Employee Classification: Mechanical Tech,Sr

College/Division: Engineering College

Location: Las Cruces

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $25.56

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Non-Exempt

Summary:  Join our team and make a tangible impact on innovation and research! As a Mechanical Tech, Sr., you will play a pivotal role in supporting groundbreaking research initiatives and fostering economic development. Your expertise will be instrumental in guiding projects from concept to realization, ensuring the highest standards of craftsmanship and technical excellence.

Classification Summary:
Lays out, builds, tests, troubleshoots, repairs, designs, and modifies developmental and production parts, equipment, and systems. Applies principles and theories of engineering mathematics, and physics.

Classification Standard Duties:
Devise, fabricate, and assemble new or modified mechanical components for products such as industrial machinery or equipment, and measuring instruments. Assembles experimental or complete prototype models according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, and knowledge of systems and components. Discusses layout and assembly procedures and problems with engineers, researchers, or other professionals. Recommends changes or installation specifications to simplify assembly and maintenance. Sets up standard or complex test apparatus or devises test equipment to conduct functional, operational, environmental, and life tests to evaluate performance and reliability of prototype or production models. Performs hardware and software maintenance and assists in proper upkeep and utilization of systems. Analyzes and interprets test data. Adjusts, calibrates, aligns, and modifies parts and components and records effects on unit performance. Review project instructions and blueprints to ascertain test specifications, procedures, and objectives, and test nature of technical problems. Record test procedures and results, numerical and graphical data, and recommendations for changes in product or test methods. Maintains technical documentation; writes technical reports and develops charts, graphs, and schematics. May operate drill press, grinders, engine lathe, or other machines to modify parts tested or to fabricate experimental parts for testing. May check functioning of newly installed equipment to evaluate system performance under actual operating conditions.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Vocational/Technical certificate or an associate's degree.; Required Experience:Five (5) years of experience directly related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Knowledge of the practical application of science and technology. Knowledge of mechanical layouts, components and mechanical assembly procedures. Knowledge of computer aided design software. Knowledge of laboratory operations and/or procedures.; SKILLS:Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. Records maintenance skills.; ABILITIES:Ability to prepare field drawings of design proposals. Ability to perform preventive maintenance on hardware, machines, or equipment. Ability to write reports containing technical information. Ability to read and follow technical instructions and manuals. Ability to evaluate systems and Ability to prepare field drawings of design proposals. Ability to perform preventive maintenance on hardware, machines, or equipment. Ability to write reports containing technical information. Ability to read and follow technical instructions and manuals. Ability to evaluate systems and design specification modifications. Ability to communicate with and understand the requirements of professional staff in area of specialty. Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions. Ability to make adjustments and modifications to hardware, machines, or equipment. Ability to analyze operational data and develop graphic and/or written interpretations.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
• Provide support to student and faculty research initiatives, ensuring high-quality workmanship and standards across projects.
• Collaborate with and support the Arrowhead Center’s economic development initiatives, to support students, faculty, industry partners, and entrepreneurs in advancing their concepts into manufacturingready products.
• Bring specialized expertise as a Mechanical Technician to enhance the Aggie Innovation Space and Arrowhead Center’s capacity to guide projects from concept to completion.
• Conduct microcredential courses in areas such as Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM),
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) operations, Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T), and other relevant skills.
• Support the college-wide interdisciplinary capstone program by engaging with various project
teams, offering hands-on manufacturing guidance and technical support for their capstone projects. Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Department Contact:  Gabe Garcia, gabegarc@nmsu.edu, 575-646-7749

Contingent Upon Funding: Contingent upon funding

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work involves moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.

Physical Effort: Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk: Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment.

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures. 

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMSU Main Campus
Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.

Doña Ana Community College
Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.

EEO Statement
NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. NMSU is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.