Part-Time Production Technician

Department
 

PSD Engineering and Technical Support Group

About the Department
 

The Engineering and Technical Support Group (ETSG) provides engineering and technical support to University research groups and assists the University’s educational mission by enabling technical learning opportunities for students. Projects that the group is currently working on include particle detectors, astronomical telescopes, synchrotron light source beamlines, and high-altitude balloon gondolas. The ETSG is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive climate which encourages teamwork, open communication, and sharing of ideas.

Job Summary
 

The DUNE APA Factory is a bespoke facility designed for the production of 14 anode plane assemblies (APAs). Each APA measures 6 m by 2.3 m, contains approximately 24km of hair-width wire and over 12,000 hand-soldered points. As part of a team that includes faculty, senior staff, a Production Engineer and various students, this entry-level technician will work on all aspects of the assemblies, from prepping frames to winding and soldering wires, to prepping frames for shipping. The ideal candidate will be comfortable performing routine hands-on work, but also open to learning new techniques and making suggestions to help with various issues that come up when designing a new production facility. This position is a wonderful learning opportunity for a candidate interested in learning a variety of skills needed on a large research project.

This position is part-time at approximately 15 hours a week and is expected to last approximately 3 years. The position may be extended depending on project or grant funding.

Responsibilities

• Works under the direction of the Production Engineer and Production Manager.
• Under close supervision, provides technical support to the project team in the development, analysis, and maintenance of engineering processes, products, or equipment.
• Works within defined processes to interpret engineering and product documentation, such as change orders, blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and photographs.
• Assembles, tests, and repairs electronic and production equipment, machinery, systems, and units.
• Constructs new apparatus.
• Operates and maintains specialized electromechanical equipment.
• Records technical information and other quality control documents.
• Ensures quality of constructed machinery.
• Works closely with other University staff (e.g., safety, facilities, IT) as needed.
• Works safely and in accordance with University safety policies.
• Establishes and maintains respectful and professional working relationships within a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students at the University, as well as with business partners and collaborating research groups around the world.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Certificate in engineering technology or related area, or equivalent level of experience in these areas.
• Students currently working on a program certificate or degree are welcome to apply.

Experience:

• Assembly, installation, maintenance, and/or repair of electromechanical systems (e.g., car or motorcycle repair).
• Working with machinery (e.g., milling machines, lathes, drill presses, etc.).
• Electronics soldering and basic troubleshooting skills (e.g., using a multimeter to measure voltages).

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Ability to read documentation including mechanical and electrical drawings, and technical procedures.
• Working knowledge of machine design and common electromechanical components.
• Ability to use common mechanics hand tools.

Preferred Competencies

• Adaptable technical skills.
• Demonstrated aptitude for machinery mechanical and electromechanical assembly and testing.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to use material moving equipment (overhead crane, pallet jack, etc.) properly and safely.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and