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Senior Lab Mechanician (8652C) - Mechanical Engineering

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are committed to creating a community that fosters equity of experience and opportunity, and ensures that students, faculty, and staff of all backgrounds feel safe, welcome and included. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

The University of California, Berkeley, is one of the world's leading institutions of higher education, distinguished by its combination of internationally recognized academic and research excellence; the transformative opportunity it provides to a large and diverse student body; its public mission and commitment to equity and social justice; and its roots in the California experience, animated by such values as innovation, questioning the status quo, and respect for the environment and nature. Since its founding in 1868, Berkeley has fueled a perpetual renaissance, generating unparalleled intellectual, economic and social value in California, the United States and the world.

We are looking for equity-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present in our community. When you join the team at Berkeley, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, innovative and equity-focused community that approaches higher education as a matter of social justice that requires broad collaboration among faculty, staff, students and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at Berkeley, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, our Principles of Community, and our Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. To find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley, visit grow.berkeley.edu.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is a large academic department within the College of Engineering with 41 faculty, 21 career staff, and approximately 1000 students. The Department has research and instructional laboratories in Etcheverry Hall, Hesse Hall, and the Richmond Field Station. Mechanical Engineering's Technical & Instructional Support Group consists of 8 career staff and forms the primary support to research laboratories, "hands on" instructional laboratories, and a complete student access instructional machine shop.

Aerospace Engineering Major Program
At Berkeley Engineering, we offer a modern aerospace engineering major that combines comprehensive topical coverage, technical rigor and practical relevance. This major has been designed from the ground up for students who aspire to become leaders in an emerging era of aerospace technologies, including sustainable aviation, autonomous flight and space exploration. With a UC Berkeley aerospace engineering degree, you can find employment in industry - such as multinational corporations that design and manufacture aerospace systems at scale, or mid-size and small private companies that develop targeted technologies - or in federal government agencies such as NASA, the FAA or federal defense organizations.

This position is critical to the Department of Mechanical Engineering's and to the Aerospace Program's instructional teaching missions, since a significant number of the courses require students to design and build complex class projects to illustrate and provide practical experience. The Sr. Lab Mechanician is responsible for maintaining safe research operations, overseeing undergraduate and graduate laboratory operations, as many of the experiments can be hazardous if not properly executed. Experienced professional oversight in the instruction and interaction of these laboratories' tools is paramount in developing a positive student experience while reducing the potential risk of injury.

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: October 10, 2024 - Open Until Filled

Responsibilities

30% - Under general supervision, the Senior Laboratory Mechanician performs and/or assists in overseeing the performance of laboratory and experimental facilities, equipment, and instrument systems; participates in the construction, assembly, and testing of laboratory and experimental facilities, equipment, and instrument systems; provides training and supervision to students, in the laboratories on safety, proper use of tools and processes, contemporary laboratory testing, and advice on functional design issues related to working on unique and potentially volatile experiments.

30% - Under general supervision, the Senior Laboratory Mechanican assists in conducting design reviews, provide recommendations on best practices for manufacturability of individual and group class and student club project designs. Work independently and collaboratively on the design, construction, assembly, debugging, testing, installation, and maintenance of experimental systems and instrument systems used by undergraduate students and graduate student instructors in instructional labs.

20% - Under general supervision, the Senior Laboratory Mechanician would perform all the duties of a precision machinist/fabricator, working on unique and potentially volatile experiments. Work with faculty, staff and students in the design and fabrication of complex class and research projects. Operate all standard instruments in the area of machining, metalworking, and welding.

10% - Under general supervision, Perform all of the duties of an electronics technician include design, repair, calibration and maintenance functions on analog and digital electronics and electromechanical systems. Write, modify and debug graphical data acquisition programs. Maintain and update laboratory computers and local networks Develop and maintain schematics and documentation of the laboratory systems.

10% - Perform duties of Technical & Instructional Laboratory Safety Officer, conduct required monthly safety inspections, perform annual chemical inventory, disposal of waste materials. In collaboration with Technical Group Manager and Lead R&D Engineer 2 plan and participate in safety training for staff. Assist in coordination of corrections of outstanding safety inspection issues. Maintain and repair instructional laboratory machinery and equipment as necessary. Act as an information resource and communication link on safety matters. Assist with maintaining chemical inventory and other safety records. Perform office and laboratory maintenance including moving of offices, labs, and equipment, as well as other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.


• Working knowledge of engineering principles and methods in order to assist in the design, fabrication and instructional support of the educational and research laboratories.


• Working knowledge of manufacturing best practices and safe machine tool operation. Operate all standard instruments in the area of machining, metalworking, and welding.


• Organizational abilities to follow prioritized work assignments.


• Effective written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to work in a collaborative manner, to assist in identifying any challenges or barrier.


• Fluency in Mechanical modeling and analysis.


• Fluency in aerodynamic imaging technique (Schlieren).

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $37.89 (Step 1) to $43.53 (Step 4) hourly. This is a 100% FTE career position eligible for full benefits. This position is FLSA Non-exempt and paid biweekly.

Referral Source Info

This job is part of the Employee Referral Program. If a UC Berkeley employee is referring you, please ensure you select the Referral Source of "UCB Employee". Then enter the employee's Name and Berkeley email address in the Specific Referral Source field. Please enter only one name and email.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For more information about your rights as an applicant, please see the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission poster.

The University of California's Affirmative action policy.

The University of California's Anti-Discrimination policy.


To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=73292&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=21&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant