Technical Associate II

MIT • Cambridge, MA

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Associate II, Mechanical Engineering, will manage the day-to-day operations of the Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Lab. This role supports the engineering, logistical, and administrative needs of a research group of approximately 30 students, postdocs, and staff. The associate will coordinate and contribute to the design, prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, transport, and iterative improvement of bench-scale and pilot-scale mechanical and electromechanical systems. Areas of work may include solar-powered devices, data acquisition and power management systems, brackish water desalination systems, irrigation systems, agricultural equipment, assistive technologies, and custom mechanical testing equipment. Responsibilities include coordinating domestic and international field pilot activities, such as prototype installation, testing, logistics, and collaboration with research teams and external partners. The associate will help manage multiple concurrent projects by developing plans, setting milestones, monitoring progress, and adapting priorities as needed. This role provides guidance to students and junior staff and supports research planning across a range of lab initiatives. The associate will also oversee shared lab operations and resources, including onboarding materials and processes, online documentation and code repositories, weekly lab activities, and the operation and maintenance of the lab’s fabrication facility and machine shop. Coordination of space and equipment usage, support for maintenance and upgrades, and oversight of sourcing and resupply of lab consumables are also key duties. Additionally, the associate will contribute to sponsor reports, presentations, and academic publications, with opportunities to participate in or lead technical writing efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry, or related technical field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of four years of experience working in an academic engineering research and/or commercial R&D environment.
• Strong engineering program management skills.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Leadership experience.
• Technical expertise in mechanical and/or electromechanical design.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Global Engineering and Research (GEAR) Lab.
• Support the engineering, logistical, and administrative needs of a research group of approximately 30 students, postdocs, and staff.
• Coordinate and contribute to the design, prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, transport, and iterative improvement of bench-scale and pilot-scale mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Coordinate domestic and international field pilot activities, including prototype installation, testing, logistics, and collaboration with research teams and external partners.
• Help manage multiple concurrent projects by developing plans, setting milestones, monitoring progress, and adapting priorities as needed.
• Provide guidance to students and junior staff and support research planning across a range of lab initiatives.
• Oversee shared lab operations and resources, including onboarding materials and processes, online documentation and code repositories, weekly lab activities, and the operation and maintenance of the lab’s fabrication facility and machine shop.
• Coordinate space and equipment usage, support maintenance and upgrades, and oversee sourcing and resupply of lab consumables.
• Contribute to sponsor reports, presentations, and academic publications, with opportunities to participate in or lead technical writing efforts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level