The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University · 2 months ago
Laboratory Engineering Support Specialist
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is seeking a motivated Engineering Support Specialist to join their Materials and Mechanicals Development team. The role involves supporting various research activities and collaborating with engineers to design and optimize materials and testing equipment.
Universities
Responsibilities
Support and perform daily aspects of hardware fabrication and testing in the research facility
Report test progress to the principal investigators and other engineering personnel
Collaborate with principal investigators daily
Perform inspections of test articles and document results
Work with engineers to plan, design, and assemble new test equipment
Read and interpret mechanical designs drawings for new test specimens and machine parts
Assist with design and construction of new test equipment
Troubleshoot malfunctioning test equipment both mechanical and electrical
Install and use instrumentation such as strain gages, thermocouples, accelerometers, etc
Responsible for restocking and procurement of lab supplies
Assist and support fabrication of complex multiple material components
Assist other research personnel with their work as needed in a small research teams
Train students and staff on proper operation of laboratory equipment
Execute and document operating procedures on existing and new hardware
Supervise and train interns on equipment operations
Qualification
Required
Associate's Degree in a technical program plus four years of related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience with engineering drawings, both mechanical and electrical
Operation of various shop and hand tools, precision measurements, drawing interpretation
Working knowledge of electrical assembly (wiring, sensors, power connections)
Work with engineers to plan, design, and assemble new test equipment
Perform and/or review inspections, tests and calibrations of parts and equipment as required by task operations and completion
Collaborate with senior technical/engineering staff to research emerging best practices, technologies and vendors for qualified task/project execution
Proficiency in Microsoft Office with the ability and willingness to learn new computer programs
Ability to express yourself and ideas successfully to others in order to provide understanding
Preferred
Manage and assign tasking and support all support staff levels
Provide and manage preventive maintenance and test planning schedules
Working knowledge of materials and structures, especially polymer resins and adhesives
Operation and training of advanced equipment ranging from optical microscopy to programmable furnaces to long-term monitoring of test equipment
Prior experience in process development, design of experiments, and materials processing
Experience supporting legacy equipment
Company
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University
The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is an integral part of one of the leading research universities in the nation.