Job Details

Overview

Principal Lab Mechanician (8651C) at PEER, a multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional research and education center headquartered at UC Berkeley. PEER conducts research in earthquake engineering related fields and aims to develop and disseminate technologies to support performance-based earthquake engineering.

This position serves as the primary support to the experimental facilities of PEER Lab for faculty research projects and service-to-industry projects. The role involves functional design and assembly of new experimental setups, determining required parts, ordering/procuring parts, machining and welding components, and assembling them into functional test setups. The role also provides cost estimation for new projects based on drawings and discussions with researchers, by estimating labor hours and materials for complex tasks. The position follows all safety procedures required by the university, department, Cal OSHA, and EH&S.

Responsibilities

• 40% Support for Lab's experimental facilities:
  • Provide technical support to instructional activities, research and service to industry projects.
  • Perform functional design, fabrication, modification, setup, demolition, and technical support of new and existing apparatus from sketches, drawings, blueprints, or oral instructions.
  • Test equipment and verify functionality.
  • Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair equipment in the Lab's facilities and pump room hydraulics.
  • Assist in researching new laboratory equipment, including specifications, cost, and availability.
  • Answer questions and provide technical trouble-shooting during experiments and course laboratory components.
• 30% Welding and Machining in the Fabrication Shop:
  • Weld a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials.
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, and students in design and fabrication of complex research projects and routine service to industry projects.
  • Operate machine tools and welding equipment (mills, lathes, grinders, MIG/TIG, plasma cutter, etc.).
  • Instruct students on proper usage of welding and power tools.
• 20% Electronic Shop and Shake Table control support:
  • Assist Electronic Shop in developing and maintaining schematics and documentation of laboratory systems and experimental setups.
  • Provide technical support for fabrication, installation, and testing of experiments on the shake table.
• 10% Others:
  • Maintain and repair shop and laboratory machinery and equipment.
  • Act as information resource on safety matters and shop practices and welding principles.
  • Perform office and laboratory maintenance including moving of offices, labs, and equipment.
  • Other duties as assigned in discussion with supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Broad knowledge of machine tool technology, metal fabrication, and metal joining processes.
• Three to four years of journey-level metal fabrication; welding skills to fabricate laboratory apparatus, with strong mechanical troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to operate overhead crane safely and to unload materials with safe rigging; ability to operate forklift with careful handling.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and work at heights.
• Excellent attention to detail; flexibility and initiative.
• Effective, diplomatic, professional communication; ability to work both independently and in a team; punctuality and reliable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Good computing skills.
• Broad knowledge of electronics is a plus.
• Knowledge of graphical data acquisition and Computer Aided Drafting programs is a plus.
• A.A. degree, Apprentice Certificate of Completion or equivalent experience/training.
• Licenses to operate lab equipment (forklift, boomlift, scissorlift); welding certifications preferred.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, UC Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. The budgeted salary range is $45.70 - $57.52 per hour.

Background & Compliance

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check. Berkeley hires people with conviction histories where appropriate. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful background check.

Misconduct disclosure: Final candidates must disclose any misconduct findings within the last seven years as a condition of employment and will be subject to evaluation under university policies addressing misconduct.

Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status.

Application

To apply, visit the UC Berkeley careers page for this job posting.