Teaching Lab Specialist III

Position Title:

Teaching Lab Specialist III

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience designing, fabricating, and machining components using CNC equipment, manual mills/lathes, 3D printers, or welding tools.

Prior experience supporting engineering laboratories in an academic or research environment, including lab setup, equipment maintenance, and student instructional support.

Demonstrated knowledge of safety standards related to machining, manufacturing processes, and laboratory operations (e.g., OSHA, machine shop safety, lockout/tagout).

Proficiency with engineering and design software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, MATLAB, or other CAD/CAM tools.

Experience mentoring, instructing, or training students or teams, particularly in hands-on engineering, fabrication, or competitive engineering groups (e.g., SAE, robotics, Formula teams).

Job Description:

The Mechanical Engineering Department at Iowa State University is seeking a skilled and innovative professional to support the design, fabrication, instruction, and operation of departmental laboratories and maker spaces. This role plays a critical part in advancing teaching, research, and student experiential learning by providing technical expertise, maintaining state-of-the-art equipment, and collaborating directly with faculty, staff, and students. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on skills, a commitment to safety, and a passion for supporting engineering education.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, fabricate, and assemble projects and equipment for the Mechanical Engineering Department and fee-for-service projects.

• Manage laboratory and manufacturing equipment to ensure proper functionality, safety, and availability.

• Collaborate with faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students on teaching and research projects.

• Provide technical and instructional support for core Mechanical Engineering classes and related research activities.

• Design, maintain, and improve laboratory testing procedures, experimental setups, and equipment to support core learning outcomes.

• Prepare and set up laboratory spaces, equipment, and classrooms for instruction and demonstrations.

• Administer laboratory instruction and enforce safety protocols.

• Instruct and train faculty, staff, and students (graduate and undergraduate) on safe operation of machinery, manufacturing equipment, and specialized software.

• Advise and support student groups (e.g., SAE, First Robotics, Formula) on manufacturability, safe machining practices, and project planning.

• Order and manage materials, equipment, and consumables for Mechanical Engineering courses.

• Identify, research, and procure equipment or upgrades that improve safety and laboratory operations.

• Showcase facilities and student projects to visiting industry partners to encourage sponsorship and engagement.

• Assist with outreach activities, including planning and providing demonstrations in laboratory spaces.

About the Department

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Iowa State University is home to the university’s first awarded diploma and continues to be its most popular major. Internationally recognized for leadership in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, design innovation, and cutting-edge simulation, the department works closely with industry and federal partners to push the boundaries of engineering. What truly defines our department is our culture—one that celebrates curiosity, hands-on experimentation, creativity, and discovery. Faculty, staff, and students collaborate in an environment driven by innovation and impact. Joining our team means becoming part of a community dedicated not only to educating future engineers, but to shaping problem-solvers and innovators poised to make meaningful contributions to the world.

Example of Duties
• Evaluates, purchases, and maintains equipment and supplies for a lab program.
• Manages the operation and maintenance of lab equipment.
• Sets up labs to accommodate large amounts of students.
• Administers safety protocols.
• Leads lab courses and acts as instructor.
• Develops new models for lab work and designs lab courses.
• Maintains and develops budget.
• Identifies and purchases necessary materials for lab coursework and operations.
• Instructs, trains, and evaluates staff, graduate assistants, and student workers.

Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS808

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU?

Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
• 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
 

Original Posting Date:

December 9, 2025

Posting Close Date:

December 16, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R18233