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Research Lab Jobs in Athens, GA (NOW HIRING)

Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while ... Works closely with Quality Assurance, R&D Partners, Maintenance and Engineering (GET), and ...

Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while ... Actively collaborate with other functions such as R&D/CMC, MSAT, Quality, EHS, and Operations leads ...

Join us in developing treatments, finding cures, and pioneering the path from lab to life while ... Works closely with Quality Assurance, R&D Partners, Maintenance and Engineering (GET), and ...

Showing results 41-55

Research Lab information

See Athens, GA salary details

$8

$21

$40

How much do research lab jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for research lab in Athens, GA is $21.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a research lab?

A research lab is a specialized facility where scientists, researchers, or students conduct experiments and investigations to advance knowledge in a particular field. Research labs can be found in universities, hospitals, private companies, or government institutions and are equipped with tools and equipment tailored to their focus area. These labs support a variety of activities, such as basic or applied research, testing, and product development, often following strict safety and ethical guidelines.

What is the difference between Research Lab vs Research Assistant?

AspectResearch LabResearch Assistant
Required CredentialsTypically advanced degrees (Master's or PhD)Bachelor's or ongoing graduate studies
Work EnvironmentLaboratory settings, research facilitiesAssist in experiments, data collection in labs or field
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutes, corporate R&DUniversities, research projects, government agencies

Research Lab refers to a facility or organization conducting scientific research, often led by senior researchers. A Research Assistant is a role within a research lab, supporting experiments and data analysis. While both are involved in research activities, Research Lab is the environment or organization, whereas Research Assistant is a specific job position within that environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a research lab position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Research Lab position, you need strong analytical skills, scientific knowledge in your field, and typically at least a bachelor's or advanced degree in a related discipline. Familiarity with lab equipment, data analysis software (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), and adherence to safety protocols are commonly required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success. These abilities ensure accurate experimentation, meaningful results, and a safe, collaborative research environment.

What are some common challenges faced when working in a research lab environment?

Working in a research lab often involves navigating tight deadlines, adapting to rapidly changing project priorities, and troubleshooting experimental setbacks. Collaboration is key, as you'll frequently work alongside other researchers, lab technicians, and sometimes students, which requires strong communication skills. Additionally, maintaining meticulous records and adhering to strict safety protocols are essential to ensure the accuracy and reproducibility of research findings. Overcoming these challenges can be highly rewarding and can help foster valuable problem-solving and teamwork skills for your future career.
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Lab jobs in Athens, GA? The most popular types of Research Lab jobs in Athens, GA are:
What cities near Athens, GA are hiring for Research Lab jobs? Cities near Athens, GA with the most Research Lab job openings:
Infographic showing various Research Lab job openings in Athens, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,238 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Mechanical Systems Engineer

Fortifi Food Processing Solutions

Gainesville, GA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Position Summary
The Mechanical Systems Engineer is responsible for the mechanical design, analysis, development, testing and life-cycle support of machinery and equipment. This role owns the complete mechanical design of mechanical equipment, robotic cells, and automated manufacturing systems, including end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), fixtures, guarding, support structures, and integration with conveyors, actuators, and ancillary automation. The role is also responsible for supporting transfer to manufacturing. The engineer collaborates closely with controls, robotics, manufacturing, and field-service teams to ensure the equipment meets performance, reliability, maintainability, safety, and cost objectives.
The role is also required to support in-house and field testing, installation, startup, commissioning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting at customer sites, as needed.
Key Responsibilities
Mechanical Design
  • Design and develop integrated electromechanical systems
  • Create detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings for equipment, EOAT, frames, tooling, and guarding.
  • Apply hygienic design principles for wash-down, food contact, and sanitary environments.
  • Ensure proper motion design and integration including clearance and service access.
  • Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, safety, and regulatory requirements.
  • Produce BOMs, routings, change documentation, maintenance procedures, and build instructions.
  • Create, develop and maintain system documentation including equipment manuals and videos, technical data, part information, and as-build and as-fielded technical data sets.

Integration & Collaboration
  • Work closely with robotics and controls engineers on motion planning constraints, EOAT requirements, and simulation-driven layout decisions.
  • Incorporate sensors, pneumatics, cabling, dress packs, and safety devices into the mechanical design.

Engineering Analysis & Validation
  • Perform structural, dynamic, motion, and tolerance analyses (FEA, mechanism analysis, DFMEA, PFMEA) applying both theoretical and practical design principles.
  • Conduct design reviews, Design for X (Manufacturability, Assembly, Installation, Maintainability, etc.) reviews, and seek cross organizational input to designs.

Testing, Validation & Commissioning
  • Develop and execute test plans for prototypes, subsystems, and full systems to verify performance and compliance
  • Support prototype builds, system bring-up, and validation activities in lab and production environments
  • Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), field commissioning, site acceptance and life testing, and system startup
  • Document results, identify issues, and drive corrective actions to closure

Troubleshooting & Product Support
  • Diagnose and resolve issues in electromechanical systems during development, production, and field operation
  • Provide technical support to manufacturing, service, and customer teams
  • Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions
  • Support ongoing product maintenance, upgrades, and sustaining engineering activities

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
  • Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver product solutions
  • Drive improvements in system performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost
  • Contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and documentation processes

Field Support
  • Provide on-site installation and commissioning support for robotic equipment.
  • Assist with root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar program from an ABET accredited program
  • 3 years' experience in the design of equipment and machinery.
  • 3 years' experience using Solidworks or Inventor in a professional environment
  • Experience troubleshooting machine applications in production environments
  • Strong documentation and cross-functional collaboration skills

Additional Qualifications
  • Experience in food or sanitary equipment environments
  • Ability to work collaboratively and execute tasks autonomously with transparency and integrity, incorporating multiple sources of input and aligning with consensus direction.
  • Excellent English language communication (oral, written, and listening) and interpersonal skills.
  • Team-oriented; able to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
  • Strong research and analytical skills for investigating project-related issues and innovations.
  • Able to troubleshoot, solve problems and quickly recommend solutions.
  • Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
  • Able to travel 25% of the time.

The responsibilities are not to be considered exhaustive. Other responsibilities will be applied to the role as needed.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.