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- CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
- If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants.
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Penn State Berks is seeking an Engineering Lab Coordinator (mechanical) to support students, faculty, and staff in academic and research activities working with a faculty supervisor. This role involves hands-on guidance, laboratory management, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the engineering program.
RESPONSIBLITIES
Support academic activities by assisting students during laboratory sessions, fieldwork, academic and research projects; evaluate project feasibility; schedule and prepare labs with faculty; provide class coverage and exam proctoring.
Ensure lab safety, security, and operational efficiency; develop and enforce procedures in alignment with Penn State policies and General Manufacturing Practices.
Act as the laboratory safety officer; maintain compliance with safety regulations; coordinate with university compliance officers; manage calibration and maintenance of equipment; maintain documentation.
Oversee the operation of manufacturing equipment in instructional and research labs; provide technical support to faculty, students, and technicians.
Collaborate with industry partners and Penn State Berks stakeholders to support the development of engineering programs and initiatives.
Assist faculty and researchers with experiments; recommend and specify equipment and supplies; conduct cost comparisons for procurement.
Manage lab inventory, purchasing, maintenance, and vendor relations; ensure competitive pricing and accurate recordkeeping.
Maintain documentation including reports, logbooks, test procedures, and policy records.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience in creating prototypes.
Certification(s) in Lathe and Mill operation, CAD and CAM are desirable.
Proficiency in setting up, operating, and programming CNC and manual machining equipment, including lathes, mills, drill presses, welding tools, laser cutters, and sheet metal fabrication tools.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree 1+ years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience accepted Required Certifications: None
At Penn State, your work is more than a job—it’s a chance to be part of a vibrant, mission-driven campus community where you can make a meaningful impact on students’ lives every day. Unlike industry roles, Penn State provides excellent benefits, as well as a supportive environment that values work-life balance, flexibility, and purpose. You’ll collaborate with dedicated colleagues, engage directly with students during pivotal moments in their development, and contribute to something bigger than profit: education, research, and community impact, making it a rewarding and sustainable place to build or continue your career in higher education.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $54,060.00 - $78,444.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
- 1+ years of relevant experience
- Experience creating prototypes
- Proficiency setting up, operating, and programming CNC and manual machining equipment (lathes, mills, drill presses)
- Proficiency with welding tools, laser cutters, and sheet metal fabrication tools
- Ability to act as laboratory safety officer and maintain compliance with safety regulations and documentation
- Certifications in lathe and mill operation, CAD, and CAM
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
