Engineering and Technology Lab Technician

Position Title: Engineering & Technology Lab Technician
Department: Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Division: Career & technical Education (CTE)
Employee Status: Full-time
Type: Professional Staff Association (PSA)
Grade: J
Salary: ($49,000 -$54,000 annually)
FLSA: Exempt
Location: Multiple Locations; Rockford, IL and Belvidere, IL
ICCB Classification: Professional/ Technical
Employment Notice: Rock Valley College does not offer sponsorship for employment-based visas for this position now or in the future. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship.
Application Deadline: January 4th, 2026 Reporting Relationships
Reports to: Dean of Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Supervision Exercised: None

Job Summary
The Lab Technician is responsible for maintaining and supporting the operational integrity of the manufacturing, electrical/electronics, mechatronics, and engineering labs. This includes equipment maintenance, stocking supplies, enforcing safety procedures, and assisting instructors and students with lab setup and operations. The Lab Technician will work closely with faculty, the program coordinator, and students to ensure the labs are fully equipped, well-maintained, and conducive to hands-on learning. This collaborative role involves troubleshooting technical issues, providing technical support, and helping create an effective learning environment that aligns with academic objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Related duties may be assigned.

Equipment & Lab Maintenance
1. Ensure all lab equipment is properly set up, maintained, and operational.
2. Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on lab equipment, including CNC machines, robotics, PLCs, 3D printers and hydraulic/pneumatic systems.
3. Coordinate specialized repairs with external vendors.
4. Clean and maintain machines, tools, and workspaces to ensure a safe and organized environment.
5. Monitor and replenish PPE supplies (e.g., safety glasses, ear protection) and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
6. Check and top off coolant levels in CNC machines and other required systems.
7. Perform weekly inspections of 3D printers and replace worn/damaged components as needed.
8. Manage machine shop cleaning and waste disposal, including coolant disposal coordination.
9. Ensure all safety signage is present and up to date.
10. Coordinate with IT to install or update software for instructional equipment.
11. Ensure all classroom and storage closet locks are functional, including battery replacement for electronic locks.

Inventory & Supplies Management
1. Maintain inventory of materials, tools, and consumables, ordering replacements as needed.
2. Work with vendors to procure parts, materials, and consumables for courses and training programs.
3. Organize and label tool storage areas for ease of use by instructors and students.
4. Monitor expiration dates and usability of supplies such as cutting tools, lubricants, and electronic components.
5. Ensure all classrooms and labs that require PPE have a sufficient supply (e.g., safety glasses, earplugs).
6. Develop budget recommendations for equipment repair, replacement, and preventative maintenance.

Lab Support & Course Setup
1. Prepare classrooms and labs before the start of each semester (e.g., ensuring working projectors, computers, whiteboards, and classroom furniture are properly arranged).
2. Assist instructors with setting up lab exercises and demonstrations.
3. Ensure all labs have the appropriate number of chairs and workstations per course enrollment.
4. Maintain access control by ensuring faculty and authorized students have access to required rooms and storage areas.
5. Work with faculty to schedule machine access and lab time.
6. Support faculty and students with hands-on technical troubleshooting.
7. Check that classroom overhead projectors and document cameras (ELMO) are in working condition.
8. Ensure paper printers are stocked and functional in all relevant classrooms/labs.
9. Serve as contact person and software administrator for instructional technology and resources, such as Amatrol.
10. Proctor certification testing for students as part of their coursework, such as NIMS Certification.

Safety & Compliance
1. Enforce safety procedures, ensuring that students and staff follow PPE and equipment
usage guidelines.
2. Perform routine safety checks and report hazards or broken equipment.
3. Ensure lab compliance with OSHA and institutional safety regulations.
4. Assist in emergency lab evacuations and incident reporting.

Additional
1. Teach courses in Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Electrical and/or Engineering Technology, as needed based on candidate credentials. Courses taught outside of normal working hours will be compensated by additional stipend
2. Participate in campus and community outreach events to promote Engineering and Technology programs, including summer camps.
3. Additional Duties as assigned

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Qualifications
1. High School diploma or equivalent and industry-recognized credential in industrial maintenance, manufacturing technology, mechatronics, or a related technical field.
2. At least one year of hands-on experience with manufacturing or industrial systems such as CNC machines, robotics, PLCs, or fluid power systems.
3. Demonstrated mechanical and troubleshooting skills related to equipment setup, maintenance, and repair.
4. Knowledge of lab and shop safety procedures and ability to enforce safe operating practices.
5. Ability to lift, move, and install lab or shop equipment as required.
6. Basic computer proficiency (email, spreadsheets, equipment or inventory software).
7. Effective communication and teamwork skills to assist instructors and students in a fast-paced lab environment.
8. Valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications
1. Associate’s degree in industrial maintenance, mechatronics, manufacturing technology, or a related technical field.
2. Two or more years of experience maintaining, troubleshooting, or repairing industrial or educational lab equipment.
3. Experience supporting instructional activities and ensuring lab equipment and materials are ready for student use.
4. Experience managing lab operations, including calibration, inventory control, preventative maintenance, and coordinating with vendors.
5. Familiarity with industrial automation and control systems (e.g., PLCs, robotics, pneumatics, and hydraulics).
6. Knowledge of safety standards such as OSHA, lockout/tagout, and lab safety compliance.

Work Environment
The job requires working in lab spaces with heavy machinery, electrical components, and
manufacturing tools. Frequent standing, lifting, and manual labor required. Occasional work in office and classroom settings for administrative tasks. Some evening and weekend hours may be required based on course schedules.

Physical Demands
Physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear.