Engineer I

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

21d

About The Position

The Engineer I plays a key role in supporting both research and teaching laboratories by prototyping, developing, and refining mechanical and electrical equipment-based experiments. This position provides technical consulting to faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, and student organizations while managing, maintaining, and optimizing the use of laboratory equipment. The role applies a broad working knowledge of engineering principles to help transform conceptual ideas into practical, high-quality solutions that enhance learning, research, and hands-on experimentation across the department. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working in labs, building and refining equipment systems, and mentoring developing engineers. You’ll find variety in your daily work, opportunities to grow your technical skills, and a supportive environment that values creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Joining this team means making a real impact on student success and helping advance innovative engineering research and teaching!

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• Experience working in a machine shop
• Experience working with Computer Aided Drawing (CAD)
• Experience performing reviews of engineering drawings with a focus on proper GD&T and manufacturability in an educational environment.
• Experience consulting on a wide variety engineering designs including ideating, manufacturability, feasibility, costing, and functionality.

Responsibilities

• Prototype, develop, and refine mechanical and electrical experiments to support advanced engineering concepts.
• Provide technical consulting to faculty, postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students, and student organizations regarding equipment selection, design, setup, and research applications.
• Manage and maintain laboratory equipment used for research and teaching, including scheduling usage and optimizing student workflow.
• Supervise setup, maintenance, and safe operation of laboratory equipment such as lathes, mills, 3D printers, mechatronics systems, welding equipment, CNC machines, robotics, data acquisition tools, casting/foundry equipment, CMM, and metrology tools.
• Design electrical and mechanical equipment setups and experiments for teaching labs to demonstrate engineering principles.
• Train faculty, postdocs, students, and teaching assistants on proper equipment use, safety protocols, and engineering concepts.
• Research, evaluate, select, and acquire equipment and integrated systems based on application, design, cost, and installation requirements.
• Perform engineering calculations, investigations, and analyses in support of assigned projects.
• Prepare cost estimates, procurement documentation, equipment specifications, and related requests.
• Collaborate with faculty to support development of lab curriculum, experiment design, and instructional methods.
• Support quality control testing and calibration needs for research and teaching applications.
• Manage service-center functions including design advice, equipment applications, billing, and training related to new teaching lab equipment.
• Provide engineering assistance and follow-up on defined problems, working collaboratively with more experienced engineers as needed.
• Evaluate new equipment and experiments for potential use in teaching labs and research spaces.
• Oversee student technicians to ensure safe, effective, and compliant lab operations.

Benefits

• Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental
• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees