Senior Laboratory Mechanic - RRC Scientific Instrument Shop, Vice Chancellor for Research

Senior Laboratory Mechanic - RRC Scientific Instrument Shop, Vice Chancellor for Research

 

Hiring Department: Research Resources Center

Location:  Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1041534

FTE: 1

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday

Shift: Days

# of Positions: 1

Workplace Type:  On-Site  

Posting Close Date:  June 30, 2026

Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $28.73 - 39.00 / Hourly Wage

About the University of Illinois Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Under supervision from the Supervisor of the Scientific Instrument Shop within the Research Resources Center (RRC), the Senior Laboratory Mechanic performs skilled fabrication, modification, assembly, testing, and support work for custom research apparatus, prototype instruments, fixtures, jigs, and shop-related equipment. The position works from drawings, sketches, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files, verbal requirements, and researcher-provided concepts to produce research-ready components and assemblies. Work includes manual and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining, precision measurement, fitting, assembly, basic instrument-level electrical integration, troubleshooting, documentation, and safe operation of shop equipment.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Designs, fabricates, modifies, fits, and assembles custom research apparatus, prototype instruments, precision components, fixtures, jigs, setup aids, soft jaws, templates, and custom work-holding to safely and accurately produce reliable, research-ready components and assemblies.
• Performs troubleshooting, modification, assembly, maintenance, and repair of approved research apparatus and shop equipment within the approved shop scope.
• Performs soldering, brazing, welding, bonding, fastening, mechanical assembly, and basic instrument-level electrical integration.
• Work may include low-voltage wiring, Direct Current (DC) power supply and module installation, sensor and actuator connections, connector assembly, cable routing, strain relief, labeling, continuity checks, and safe enclosure integration.
• Reviews drawings, sketches, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files, verbal concepts, and researcher requirements for manufacturability.
• Communicates with researchers, customers, and shop personnel within assigned work to clarify technical requirements, intended use, material needs, tolerances, schedule constraints, and fabrication concerns.
• Performs shop mathematics and identifies missing dimensions, unclear tolerances, material concerns, fixture needs, assembly risks, and fabrication constraints before work begins.
• Supports assigned customer orders by reviewing technical requirements, documenting work performed, tracking labor and material usage, communicating job status, and escalating scope, cost, schedule, safety, or manufacturability concerns to the Supervisor.
• Performs in-process and final inspection using appropriate precision measuring tools, including calipers, micrometers, indicators, gauge pins, height gauges, surface plates, and other shop metrology equipment.
• Verifies critical dimensions, fit, function, finish, and assembly requirements before delivery.
• Trains or assists other shop personnel, i