Lab Support IST II - College of Engineering

Job Summary

Under general supervision of the department chair this position performs comprehensive support services for the Mechanical Engineering Department, making extensive use of both general and unique materials, supplies and scientific equipment in both upper and lower division laboratories and instructional centers and spaces.

The incumbent utilizes excellent depth of knowledge of the Mechanical Engineering (ME) Department, related disciplines and programs, and understanding of laboratory techniques and methods to determine suitability of materials for related instructional needs. This position operates and performs routine maintenance of laboratory equipment, procures materials and equipment to support the curricular and scholarly activities of department faculty and students, informs and educates students and faculty on CSU and campus policies and procedures including those pertaining to safety, and promotes a culture of safety and collaboration.

Department technical and instructional support staff in the College of Engineering are part of a broader instructional and equipment support team and work together collaboratively to innovate and develop best practices.

Department Summary

The Mechanical Engineering Department (ME) is a major academic department within the College of Engineering. The department prepares students for careers in Mechanical Engineering, offering a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. In addition to its major specific curriculum, the ME Department offers a variety of service courses in Aerospace Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. The ME program has 11 highly intensive laboratories covering topics ranging from controls and vibrations to fluid mechanics and thermal systems.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of the principles of performing support services; knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques related to Mechanical Engineering and/or closely related disciplines and curriculum.
• Familiarity with basic laboratory electronic measuring equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, thermocouple readers, load/pressure sensors and associated data acquisition electronics.
• Ability to calibrate, adjust, operate, and maintain the equipment used for lab instruction.
• Ability to read wiring schematics and to debug electronic circuits and make repairs using standard techniques such as soldering.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly obtain, the materials and supplies necessary for the Mechanical Engineering curriculum and programs and their uses and applications.

Education and Experience

• Three years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline or in producing materials or supplies related to the discipline. (Two years of college with 16 semester units in courses in the related specialty area discipline may be substituted for one year of required experience OR four years of college with 16 semester units in courses in the related specialist area discipline may be substituted for two years of required experience.)

Licenses, Certificates, Credentials:

• Driver’s License or ability to obtain one by date of hire.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $62,100 - $78,756 Per Year

Classification Range: $55,140 - $80,328 Per Year

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information.

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu .

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

Advertised: Nov 24 2025 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:

• 

• California Polytechnic State University

• 805-756-2236

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