APPLIED Lab Technician

The APPLIED Lab is a combined woodworking, metal working, 3D printing, and welding shop for capstone students in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech. The APPLIED Lab Technician supports the day-to-day operation of the APPLIED Laboratory by supporting student training, safety oversight, machinery maintenance, and ensuring the lab operates safely, efficiently, and in compliance with university Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) standards. Candidates should be organized and exhibit good communication skills.

• Hand-on experience with at least two of the following types of manufacturing equipment—woodworking machines, mills, lathes, CNC machines, laser cutters, welders, or 3D printers—through coursework, training, projects, or work experience, with the ability to safely operate equipment under supervision.
• Experience supporting, assisting, or leading peers, students, or team members in a structured environment (e.g., classroom, lab, club, or workplace), with the ability to follow and help enforce established procedures.
• Knowledge of shop safety practices and hazardous materials, demonstrated through coursework, safety training, or orientation, with the ability to follow written safety guidelines and use required personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Hands-on experience operating at least three types of manufacturing equipment (e.g., woodworking machines, mills, lathes, CNC machines, laser cutters, welders, or 3D printers), including setup, operation, and basic troubleshooting, demonstrated through work, academic projects, or certifications.
• Experience working or volunteering in a university makerspace, machine shop, or fabrication lab, with responsibility for equipment use, user support, or facility operations.
• Working knowledge of CNC programming and manufacturing planning, demonstrated by creating and running at least two CNC programs (e.g., G-code) and selecting appropriate materials, tooling, and machining processes for projects.
• Experience performing routine equipment maintenance and/or assisting with installation of shop equipment, including tasks such as calibration, part replacement, or setup, documented through prior roles, training, or projects.
• Experience managing an environmental health and safety (EHS) compliance program.

4

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

$40,000 - $60,000

40

May 18, 2026

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

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