Phd Biosystems Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OSU-Stillwater

Joe Preston, joe.preston@okstate.edu

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm with occasional evenings and weekends.

Regular Continuous/Until Further Notice

$22.50 - $28.50 Hourly

While applications will be accepted until a successful candidate has been hired, interested parties are encouraged to submit their materials by 2026-07-27 to ensure full consideration.

For full consideration, please include a resume, cover letter and contact information for three professional references.

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering is looking for an Instrument Shop Technician for their Research Laboratory. The BAE laboratory is a research support shop whose goal is to provide support to faculty, staff and students on research and development projects in the department and with other groups across the campus. This position also supports mechanical shops on miscellaneous projects that require fabrication and support the mission of the university.

Research support includes but is not limited to: mill/ lathe machine work, welding and sheet fabrication using steel, stainless steel, brass and aluminum. Prototype fabrication using wood and plastic, 3D printing, electronic/ pneumatic integration. Prototype projects are often more detail oriented than production work. Candidates must be proficient in the use of metalworking machines and tools to fabricate new machine components and repair defective components.

The selected applicants will be expected to construct specialized research and teaching equipment from plans, sketches and oral instructions using machine tools and equipment, set up machines and tooling to generate complex component parts from raw materials to specific tolerances and/or modify off the shelf components for research and teaching projects, provide technical assistance to researchers in the design of equipment and work independent of immediate supervisor to accomplish these tasks.

This position will also involve fabrication of research testing equipment, instrumentation and apparati including custom components for use in testing and technology transfer, modifying existing equipment for specific research projects. Discerning procedures for fabrication from drawings and sketches, providing technical advice to faculty and staff in fabrication of custom machines, equipment, devices and components that may include fabrication techniques, materials and component recommendations are also responsibilities of the position. Support of projects that involve electronic equipment and components, circuit design, sensors and data acquisition, and mechanical integration is also likely. 

In addition, repair and maintenance of machine tools and shop equipment, assisting with evaluation of equipment and supply needs for improved operations of the BAE shop, lab facilities and equipment resources., and assisting PIs in set up and data collection of lab and field experiments at off campus sites, including equipment set up for site preparation are responsibilities of the job. Occasional support to test, operate and repair research equipment at test sites may be needed.

Performance of other assigned duties related to operations, maintenance, and renovations to buildings and equipment, such as preventative maintenance, light duty carpentry, painting, electrical, plumbing, and other miscellaneous repairs and maintenance activities are also responsibilities of this position, including responding to urgent work.

Safety is paramount and use of appropriate personal protective equipment as required (gloves, safety glasses, etc.) is a must. This position regularly stands, bends, stoops, lifts above the shoulders, and requires the physical ability to lift 50 lbs. frequently and more than 50 lbs. occasionally.

About the Department: Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering is a unique department shared between two colleges, Ferguson College of Agriculture and the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology. The department enhances the production and profitability of agricultural and biological products, and the conservation and management of natural resources through teaching, research, and outreach. We have graduate engineering (PhD, MS) and undergraduate (BS, accredited Biosystems Engineering, BS Agricultural Systems Technology) programs. We take pride in being an inclusive department in which students from any background can feel comfortable, supported and successful. For more information about the department visit our website at https://bae.okstate.edu/, and check us out on our socials: Facebook: @baeokstate, X: @BAEOkstate, and Instagram: @baeokstate.

There are lots of great reasons to work at OSU, check out our great benefits and eligibility at https://hr.okstate.edu/prospective-ee.html

• High School/GED (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date)

• At least 5 years of machine shop experience in machining and/or fabricating machine components. 

Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

Valid driver's license

Skills, Proficiencies, and/or Knowledge:

Machine tool operation, milling machine and lathe set up, proficiency dividing head and rotary table use, proficiency in welding layout and operation of fabrication equipment.

Effective communication skills and ability to work well with team members and supervisors.

• Vocational/Technical

  Machining, Welding, Metal Fabrication or related field. 

• Forklift operation, electrical or electrical experience, proficiency in CAD, customer relations experience. 

Certifications, Registrations, and/or Licenses:

Class A CDL