This position provides technical support for the department’s research and instructional mission through the fabrication, repair, modification, and maintenance of custom laboratory apparatus and equipment. Responsibilities include custom machining and welding, repair and troubleshooting of laboratory systems, design and technical consultation, upkeep of machine shop equipment and work areas, and maintenance of fabrication and repair records.

Fabrication 

• Fabricates, modifies, and assembles custom research apparatus and precision components for faculty research and departmental laboratory needs.
• Operates conventional machine tools and related equipment to produce parts and assemblies requiring close tolerances.
• Performs TIG welding, brazing, silver soldering, torch work, electrical layout and wiring, and related fabrication processes.
• Produces custom components and assemblies for a range of research applications, including laser tables, mass spectrometer components, gloveboxes, shaker tables, superconducting magnet components, vacuum systems, prototype molds, optic mounts, custom stages, piping assemblies, and support structures.
• Ensures completed work is appropriate for the intended operating environment, including vacuum, pressure, cryogenic, corrosive, superheated, or other specialized research conditions.

Repairs 

• Maintains, repairs, rebuilds, and troubleshoots laboratory equipment and instrumentation used throughout the department.
• Diagnoses mechanical and electrical issues and determines appropriate repair methods.
• Identifies replacement options when parts are obsolete and fabricates replacement components when commercially available options are not feasible.
• Repairs and supports equipment such as vacuum pumps, laboratory refrigerators and freezers, centrifuges, spinvacs, lyophilizers, shakers, vortexers, chillers, circulators, electric motors, and other laboratory support systems.
• Helps maintain reliable operation of research equipment essential to departmental teaching and research functions.

Design Support 

• Consults with faculty, staff, students, and research personnel to understand research objectives and technical needs.
• Develops working drawings, hand sketches, or CAD-based designs for parts and assemblies.
• Selects appropriate materials based on intended use, environmental conditions, thermal requirements, and compatibility with existing systems.
• Identifies and resolves design and fabrication problems that arise during development and production.
• Assists with modifications to existing systems to support changing research needs.

Shop Operations 

• Maintains machine shop equipment, tools, measuring devices, and work areas in safe and serviceable condition.
• Performs routine upkeep and housekeeping for shop equipment such as milling machines, lathes, grinders, drill presses, welders, torches, presses, punches, brakes, and bandsaws.
• Monitors shop conditions and equipment functionality to support safe and efficient operations.
• Follows established safety procedures and promotes proper use of tools, equipment, and workspaces.

Records 

• Maintains technical records associated with fabrication and repair activities.
• Organizes drawings, blueprints, prototype files, repair logs, troubleshooting notes, and CAM/CNC programming files.
• Preserves documentation for repeat fabrication, future repairs, continuity of operations, and historical reference.

Other Duties 

• Performs other related duties as assigned in support of departmental operations, research support needs, and machine shop functions.

• Ability to design research apparatus and prepare working drawings or sketches for fabrication.
• Demonstrated skill in operating conventional machine shop equipment and electrical test equipment.
• Ability to work accurately within close tolerances.
• Demonstrated experience with welding, brazing, soldering, and related metalworking techniques.
• Knowledge of weld preparations, seals, and joints for vacuum and pressure applications.
• Knowledge of refrigeration systems; EPA 608 Type I certification preferred, or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
• Knowledge of engineering plastics, ceramics, and metal alloys used in research and fabrication environments.
• Knowledge of cutting tool technology and sharpening techniques.
• Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills, including the ability to rebuild or repair complex pumps and laboratory equipment.
• Basic computer proficiency, including ability to maintain technical files and documentation.
• Demonstrated ability to learn new fabrication methods, equipment, and processes.