Technologist I, II, or III

Texas A&M University System•College Station, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Why work for Texas A&M Engineering? Engineering has been part of Texas A&M University since its opening in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. Today, the College of Engineering is the largest college on the College Station campus with more than 25,000 engineering students enrolled in 15 departments. Its mission is to serve Texas, the nation and the global community by providing engineering graduates who are well-founded in engineering fundamentals, instilled with the highest standards of professional and ethical behavior, and prepared to meet the complex technical challenges of society. As the research arm of Engineering, the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) is a state agency within the Texas A&M University System with a mission to improve lives through basic and applied engineering research, workforce development and technology transition. Our collaborations with industry, academia and government provide cutting-edge solutions to global technical challenges. We are deeply committed to recruiting and retaining a talented workforce that embraces our core values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Service, by offering competitive salaries, an array of benefits, an extensive support network, and above all, an enriching and highly collaborative working community that is deeply passionate about our vision for higher education, research, and public service. Job Summary The Offshore Technology Research Center (OTRC) conducts basic and applied research into the reliability and performance of deepwater offshore structures, including mooring systems, wind, wave, and current forces. We are seeking a highly adaptable, resourceful professional to join our Model Shop team. This position requires an individual who thrives on technical challenges and is capable of developing creative solutions for unique, "firsttime" projects that do not have a standard "how-to" manual. Integrity must be at the core of your professional and personal values. We require professionals who take complete ownership of their work; precision, accuracy, and transparency are non-negotiable. While all levels are deeply technical and hands-on, the Technologist III serves as the facility’s primary technical authority and project manager for the Model Shop. Foundational Responsibilities (All Levels): All candidates, regardless of level, must possess a strong technical foundation and the ability to perform the following: Construction / Fabrication: Interpret 2D and 3D engineering drawings and blueprints to build models, test fixtures, or accessories, from wood, metal, fiberglass, and other materials. Shop Operations: Proficiently operate standard shop tools, including circular saws, welders, lathes, band saws, grinders, and standard construction equipment. System Assembly: Build or procure and assemble components for model mooring and riser systems to scale as shown in blueprints and engineering drawings. Facility Maintenance: Monitor and maintain the performance and functionality of pumps, cranes, forklifts, dive equipment, and specialized fabrication tools. Technical Troubleshooting: Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the facility's 600 HP hydraulic wave generation system, including pumps, motors, manifolds, and actuators. Mentorship: Assist in the instruction and coordination of hourly student workers in the fabrication and operation of basin equipment. Level-Specific Differentiators: Technologist I & II Focus: Serves as a high-level repair technician and fabricator. Scope: Focuses on the execution of technical tasks, following manuals and schematics to troubleshoot and repair facility systems. Progression: Level II takes on increased responsibility for basin preparation and coordination with external fabrication shops and project management duties. Technologist III: Technical Authority & Project Manager Technical Expertise: Acts as the primary expert on all major facility systems; must understand the theory of operation for all systems and perform repairs down to the individual serviceable component level. Project Management: Manages project timelines, maintains critical path schedules, and oversee project budgets and resource allocation. Vendor Relations: Coordinates with external vendors and fabrication shops to source specialized parts and ensure client specifications are met. Safety & Dive Leadership: Serves as the OTRC Safety Officer and Divemaster; supervises and coordinates all wave basin scuba and underwater activities. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) Core Integrity: Uncompromising personal and professional integrity with a commitment to absolute transparency. Mechanical & Industrial Systems: Knowledge of high-pressure hydraulic systems, pumps, and mechanical actuators. Fabrication Mastery: Proficiency with shop tools and various materials (wood, metal, fiberglass). Technical Interpretation: Ability to read and translate complex 2D/3D engineering blueprints and technical drawings. Physics & Scaling: Knowledge of basic physics relating to offshore structures, including Froude scaling and Center of Gravity for model ballast. Project Coordination: Ability to manage deadlines, budgets, and external contractor relationships to achieve project goals. Safety Management: Knowledge of OSHA regulations and industrial safety procedures, specifically regarding fall protection and scuba operations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an applicable field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Must pass a mandatory swim test.
Must be able to work from elevated positions and adhere to fall protection procedures.
Must be PADI certified as a Master Scuba Diver or Divemaster and hold a NITROX certification (also equivalent or greater certification accepted)
Must pass a PADI Divemaster Physical and maintain currency with PADI Divemaster requirements.
Ability to maintain the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, which may include communications systems, computer networks and systems, cybersecurity systems, electrical grid, hazardous waste treatment system or water treatment system.
Uncompromising personal and professional integrity with a commitment to absolute transparency.
Knowledge of high-pressure hydraulic systems, pumps, and mechanical actuators.
Proficiency with shop tools and various materials (wood, metal, fiberglass).
Ability to read and translate complex 2D/3D engineering blueprints and technical drawings.
Knowledge of basic physics relating to offshore structures, including Froude scaling and Center of Gravity for model ballast.
Ability to manage deadlines, budgets, and external contractor relationships to achieve project goals.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations and industrial safety procedures, specifically regarding fall protection and scuba operations.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing technical projects—including scheduling, vendor coordination, and cost control—is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Interpret 2D and 3D engineering drawings and blueprints to build models, test fixtures, or accessories, from wood, metal, fiberglass, and other materials.
Proficiently operate standard shop tools, including circular saws, welders, lathes, band saws, grinders, and standard construction equipment.
Build or procure and assemble components for model mooring and riser systems to scale as shown in blueprints and engineering drawings.
Monitor and maintain the performance and functionality of pumps, cranes, forklifts, dive equipment, and specialized fabrication tools.
Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot the facility's 600 HP hydraulic wave generation system, including pumps, motors, manifolds, and actuators.
Assist in the instruction and coordination of hourly student workers in the fabrication and operation of basin equipment.
Acts as the primary expert on all major facility systems; must understand the theory of operation for all systems and perform repairs down to the individual serviceable component level.
Manages project timelines, maintains critical path schedules, and oversee project budgets and resource allocation.
Coordinates with external vendors and fabrication shops to source specialized parts and ensure client specifications are met.
Serves as the OTRC Safety Officer and Divemaster; supervises and coordinates all wave basin scuba and underwater activities.

Benefits

Competitive medical insurance benefits through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and Prescription coverage by Express Scripts.
Options for Vision, Dental, Life, and Long-Term Disability insurance.
A defined benefit retirement plan with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) with 8.25% employer contribution.
Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Deferred Account 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation Program 457(b).
Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
Generous paid time off with holidays, vacation and sick leave.
Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional development opportunities.
Tuition assistance and Educational release time to further your academic pursuits.
Access to Engineer Your Wellness programs that provide opportunities for employees to engage in health and fitness.
Wellness release time offered to employees to promote work/life balance.