Department

PSD Engineering and Technical Support Group

About the Department

The Engineering and Technical Support Group (ETSG) provides support to University research groups and assists the University’s educational mission by enabling technical learning opportunities for students. Projects that the group is currently working on include particle detectors, astronomical telescopes, synchrotron light source beamlines, and high-altitude balloon gondolas. The ETSG is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive climate which encourages teamwork, open communication, and sharing of ideas.

Job Summary

The DUNE APA Factory is a bespoke facility designed for the production of 14 anode plane assemblies (APAs). Each APA measures 6 m by 2.3 m, contains approximately 24km of hair-width wire and over 12,000 hand-soldered points. As part of a team that includes faculty, senior staff, a Production Engineer and various students, this entry-level technician will work on all aspects of the assemblies, from prepping frames to winding and soldering wires, to prepping frames for shipping. The ideal candidate will be comfortable performing routine hands-on work, but also open to learning new techniques and making suggestions to help with various issues that come up when designing a new production facility. This position is a wonderful learning opportunity for a candidate interested in learning a variety of skills needed on a large research project.

This position is expected to last approximately 3 years and may be extended depending on project or grant funding.

Responsibilities

• Works under the direction of the Production Engineer and Production Manager.
• Under close supervision, provides technical support to the project team in the development, analysis, and maintenance of engineering processes, products, or equipment.
• Works within defined processes to interpret engineering and product documentation, such as change orders, blueprints, diagrams, sketches, and photographs.
• Assembles, tests, and repairs electronic and production equipment, machinery, systems, and units.
• Constructs new apparatus.
• Operates and maintains specialized electromechanical equipment.
• Records technical information and other quality control documents.
• Ensures quality of constructed machinery.
• Works closely with other University staff (e.g., safety, facilities, IT) as needed.
• Works safely and in accordance with University safety policies.
• Establishes and maintains respectful and professional working relationships within a diverse population of faculty, staff, and students at the University, as well as with business partners and collaborating research groups around the world.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Certificate in engineering technology or related area, or equivalent level of experience in these areas.

Experience:

• Assembly, installation, maintenance, and/or repair of electromechanical systems (e.g., car or motorcycle repair).
• Working with machinery (e.g., milling machines, lathes, drill presses, etc.).
• Electronics soldering and basic troubleshooting skills (e.g., using a multimeter to measure voltages).

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Ability to read documentation including mechanical and electrical drawings, and technical procedures.
• Working knowledge of machine design and common electromechanical components.
• Ability to use common mechanics hand tools.

Preferred Competencies

• Adaptable technical skills.
• Demonstrated aptitude for machinery mechanical and electromechanical assembly and testing.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to use material moving equipment (overhead crane, pallet jack, etc.) properly and safely.
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work productively and respectfully with a diverse workforce.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory setting – 100%
• Ability to stand for 4-5 hours or more.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• References (preferred)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.