Laboratory Mechanic;

Laboratory Mechanic

Laboratory Mechanic (0886)

With 18 departments and spanning the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the largest of NIU's six undergraduate colleges. By the nature of our mission, we touch virtually every new student to the university, regardless of their major, through the wide array of general education courses housed within our departments.

The Laboratory Mechanic has the opportunity to interact with faculty, students and staff as they work with CLAS departments to create, build and repair equipment and parts used for research and instruction by the Liberal Arts and Science community.

Testing, repair, and maintenance tests and operates laboratory equipment. Performs simple scheduled mechanical maintenance and repairs as needed. Employs welding, brazing, and hard and soft soldering techniques as necessary. Maintains organization and cleanliness of the facility. Makes and fit laboratory equipment and apparatus as requested from units within CLAS. Fabricate parts or components with CAD/CAM software to create part files for CNC machine tools.

Demonstrates use of simple laboratory equipment with responsibility for giving out instructions on operating, maintenance, and storage procedures. Maintains the organization and cleanliness of the machine shop. Updates annual machine shop inventory. Other duties as assigned, which may include working in elevated or confined spaces.

High school diploma or equivalent. Any combination totaling four (4) years (48 months) from the categories below: 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. Work experience comparable to that performed at the Assistant Laboratory Mechanic level of this series or in other positions of comparable responsibility.

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 equals one (1) year (12 months) 60 semester hours (or an Associate's degree) equals two (2) years (24 months)

Knowledge of materials (e.g., metals) and of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance Working knowledge of computer systems, such as CAD files and CAM software Knowledge of math concepts and applications, including algebra, trigonometry, and geometry Skilled in performing maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed) Skilled at determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it Skill and ability to perform necessary maintenance and repair on laboratory equipment Ability to install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications and to operate such equipment Ability to effectively communicate information verbally and in writing so that others can understand Ability to understand written instructions Ability to train and direct others Ability to read, understand, and interpret maintenance manuals, schematics, drawings, sketches, and diagrams of systems involving mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic devices, and the ability to produce simple sketches for production purposes

Stand for extended periods of time Climb ladders Work in confined spaces Lift up to 50lbs.

Anticipated Appointment Start Date - 08/16/2026 Percent of Staff Year - 1.00 Standard Hours Per Week - 37.50 Working Hours - Monday-Friday, 8 am - 4:30 pm, one-hour lunch Salary - $43,075.50 - $46,995.00 annually; NIU offers a robust benefits package. Hourly or Semi-monthly Pay Rate/Range - $22.09-$24.10 an hour

Application Procedures:
Fully complete the Education and Work History sections of the application. Be specific on your entire work history, including employment dates and duties for all positions held. Applicable part-time work experience will be considered toward qualifying for this position; however, it will be converted to a full-time equivalency to determine combined length of experience. Important:
Please upload any unofficial transcript(s) and/or documentation that verifies any education, experience, and/or training you have received. If eligible for Veteran's Preference Points, DD214/DD215/NGB
22/DD256 paperwork reflecting an Honorable Discharge MUST be uploaded to this application to receive the maximum eligible points on the Civil Service examination. After the posting has closed, your submission will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the classification, including any specialty factors associated with this position. If you meet the minimum required qualifications for this position, you will receive a score based on your education and experience, and your name will be placed on the active employment register.

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