Department
PSD Engineering and Technical Support Group
About the Department
The Engineering and Technical Support Group (ETSG) provides engineering and technical support to University research groups and assists the University’s educational mission by providing technical assistance and enabling learning opportunities for students. Projects that the group is currently working on include particle detectors, astronomical telescopes, synchrotron light source beamlines, and high-altitude balloon gondolas. The ETSG is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive climate that encourages teamwork, open communication, and sharing of ideas.
Job Summary
This position supports the research mission of the Physical Sciences Division at The University of Chicago by providing a wide and flexible range of services to research groups including mechanical design, part and material sourcing, assembly and installation of research apparatus, the operation and maintenance of technical equipment, and providing training on technical equipment.
Responsibilities
Works under direction of ETSG engineers and/or project principal investigator.
Assists in the development of mechanical designs in support of research activities at the University.
Provides technical and administrative support for research projects.
Uses computer aided design (CAD) software to generate engineering models and drawings.
Participates in effort to construct new apparatus.
Works with University and/or outside shops to fabricate parts.
Procures parts and materials.
Assembles and installs research apparatus.
Operates and maintains 3d printers and other rapid-fabrication equipment.
Maintains computer workstations, tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), and other supplies in student laboratory.
Works closely with other University staff (e.g. safety, facilities, IT) as needed.
Develops new skills and expertise to better support research efforts.
Adapts type and level of involvement according to project needs.
Manages and tracks effort in accordance with project commitments and priorities.
Works safely and in accordance with University safety policies.
Installs, sets up, and performs research experiments. Interacts with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
Under a limited degree of supervision, provides technical support in the development, analysis, and maintenance of engineering processes, products, or equipment.
Works within defined processes to interpret engineering and product documentation, such as change orders, blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and photographs.
Assembles, tests, and repairs electronic and production equipment, machinery, systems, and units. Evaluates the performance and reliability of a prototype or production model.
Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Associate’s degree, certificate, or some college education in computer-aided design, engineering technology, or related area, or equivalent level of experience is strongly preferred.
Experience:
- Experience in assembly, installation, maintenance, and/or repair of mechanical systems.
- Experience with scientific apparatus.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Experience with various computer aided design (CAD) software packages to generate 3d models and 2d drawings for engineering designs.
- Working knowledge of conventional machining and joining technologies and methods.
- Working knowledge of additive manufacturing and similar advanced fabrication technologies.
Preferred Competencies
- Ability to establish and maintain respectful and professional working relationships within a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students at the University, as well as with business partners and collaborating research groups around the world.
- Ability to support several simultaneous projects, balancing time according to set expectations and priorities.
- Diverse, adaptable technical skill set and problem-solving ability.
- Ability to use common mechanics hand tools properly and safely.
Working Conditions
- Roughly half of the work will be performed on a personal computer in an office environment, and half will be performed in the shop or laboratory.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Non-Exempt
Pay Frequency
Biweekly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the
University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward
.
The University of Chicago is an
Affirmative Action/
Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer
and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the
University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via
Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
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http://securityreport.uchicago.edu
. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.