Technical Associate II

TECHNICAL ASSOCIATE II , Mechanical Engineering, will manage the day‑to‑day operations of the Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Lab and support the engineering, logistical, and administrative needs of a research group of approximately 30 students, postdocs, and staff. The role involves coordinating and contributing to the design, prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, transport, and iterative improvement of bench‑scale and pilot‑scale mechanical and electromechanical systems, such as solar‑powered devices, data acquisition and power management systems, brackish water desalination systems, irrigation systems, agricultural equipment, assistive technologies, and custom mechanical testing equipment. Responsibilities Coordinate domestic and international field pilot activities, including prototype installation, testing, logistics, and collaboration with research teams and external partners. Manage multiple concurrent projects by developing plans, setting milestones, monitoring progress, and adapting priorities as needed. Provide guidance to students and junior staff and support research planning across a range of lab initiatives. Oversee shared lab operations and resources, including onboarding materials and processes, online documentation and code repositories, weekly lab activities, and the operation and maintenance of the lab’s fabrication facility and machine shop. Coordinate space and equipment usage, support maintenance and upgrades, and oversee sourcing and resupply of lab consumables. Contribute to sponsor reports, presentations, and academic publications, with opportunities to participate in or lead technical writing efforts. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience). Minimum of four years of experience working in an academic engineering research and/or commercial R&D environment. Strong engineering program management skills. Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, leadership experience, and technical expertise in mechanical and/or electromechanical design. #J-18808-Ljbffr Massachusetts Institute of Technology