Engineer I

Position Title:

Engineer I Job Group:

Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree

Preferred Qualifications:

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.

Job Description:

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! Key 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. About the

Department:

The Mechanical Engineering department offers a dynamic, hands-on environment where innovation, problem-solving, and experiential learning intersect. As an Engineer I, you'll support both cutting-edge research and meaningful educational experiences, helping students apply engineering principles in real-world scenarios. You will work with a wide range of advanced equipment, collaborate closely with faculty and researchers, and contribute to projects that directly shape the future of engineering education. Level Guidelines

• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher-level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.

S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Appointment Type:

Regular Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12

Month Work Period Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS809

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:

March 27, 2026

Posting Close Date:

April 3, 2026

Job Requisition Number:

R18881 By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university's verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu. If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or

Toll-Free:

(877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942. General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.