Job Summary

The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics is seeking a Lab Coordinator. The Lab Coordinator will provide instructional and operational support for laboratory courses with a primary focus on aeromechanics. Prepare and maintain experiments, order supplies and equipment, and deliver course and safety training to teaching assistants. The Lab Coordinator will assist faculty with the development of laboratory-based instruction and with the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and standards.  The lab coordinator will also oversee the operation of the school’s large low-speed wind tunnel.

This position offers a chance to make a meaningful impact at a prestigious institution known for innovation and research excellence. Join our community of lifelong learners and contribute your skills to this critical program. At Purdue, you'll find unrivaled pride and unlimited potential as we persistently pursue the next giant leap together. Take the next step in your career journey - apply now to help build a better world at Purdue University.

This is a dual level posting where the hiring manager will determine the level commensurate with the education and experience of the chosen candidate.

What You'll Be Doing:

Provides instructional and operational support for laboratory courses.

• Set-up weekly laboratory experiments for a variety of laboratory courses including but not limited to aeromechanics (structures), controls, and aerodynamics.
• Test experiments to ensure equipment operating properly.
• Train teaching assistants on proper operation of laboratory equipment.
• Clean up and properly store experiments for use in subsequent courses and semesters.
• Order replacement consumables for laboratory classes.

Assist faculty with the development of laboratory-based instruction.

• Collaborate with faculty to revise existing and to design new experiments for the hands-on laboratory courses.
• Design and fabricate experiments based on faculty inputs.
• Provide recommendations for potential experiments.
• Develop laboratory instructions/procedures for experiments.

Maintain experiments, order supplies and equipment.

• Complete routine maintenance on universal testing machine, fatigue machine, controls equipment and, data acquisition equipment to ensure they remain operational for students.
• Modify equipment set-ups to meet the needs of the laboratory courses.
• Order consumables and necessary equipment in order for students to conduct the laboratory exercises.
• Schedule lab usage outside of academic class periods.  

Deliver course and safety training to teaching assistants.

• Instruct the teaching assistants on proper operation of laboratory equipment.
• Adapt existing and develop new training materials to meet needs of the lab equipment and spaces.

Oversee Boeing Low-Speed Wind Tunnel.

• Schedule usage of the wind tunnel.
• Meet with potential users to design tests to meet their needs.
• Train users on proper operation of equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance.

About Us:

The School of Aeronautics and Astronautics has more than 1,200 students, all of whom are passionate and excited about designing the next rocket to Mars or the next supersonic aircraft. The undergraduate office is a friendly supportive environment where we aim to keep people for a long time. We like working and problem-solving together.

For more information, please visit: https://engineering.purdue.edu/AAE/academics/undergraduate

What We're Looking For:

P1 Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. 
• One (1) year of lab operation, research, and teaching experience within engineering or science.

P2 Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Two (2) years of lab operation, research, and teaching experience within engineering or science.

Skills needed:

• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals, including students, staff, faculty, machinists, external vendors, etc.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to balance interruptions, multiple and varied tasks.
• Basic understanding of structural mechanics, aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, and flight dynamics and control.
• Aptitude for mechanical and electrical systems.
• Parametric CAD modeling
• Soldering
• Basic understanding of analog, digital, and serial data communication
• LabVIEW, Matlab, Python, or other computing languages
• LIGHT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Lift and carry 10 to 25 lbs. frequently, and up to 40 lbs. occasionally.

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.

Additional Information:

• Purdue’s benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/
• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position  
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility:  Defined Contribution Waiting Period

Career Stream

Compensation Information:

Professional 1
Pay Band S050
Job Code#20003614

Professional 2
Pay Band S055
Job Code#20003613
 
Link to Purdue University's Compensation Guidelines: https://www.purdue.edu/hr/mngcareer/compguidelines/index.php

EOE

Purdue University is an EO/EA University