Job Summary

Project Technician – Fabrication and Testing
Center for In-Space Manufacturing (CISM)
Three-Year Project-Based Position | West Lafayette, IN

Purdue University invites applications for a Project Technician – Fabrication and Testing to join a team shaping the future of advanced manufacturing in Earth and space environments. As part of the Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL), this position plays a hands-on role in developing and testing hardware that supports Purdue’s groundbreaking In-Space Manufacturing Initiative.

Working within the Center for In-Space Manufacturing (CISM)—the nation’s first center dedicated to in-space manufacturing—you’ll help bring research concepts to life through precision fabrication, assembly, and testing of mechanical and electronic systems that push the boundaries of engineering in extreme environments.

What You’ll Do

• Fabricate and assemble prototype mechanical and electronic components for experimental systems
• Integrate commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components into research setups and test platforms
• Conduct mechanical, thermal, and functional testing to evaluate performance and reliability
• Collect, organize, and analyze test data to support engineering and research teams
• Maintain lab equipment, ensure safety compliance, and contribute to continuous process improvements

Why Purdue
At Purdue, you’ll be part of a community known for advancing discovery and innovation that moves the world forward. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with leading engineers and researchers developing technologies that enable sustainable and autonomous manufacturing beyond Earth.

You’ll join a workplace that values your skill, creativity, and curiosity—and where your contributions help define the future of manufacturing.

Bring your technical expertise to a team building what’s next at Purdue. Apply today.

About Us

The School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University is truly unique.  We began in 1882 as experts in locomotives (thus the name "Boilermakers!") And now in the 21st century, we continue to move the world forward by combining the latest technologies with the strongest of fundamentals.

Purdue hosts the nation’s No. 1 Manufacturing and Supply Chain Program. Further Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL), one of the nation's largest shared laboratories for physical and digital manufacturing research and education. ME hosts nation’s first Center for In-Space Manufacturing (CISM). Additionally, Maker spaces and workshops, like the Bechtel Innovation Design Center, allow students to develop and build any prototype they can imagine.  The world's largest academic cleanroom, Birck Nanotechnology Center, enables pioneering advancements in nanotechnology.  The world's largest academic propulsion lab, Zucrow Labs, is the birthplace of next-generation jet engines and rockets.  The world's largest academic HVAC lab, Herrick Labs, shapes the future of smart buildings.  We have the only accredited Motorsports Engineering degree program in the nation. And with 50,000 students to collaborate across all disciplines, there's no limit to what Purdue ME students can accomplish.

We maintain high standards, whether in the classroom, the laboratory, or the workplace.  Purdue ME is one of the top ten schools in the country, as ranked by US News & World Report.  98% of our students pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.  97% of our undergraduates engage in experiential learning while they're here (like internships, co-ops, and research).  43% of our students gain international experience (the national average is just 5%).  Students come from all over the world to attend Purdue ME; 17% of our undergraduates and 63% of our graduate students are international.  Plus, more than 80,000 Purdue Engineering graduates form one of the largest and most supportive alumni networks in the world.

When you join Purdue University, you join a community that keeps moving forward. For more than 150 years, we’ve been known for not only our groundbreaking work in STEM research, but also for our collective imagination, ingenuity and innovation. 

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field
• Two (2)+ years of experience in fabrication, assembly, or testing of mechanical or electromechanical systems (experience in R&D or prototype environments preferred)
• Experience with CAD design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor) and familiarity with fabrication shop practices

Skills Needed:

• Proficiency with mechanical fabrication and assembly using metals, polymers, and composites
• Hands-on experience with power tools, machining equipment, and additive manufacturing (3D printing)
• Familiarity with COTS components and hardware integration
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and organized laboratory environment 
• Ability to:
  
  • collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and work independently on assigned tasks
  • perform testing and data acquisition using sensors, load frames, or test rigs

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantial Benefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Career Stream

Administrative and Operational Support 3

• Pay Band S060
• Job Code #20003838

Career pathmaker: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/careerpathmaker/

Who We Are

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Purdue University is an EOE employer.