University of Maine · 17 hours ago
Technical Engineering Specialist
College Avenue, Orono, ME, 04469, US
Full-time
Onsite
Mid Level
$55K/yr - $65K/yr
3+ years expThe University of Maine is a public research university located in Orono, ME, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research, and service. They are seeking a Technical Engineering Specialist to provide essential technical and engineering support to the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute, focusing on the operation, maintenance, and repair of TRC equipment and conducting complex engineering research projects.
EducationSocial EntrepreneurshipUniversities
Responsibilities
Provide essential technical and engineering support to the Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI)
Ensure the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, modification, and repair of TRC equipment, instrumentation, and research laboratories
Function as a hands-on Process Engineer by independently executing complex, non-routine chemical and bio-process engineering research projects
Design experiments, develop standard operating procedures (SOPs), analyze data, report results, and formulate process and equipment recommendations to advance the institute's research goals
Qualification
Required
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 'MacGyver 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
Preferred
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology
Work experience in a minimum of one of the following trades or technical areas: machine tool operation, industrial piping, millwrighting, welding, and fabrication
Benefits
Tuition benefits (employee and dependent)
Comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability
Retirement plan options
Company
University of Maine
UMaine is a public university with various graduate and undergraduate degree programs and research opportunities.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
University of Maine has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (26)
2024 (31)
2023 (19)
2022 (18)
2021 (25)
2020 (22)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$22.48MKey Investors
National Institute of Food and AgricultureAgricultural Research ServiceMaine.gov
2023-06-14Grant· $0.65M
2023-04-24Grant· $2.25M
2022-12-13Grant· $0.47M
Leadership Team
David Dvorak
Director, New England Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership
Meredith Whitfield
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
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