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Engineering Laboratory Assistant Jobs in Indiana

Engineering Technician Job Category: Service Contract Act Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance ... Assisting with general laboratory organization and upkeep.) Assist with the analysis of production ...

Train, mentor, and qualify operators within assigned process areas * Assist with development and ... Engineering Laboratory Technician (ELT) experience * Navy MMNs, EMNs, or ETNs with operational ...

Laboratory Technician

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

$16.11 - $22.51/hr

... * Assist the lab director with volunteer training. * Opportunities for mentored, independent ... Experience with computer programming (e.g., MATLAB, R). Who We Are: Purdue is a place where ...

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Engineering Laboratory Assistant information

What is the difference between Engineering Laboratory Assistant vs Laboratory Technician?

AspectEngineering Laboratory AssistantLaboratory Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certificationsPost-secondary education, often a diploma or associate degree in laboratory sciences
Work EnvironmentEngineering labs, research facilities, industrial settingsMedical, scientific, or industrial labs
Employer & IndustryEngineering firms, manufacturing, research institutionsHealthcare, research, manufacturing
Common TasksAssisting with experiments, preparing materials, maintaining equipmentConducting tests, recording data, analyzing samples

Both roles support laboratory operations but differ mainly in their focus and required education. Engineering Laboratory Assistants typically work in engineering environments with a focus on supporting technical experiments, while Laboratory Technicians often work in scientific or medical labs with more specialized testing responsibilities.

What does an engineering laboratory assistant do?

An engineering laboratory assistant supports engineers by preparing and maintaining lab equipment, conducting experiments, collecting data, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. They often handle testing procedures, record results, and may use tools like oscilloscopes or data loggers in a controlled environment.

What qualifications do you need to be an engineering laboratory assistant?

To become an engineering laboratory assistant, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with knowledge of laboratory procedures and safety protocols. Some positions may require technical training or an associate degree in engineering, science, or a related field, as well as familiarity with laboratory equipment and data recording skills.

Engineering Lab Specialist

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

Purdue University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Prepare instructional materials and support faculty, staff, teaching assistants, and students in laboratory activities.

  • Maintain and operate laboratory equipment, ensuring proper functionality and safety.

  • Assist in implementing and integrating new Industry 4.0 technologies into the laboratory environment.


Purdue University rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Engineering Lab Specialist
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
The Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering is seeking an Engineering Laboratory Specialist to shape the future of hands-on industrial engineering education in our highly ranked undergraduate (#2) and graduate programs (#1 and #3). As an Engineering Laboratory Specialist in Purdue's recently launched Gateway Complex, you'll be the critical link between cutting-edge technology and transformative learning experiences. This role places you at the intersection of Industry 4.0 and authentic learning experiences through our rapidly evolving set of laboratories, where students engage with advanced manufacturing technologies, cyber-physical and digital engineering systems, advanced human factors and ergonomic assessment technologies, and metrological systems.
We're seeking an early-career professional who combines engineering competence with a genuine passion for teaching and mentoring. You'll thrive in this role if you're excited about translating complex concepts into engaging, practical experiences for undergraduate and graduate students. Your days will be dynamic-preparing instructional materials, training and supporting faculty, staff, teaching assistants, and students, and crafting real-world learning experiences across our diverse laboratory ecosystem. You'll guide students through integrated manufacturing systems in our production-scale facilities and/or facilitate virtual prototyping or ergonomics assessments in our digital innovation spaces. The ideal candidate brings a systems mindset, foundational experience with hands-on technical skills and manufacturing technologies (CNC, robotics, or automation preferred), strong problem-solving abilities, and the creativity to continuously improve how students experience hands-on learning.
This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.
What You'll Be Doing:
Daily Laboratory Operations:
  • Work effectively alongside lab staff, faculty, teaching assistants, students, and others.
  • Work in conjunction with lab staff colleagues to develop and maintain a working knowledge of all instruments and machines, and other laboratory technologies.
  • Embrace already established technologies within the IE labs and learn how to operate, program, and demonstrate the system's capabilities.
  • Maintain laboratory equipment to ensure proper operation and readiness for daily use within instructional and research activities.
  • Work to provide a safe, welcoming, and open atmosphere where students feel comfortable interacting with devices, instructional staff, and one another.
  • Assist with tours of lab spaces for our various stakeholders, including but not limited to, visiting alumni, guest lecturers, perspective students, and prospective industry partners.

Laboratory Development:
  • Learn new Industry 4.0 technologies and assist in implementing them in an educational laboratory environment. Build on fundamental knowledge of digitization, computer programming, robotic technology (e.g., robotic arms, co-bots), image capturing systems, augmented and virtual reality equipment, and other advanced manufacturing technology.
  • Research and recommend new technologies related to laboratory advancement objectives, including, but not limited to topics related to human interaction and performance (physical and cognitive), novel and advanced manufacturing technologies and metrological tools, networked and connected systems (e.g., IoT), optimization, and industrial analytics.
  • Aid in the integration efforts aimed at creating a fully functional lights-out manufacturing environment aimed at instruction for undergraduate and graduate students alike.

Course Content Development:
  • Assist with the creation of new content for all of our various UG and graduate courses as new lab developments arise.
  • Assist with the allocation of laboratory resources for various courses based upon scheduling, demand, and course requirements.
  • Work with faculty to understand learning outcome requirements and desired laboratory experiences for the development and improvement of real-world based, hands-on laboratory experiences.

Laboratory Safety Support:
  • Assist in ensuring all lab activities are carried out in accordance with EHS guidelines
  • Ensure all students within laboratory spaces are equipped with proper attire and PPE
  • Assist with laboratory safety audits, 5S activities, and annual training
  • Equipment training for students, staff, and faculty

About Us:
Purdue's Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering (IE) offers a deep and wide range of expertise in operations research, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, human factors, and production systems. The School is an integral part of Purdue's College of Engineering. Purdue Engineering is one of the largest and top-ranked engineering colleges in the nation and renowned for top-notch faculty, students, unique research facilities, and a culture of collegiality and persistent pursuit of pre-eminence. Consistently ranked as one of the top undergraduate industrial engineering programs, at Purdue IE, we're actively involved in finding ways to overcome society's biggest challenges in today's world.
What We're Looking For:
Education and Experience:
  • BS in Industrial or Systems Engineering, Industrial Engineering Technology, or other similar discipline
  • One (1) year of experience in academic laboratory operations, instruction, and/or relevant industry experience
  • Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered

Skills needed:
  • Ability to use Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel.
  • Ability to use AutoCAD/design software, G & M coding, CNC Programming.
  • Ability to adapt to new software, new products and have a keen interest in continuous learning.
  • Being curious about new technology, able to absorb a large amount of information and apply it in a relevant fashion.
  • Skills in machining and computer numerical control (CNC) equipment are strongly desired.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills a must.
  • Must be able to work independently, but possess strong teamwork skills.
  • Attention to detail and follow through is paramount.
  • Able to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and maintain confidentiality.

Nice to have:
  • Experience working with faculty and students in an academic environment.
  • Knowledgeable of IE areas of expertise: manufacturing processes and technology, human factors, operations research and optimization, and production systems design and analysis.
  • Previous Exposure to Purdue IE Undergraduate courses

Who We Are:
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Additional Information:
  • Purdue's benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
  • Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
  • A background check will be required for employment in this position
  • FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
  • Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Career Stream
Compensation Information:
Professional 2
Pay Band S065
Job Code#20003177
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php
EOE
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university

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