Position Summary
We are seeking a mechanically inclined Engineering Lab Assistant to support product testing, equipment preparation, and daily laboratory operations. This is a hands-on position that combines mechanical assembly, industrial equipment operation, technical data collection, and Microsoft Excel documentation.
The Lab Assistant will work directly with engineers to prepare tanks and testing systems, install components, position equipment using an overhead crane, monitor tests, collect measurements, and accurately document results. The ideal candidate will be safety-conscious, mechanically skilled, comfortable working around heavy industrial equipment, and able to follow detailed engineering instructions.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assist engineers with the setup, preparation, operation, and breakdown of laboratory tests.
- Prepare tanks, pumps, motors, test fixtures, and related equipment for engineering evaluations.
- Safely operate overhead cranes, hoists, and other material-handling equipment to position tanks and heavy testing components.
- Use proper rigging, lifting, and material-handling practices.
- Install, align, bolt, and secure vents, fittings, flanges, hoses, piping, and other components onto tanks.
- Perform basic mechanical assembly, adjustments, equipment alignment, and test-fixture preparation.
- Use hand and power tools, including wrenches, sockets, torque tools, drills, impact drivers, and related equipment.
- Read and follow engineering drawings, setup instructions, specifications, work orders, and test procedures.
- Verify that equipment and components are correctly installed before testing begins.
- Assist with connecting pumps, motors, Variable Frequency Drives, sensors, gauges, and other testing equipment.
- Monitor equipment during testing and immediately report unusual sounds, vibration, leaks, pressure changes, or performance concerns.
- Read and record measurements from gauges, meters, sensors, and testing instruments.
- Collect, organize, and document test results according to engineering requirements.
- Enter measurements and test results accurately into Microsoft Excel spreadsheets.
- Use basic Excel formulas to calculate totals, averages, differences, conversions, and other test information.
- Apply units of measurement and perform basic mathematical or technical conversions.
- Assist engineers with troubleshooting equipment setup, mechanical problems, and testing inconsistencies.
- Take photographs, label samples, and maintain supporting test documentation when required.
- Maintain accurate laboratory records, test logs, equipment information, and completed documentation.
- Inspect tools, fixtures, and laboratory equipment before and after use.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory testing area.
- Follow all lockout/tagout, crane-safety, equipment-operation, and personal protective equipment requirements.
- Perform other duties as assigned to support engineering projects, product development, and laboratory operations.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED is required.
- Strong mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving ability.
- Experience using basic hand and power tools.
- Ability to perform mechanical assembly, installation, alignment, and equipment-preparation tasks.
- Strong safety awareness when working around tanks, cranes, pumps, motors, and heavy industrial equipment.
- Ability to read a tape measure and work with basic measurements and specifications.
- Ability to follow written and verbal technical instructions accurately.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accurate documentation.
- Basic computer skills and the ability to enter data into Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to organize test data, records, tools, and materials.
- Effective communication skills and the ability to work closely with engineers and technical personnel.
- Ability to work independently after receiving proper instruction.
- Dependable attendance and punctuality.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in a laboratory, engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, testing, or product-development environment.
- Experience operating overhead cranes, hoists, or other lifting equipment.
- Knowledge of proper rigging and material-handling practices.
- Experience working with tanks, pumps, motors, piping, industrial equipment, or mechanical testing systems.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including spreadsheets, data entry, sorting, and basic formulas.
- Experience working with Variable Frequency Drives or basic electrical controls.
- Ability to interpret mechanical drawings, schematics, diagrams, or technical specifications.
- Experience using calipers, gauges, rulers, multimeters, pressure instruments, or other measurement equipment.
- Familiarity with lockout/tagout procedures and industrial safety standards.
- Experience collecting, analyzing, or reporting technical test data.
Skills and Competencies
- Mechanical assembly and troubleshooting
- Overhead crane and material-handling awareness
- Hand and power tool proficiency
- Microsoft Excel and technical data entry
- Measurement and unit conversion
- Equipment setup and test preparation
- Technical documentation and recordkeeping
- Safety awareness and procedural compliance
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Organization and time management
- Teamwork and communication
- Ability to learn technical equipment and processes quickly
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to bend, kneel, reach, climb, and perform hands-on mechanical tasks.
- Ability to lift, move, and position tools, components, and materials as required.
- Ability to work safely around tanks, cranes, pumps, motors, testing systems, and other industrial equipment.
- Ability to perform repetitive assembly, fastening, and measurement activities.
- Ability to wear all required personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, gloves, hearing protection, and safety shoes.
Pay: $18.00 - $21.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
