Technical Associate I

TECHNICAL ASSOCIATE I, Mechanical Engineering, will coordinate the day-to-day operations of the Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Lab, supporting approximately 30 students, postdoctoral associates, and staff; and assist research teams with planning, designing, fabricating, troubleshooting, testing, transporting, and improving bench-scale and pilot-scale mechanical and electromechanical prototypes for domestic and international projects. Research areas may include solar-powered devices, data acquisition and power management systems, desalination and irrigation systems, agricultural equipment, assistive technologies, and customized testing equipment. Under PI guidance, will help coordinate engineering activities across multiple projects, develop short- and long-term plans and milestones, monitor progress, adapt plans, and provide input on research priorities. Will support field pilots by coordinating installation and testing plans, communicating with implementation partners, managing logistics, and assisting with on-site equipment installation and testing. Will also support laboratory administration under the PI’s direction, including student onboarding, fabrication facility scheduling and maintenance, equipment upgrades, sourcing supplies, managing shared shop space, maintaining document and code repositories, and coordinating meetings and events. Will train and mentor students through design reviews, project updates, constructive feedback, and team-building activities. May contribute to academic publications, reports, and presentations for sponsors and other stakeholders as assigned by the PI when needed.

REQUIRED: Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or related technical field preferred, or equivalent experience; and a minimum of two years of experience working in academic engineering research and/or commercial R&D environment.

This is a one-year term appointment with the possibility of renewal. Renewal is contingent upon continued funding, ongoing project and operational needs, and satisfactory performance.

9/4/2026