Senior Laboratory Mechanic - RRC Scientific Instrument Shop, Vice Chancellor for Research

Senior Laboratory Mechanic

Under supervision from the Supervisor of the Scientific Instrument Shop within the Research Resources Center (RRC), the Senior Laboratory Mechanic performs skilled fabrication, modification, assembly, testing, and support work for custom research apparatus, prototype instruments, fixtures, jigs, and shop-related equipment. The position works from drawings, sketches, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files, verbal requirements, and researcher-provided concepts to produce research-ready components and assemblies. Work includes manual and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, precision measurement, fitting, assembly, basic instrument-level electrical integration, troubleshooting, documentation, and safe operation of shop equipment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Designs, fabricates, modifies, fits, and assembles custom research apparatus, prototype instruments, precision components, fixtures, jigs, setup aids, soft jaws, templates, and custom work-holding to safely and accurately produce reliable, research-ready components and assemblies.
• Performs troubleshooting, modification, assembly, maintenance, and repair of approved research apparatus and shop equipment within the approved shop scope.
• Performs soldering, brazing, welding, bonding, fastening, mechanical assembly, and basic instrument-level electrical integration.
• Work may include low-voltage wiring, Direct Current (DC) power supply and module installation, sensor and actuator connections, connector assembly, cable routing, strain relief, labeling, continuity checks, and safe enclosure integration.
• Reviews drawings, sketches, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files, verbal concepts, and researcher requirements for manufacturability.
• Communicates with researchers, customers, and shop personnel within assigned work to clarify technical requirements, intended use, material needs, tolerances, schedule constraints, and fabrication concerns.
• Performs shop mathematics and identifies missing dimensions, unclear tolerances, material concerns, fixture needs, assembly risks, and fabrication constraints before work begins.
• Supports assigned customer orders by reviewing technical requirements, documenting work performed, tracking labor and material usage, communicating job status, and escalating scope, cost, schedule, safety, or manufacturability concerns to the Supervisor.
• Performs in-process and final inspection using appropriate precision measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, indicators, gauge pins, height gauges, surface plates, and other shop metrology equipment.
• Verifies critical dimensions, fit, function, finish, and assembly requirements before delivery.
• Trains or assists other shop personnel, interns, or student workers as assigned.
• Participates in shop safety, equipment maintenance, cleanup, organization, and special projects.

Minimum Qualifications Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Any combination totaling four (4) years (48 months) from the categories below:
• A. Successful completion of a machinist apprentice (or a closely related program) in an approved training program or in a training program established by an employer served by the State Universities Civil Service System.
• B. Work experience comparable to that performed at the Laboratory Mechanic level of this series or in other positions of comparable responsibility.
• C. Coursework in welding, electrical/electronics, HVAC, industrial technology machining or manufacturing or a closely related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent:
• 30 semester hours equal to one (1) year (12 months)
• 60 semester hours (or an Associate's degree) equals to two (2) years (24 months)
• Three (3) years (36 months) of work experience in the design and construction of laboratory apparatus/precision instruments (such as, but not limited to scale models of machine tools, special machinery, progressive dies, jigs, and fixtures).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience fabricating one-off or low-volume prototype parts where drawings, tolerances, materials, and customer requirements may evolve during the project.
• Experience working with technical and non-technical customers to clarify requirements and produce practical fabrication solutions.
• Experience with prototype fabrication, three-dimensional (3D) printing, laser marking or engraving, small-batch manufacturing, and custom fixture development.
• Familiarity with SolidWorks, Fusion 360, FeatureCAM, or comparable Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software.
• Experience with basic instrument-level electronics, including low-voltage wiring, power supplies, sensors, actuators, electronic modules, connectors, cable management, soldering, continuity testing, and safe integration of electronic components into mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to interpret and apply tolerances, fits, finish requirements, and basic Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with metals, plastics, polymers, composites, and other materials commonly used in research apparatus.
• Ability to document work clearly, including setup notes, inspection results, fabrication concerns, material usage, labor usage, and recommended next steps.
• Ability to recognize when a requested design may be unsafe, impractical, outside shop scope, or likely to fail, and escalate concerns before fabrication.
• Knowledge of materials and of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, and the ability to make calculations needed for designing and constructing apparatus.
• Skill in performing maintenance on shop equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Skill in determining causes of operating errors and deciding what corrective action is appropriate.
• Ability to perform precision work and develop the necessary jigs, fixtures, and workholding required in the construction of laboratory apparatus.
• Ability to install equipment, machines, wiring, components, or modules to meet approved specifications and to operate such equipment safely.
• Ability to effectively communicate information verbally and in writing so that others can understand.
• Ability to understand written instructions.
• Ability to train and direct others as assigned.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret drawings, sketches, and diagrams of systems involving mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic devices, and the ability to produce simple sketches for production purposes.

To Apply:

For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the online application including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.

Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.