Academic Support Engineer (or Sr. Academic Support Engineer)

Who we are

Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is the first technological research university in the United States. We bring creativity, science, and technology together to address society's greatest challenges. We cultivate exceptional problem-solvers by immersing them in a culture of rigorous inquiry, disciplined practice, and hands-on application. Our strategic plan, RPI Forward, charts a pioneering course for the next era of RPI. Explore the RPI Forward plan. ↗︎

Nestled on a beautiful 275-acre campus in upstate NY, RPI is home to five schools, 32 research centers, three makerspaces, an observatory, one of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the IBM Quantum System One - the first university-based quantum computer in the world. 

With top notch employee health and retirement benefits, Rensselaer offers its full-time employees a generous paid time off program, tuition remission, and opportunities for career growth. 

Job Summary

The Academic Support Engineer (or Senior) provides technical support for fabrication resources within the School of Engineering, including the Forge (student maker space), BioMed FabLab, and MILL. The Academic Support Engineer collaborates with faculty and staff to initiate and update advanced manufacturing curriculum ensuring it remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing education. This position also maintains the current manufacturing equipment while staying up to date on new manufacturing technologies and equipment. Additionally, this person coordinates with faculty on manufacturing classes and instructs Computer-Aided Machining and General Manufacturing Processes Classes.

Minimum Qualifications

Academic Support Engineer:

• Bachelors Degree in mechanical, manufacturing or electrical engineering, industrial technology, or related field
• Three (3) years related experience in manufacturing, fabrication, and / or design experience
  • Experience to include use of computer aided engineering systems

Sr. Academic Support Engineer:

• Bachelor's Degree in mechanical, manufacturing or electrical engineering, industrial technology or related field
• Five (5) years of related experience as a systems engineer in manufacturing, fabrication and design, or computer aided engineering, which includes:
  • Experience in technical instruction in a mechanical, manufacturing or industrial related field

Relevant combinations of education, training and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters Degree in related discipline

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires ability to research, analyze, and interpret engineering and technical data
• Requires the ability to use engineering theory to analyze, design and implement mechanical and electrical systems
• Extensive experience with machine tools, manufacturing equipment, and robotics and their ancillaries as well as general shop usage of hand tools and measuring instruments. Equipment can be both conventional or computer numerical controlled
• Requires a general knowledge of Arc, MIG, Oxyacetylene and TIG welding
• Demonstrated expertise of mechanical and electrical design practices
• Requires an understand of additive manufacturing methods
• Requires excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to manager teaching assistants, student volunteers, and work study students to support the day-to-day operations of various manufacturing facilities and clubs
• Requires strong technical, planning, organizing and effective time management skills
• Requires ability to work effectively under pressure and meet established goals and objectives
• Requires ability to anticipate and solve problems
• Requires demonstrated leadership skills and strategic vision
• Requires practical knowledge of Computer Aided Engineering Software
• Ability to design and implement state-of-the-art course material through collaboration with tenure-track/tenured faculty

Representative Job Duties

• Assist as needed in the daily operations of the School of Engineering fabrication facilities and Forge in compliance with accreditation standards, safety regulations, and other applicable requirements. Manage and authorize use of the facility, resources, equipment utilization and maintenance to ensure reliable operation of the facilities. -
• Provide input for strategic direction and guide day to day operations for SOE Manufacturing Facilities and Forge. This includes equipment, process upgrades and modernization, shop use, layout, information tech