Technical Engineering Specialist

The purpose of this position is to provide essential technical and engineering support to the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI), specifically within the Technology Research Center (TRC). This role is responsible for the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, modification, and repair of TRC equipment, instrumentation, and research laboratories. In addition, the position will function as a hands‑on Process Engineer by independently executing complex, non‑routine chemical and bio‑process engineering research projects.

This includes experiment design, the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), data analysis, reporting of results, and formulating process and equipment recommendations to advance the institute's research goals.
Typical hiring range for this soft‑money funded position is $55,000 to $65,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description

About the University: The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top‑tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world.

More information about UMaine is . The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life.

Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.

• A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a technical or scientific discipline (e.g., Engineering, Engineering Technology, Chemistry, Physics, or related field) plus three to five years of relevant professional experience.
• Valid State of Maine 3rd Class Steam Engineer license.
• Proven experience in the installation, assembly, operation, and maintenance of industrial and/or prototype equipment, instrumentation, and control systems.
• Direct experience with rheology and the handling/pumping of non‑Newtonian, semi‑solid materials, including system selection and troubleshooting.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and diagnose mechanical and minor electrical issues, followed by efficient repair and maintenance.

• Exceptional technical curiosity and creative problem‑solving skills (the "Mac Gyver factor"): ability to independently analyze complex process and equipment failures, determine root causes, and rapidly implement innovative solutions and improvements.
• Proficiency in interpreting mechanical drawings and written instructions for the correct assembly and modification of equipment.
• Strong commitment to strict adherence to safety protocols and quality control guidelines.
• Willingness and ability to quickly learn the operation of specialized research equipment (e.g., pellet mill, rotary tube furnace, scientific reactors, proprietary processing equipment) and core plant processes (e.g., enzymatic hydrolysis, evaporation, filtering).
• Ability to maintain a satisfactory level of productivity in the absence of specific instructions or supervision when necessary.
• Ability to supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate student researchers.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds and perform other necessary manual and physically demanding tasks.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or…