements, and basic Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with metals, plastics, polymers,…