Position Description

Research Technician
Job Category Fulltime Regular
ExemptOvertimeEligible Overtime Eligible
Benefits Eligible Benefit Based
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Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world's brightest minds and most innovative tools to address fundamental scientific questions. We thrive on finding and cultivating talented people who are passionate about what they do. Join us and be a part of the diverse Caltech community.

Job Summary

Provide technical assistance to a group of professors and their graduate and undergraduate students and postdoctoral scholars involved in engineering research on materials and structures; materials include polymers, metals, and composites. Work involves design and set-up of new and existing research facilities, including the knowledge to operate laboratory equipment for research and train new students. This would include hydraulic, optical, electronic, piezo, 3D printing, X-ray instrumentation and composites manufacturing. Training of students and postdoctoral scholars to adopt safe research practices is also included in this job.

Essential Job Duties

  • Independently operate and maintain equipment related to solid and structural mechanics research. Train and assist students and postdoctoral scholars in the safe operation of this equipment and document operating procedures when necessary. 
  • Learn from engineering sketches, technical documentations, and oral instructions, circuits and devices for measurements and fixtures for mechanical testing and repair mechanical instruments. Coordinate with external companies for regular maintenance, upgrades, and emergency repairs.  
  • Order supplies and provide technical support in optics, photography, 3D printing, X-ray optics, and data acquisition. 
  • Perform experiments for and under the direction of faculty. 

Basic Qualifications

  • MS degree or higher in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Civil Engineering with at least 8 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in taking initiative and performing tasks with minimal guidance. 
  • Ability to interact with a group of individuals and set priorities for tasks to be performed.  
  • Ability to function in an engineering research laboratory environment. 
  • Background in some of the following is desirable: machining, electronics (hardware and software), optics (visible, infra-red, and X-rays), high-speed photography, instrumentation such as 3D printers, oscilloscopes, strain gages and load cells, and personal computers.

Required Documents

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Hiring Range

$34.00 to $40.25 per hour

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

As one of the largest employers in Pasadena, CA, Caltech is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Our benefits package includes competitive compensation, health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, generous paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick time, parental leave, bereavement, etc.), tuition reimbursement, and more. Non-benefit eligible employees will have access to some benefits such as onsite counseling and sick time. Learn more about our benefits and staff perks. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Caltech is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

To read more Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) go to eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf.

Disability Accommodations

Caltech complies with the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We consider reasonable accommodation measures that may be necessary for eligible applicants and employees to perform the essential functions of a position.

If you would like to request an accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please contact Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

Additionally, if you do not meet the basic qualifications of a role but believe you can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation, please reach out to Caltech Recruiting at employment@caltech.edu.

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