Mechanical Technicians (Multiple Openings)

Lawrence Berkeley National Lab’s (LBNL) Engineering Division currently has openings for Mechanical Technicians (Multiple Openings) to join our team.

In this exciting and highly diverse role, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory mechanical technicians perform, or supervise mechanical work involving the design, fabrication, assembly, modification, maintenance, and repair of specialized and or precision scientific instruments and apparatus of great variety.

Mechanical technicians perform or lead work that requires experience and skills in one or more of the following areas: precision mechanical assembly, machining, welding and brazing, sheet metal, and may have specific knowledge in such fields as fabrications, electro-mechanical devices, machining, materials science, optics, cryogenics, vacuum systems, computers, accelerators, and ancillary scientific research apparatus. They develop specific mechanical details with respect to component relationships, sizes, and fits, based on rough sketches, electronic data, or oral information related to the basic design of the apparatus. Success and advancement in this position requires a very good knowledge of fabrication tools and methods, materials, computers, metallurgy, mechanics, and measurement.

At the higher levels, mechanical technicians participate in functional design and frequently recommend modifications to solve problems which inhibit or enhance the function or utilization of the device or apparatus. Assignments require advanced mechanical technicians to apply a high degree of comprehension of the researcher’s needs, institutional safety requirements, and the restrictions of the test environment where the equipment will be operated. Researchers depend on the originality and ingenuity of mechanical technicians for the solution of fabrication, assembly, installation, and related problems. Senior mechanical technicians accept project responsibility for the job, anticipate project needs and bring them to the attention of the stakeholders. They determine tooling, material and supply needs, estimate job time and costs, identify specialized skill requirements and maintain documentation. They often work independently to maintain schedules and meet project and experimental deadlines.

Mechanical Engineering Technician (Level 1) Specific Responsibilities:

• Under the guidance of a mentor, candidate will be exposed to a variety of routine technical work including fabrication, assembling, machining, installing, set up, operating, testing, inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, or modifying standard apparatus, parts and components, devices, equipment, processes or systems.
• Learn to utilize a wide variety of metallic and non-metallic materials, formulations and processes.

Mechanical Engineering Technician (Level 2) Specific Responsibilities:

• Under limited supervision or independently on special assignments, provide broad and varied technical support at journey level in the field of mechanical technology in one or more areas.
• Perform moderately complex assignments and exercise independent judgment.
• Follow general specifications and plan work methods to achieve desired characteristics or results.
• May prepare and use computer programs and operate associated equipment to accomplish assignments.
• May lead or instruct others in applying technical concepts which require both standard and unique methods.
• Develop, design, fabricate, assemble, machine, install, set up, operate, test, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, or modify a variety of scientific apparatus, equipment, components, devices, or systems and perform related technical support activities.

Mechanical Engineering Technician (Level 3) Specific Responsibilities:

• Work independently with limited detail and oversight on special assignments with principal investigators, providing broad and varied technical support at advanced journey level in the field of mechanical technology in one or more.
• Complete complex assignments and exercise independent judgment with limited oversight.
• Develop general specifications and plan work methods and safety controls to achieve desired characteristics or results.
• May prepare and use computer programs and operate associated equipment to accomplish assignments.
• May lead or instruct others in applying technical concepts which require both standard and unique methods.
• Develop, design, fabricate, assemble, machine, install, set up, operate, test, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, or modify a variety of scientific apparatus, equipment, components, devices, or systems and perform related technical support activities.

Mechanical Engineering Technician (Level 4) Specific Responsibilities:

• As a highly skilled specialist on special assignments, work directly with principal investigators, providing broad and varied technical support at advanced journey level in the field of mechanical technology in many.
• Independently conceptualize and complete complex assignments and exercise independent judgment and initiative with limited technical oversight.
• Develop specific specifications and plan work methods and safety controls to achieve desired characteristics or results.
• Use advanced computer programs and or CAD to operate associated manufacturing equipment to accomplish assignments.
• Lead, mentor, and or instruct others in applying technical concepts which require both standard and unique methods.
• Independently develop, do detailed design, fabricate, assemble, machine, install, set up, align, operate, test, inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, or modify laboratory scientific apparatus, facility equipment, components, devices, or support systems and perform most related technical support activities.

Additional Responsibilities as needed for the Mechanical Engineering Technician (Level 1 & 2 & 3 & 4):

• Operate calculators, personal computers and computer terminals to access and/or measure and collect results from operating equipment, or information on parts, components, and materials necessary to accomplish assignments.
• Access database information to identify, select and procure parts, components, and materials. Perform complex mathematical calculations.

Mechanical Engineering Technician (Level 1) Qualifications:
 

Required:

• 1-2 years of experience in a mechanical or electro-mechanical background.
• Background and work experience in basic mechanical and/or electromechanical technology or enrolled in a technical program. 
• Technical knowledge, skills and work experience in any of the following areas: fabrication, assembling, machining, installation, set up, operating, testing, inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, processes control and procedures.
• Some knowledge in the operation of standard hand, power, and or machine tools.
• Ability to operate personal computers.

Preferred:

• AA degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or equivalent work experience in industry or military training desired.
• Knowledge to interpret elementary engineering drawings, sketches, parts lists, and component layout and assembly diagrams desired.
• Competency in identifying mechanical parts and components including sizes, ratings, tolerances, finishes, materials, and appropriate applications desired.

Mechanical Engineering Technician (Level 2) Qualifications:

Required:

• 2-4 years of experience in a mechanical or electro-mechanical background.
• Substantial technical understanding of mechanical or electromechanical theory and work practices, scientific and engineering principles, and technical mathematics.
• Substantial knowledge, skill and work experience in performing general setups, testing, troubleshooting, repair, calibration, operation and maintenance of complex mechanical, electromechanical and scientific apparatuses, equipment and systems, and in assembling, testing and measuring complex mechanical components and equipment using measuring and testing tools, and equipment.
• Knowledge of and ability to select, setup, and utilize appropriate hand, power, and machine tools either manual or CNC controlled.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully accomplish assignments by exercising sound independent judgment under general guidance and limited supervision, and to interpret complex engineering drawings, sketches, and component layout and assembly diagrams.
• General knowledge of mechanical equipment design procedures and techniques. 
• Proficient communication skills; ability to interact effectively with a broad range of individuals.
• Demonstrated experience working in a successful technical team, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and willingness to work in a flexible, changing work environment.
• Ability to operate personal computers, including 2D/3D CAD/CAM software.
• Ability to mentor and train less experienced mechanical technicians.

Preferred:

• An AA degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or the equivalent in industry work experience or military training is preferred.

Mechanical Engineering Technician (Level 3) Required Qualifications:

• 4-6 years of experience in a mechanical or electro-mechanical background.
• Advanced technical understanding of mechanical or electromechanical theory and work practices, scientific and engineering principles, and complex technical mathematics.
• Advanced knowledge, skill and work experience in performing complex setups, testing, troubleshooting, repair, calibration, operation and maintenance of complex mechanical, electromechanical and scientific apparatuses, equipment and systems, and in assembling, testing and measuring complex mechanical components and equipment using measuring and testing tools, and equipment.
• Knowledge of and ability to select, setup, and utilize appropriate hand, power, and machine tools either manual or CNC controlled.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully accomplish assignments by exercising sound independent judgment under general guidance and limited supervision, and to interpret complex engineering drawings, sketches, and component layout and assembly diagrams.
• Advanced knowledge of mechanical equipment design procedures and techniques. 
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact effectively with a broad range of individuals.
• Demonstrated experience working in a successful technical team, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, and willingness to work in a flexible, changing work environment.
• Ability to operate personal computers, including 2D/3D CAD/CAM software.
• An AA degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or the equivalent in industry work experience or military training.
• Ability to mentor and train less experienced mechanical technicians.

Mechanical Engineering Technician (Level 4) Required Qualifications:

• 6+ years of experience in a mechanical or electro-mechanical background.
• Advanced and specialized technical understanding of mechanical or electromechanical theory and work practices, scientific and engineering principles, and complex technical mathematics.
• Advanced knowledge, skill and work experience in performing complex setups, testing, troubleshooting, repair, calibration, operation and maintenance of complex mechanical, electromechanical and scientific apparatuses, equipment and systems, and in assembling, testing and measuring complex mechanical components and equipment using measuring and testing tools, and equipment.
• Knowledge of and ability to select, setup, and utilize appropriate hand, power, and machine tools either manual or CNC controlled.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully accomplish assignments by exercising sound independent judgment under general guidance and limited supervision, and to interpret and create complex engineering drawings, sketches, and component layout and assembly diagrams.
• Ability to mentor and train less experienced mechanical technicians.
• Ability to conceptualize and do detailed design, estimating from rough concepts and completing the fabrication, construction, installation and testing of complex pieces of research or infrastructure apparatus.
• An AA degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology or the equivalent in industry work experience or military training.

Notes:

• This is a full-time, career appointment, non-exempt (hourly paid) from overtime pay. 
• This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
• Salary will be determined based on range ($25.88/hour to $62.90/hour) by collective bargaining agreement.
• This position may be subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Berkeley Lab is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) and strives to hire individuals from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who share these same values and commitments.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA.
• All positions will require a valid California Driver’s License

Equal Employment Opportunity: Berkeley Lab 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, age, or protected veteran status. Berkeley Lab is in compliance with the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision under 41 CFR 60-1.4. Click here to view the poster and supplement: "Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law."