Associate Development Engineer

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX (004758)

UCPath Position ID: 40039857

Position Description History/Status

For Reference ONLY - PeopleAdmin JA Number:

1119619

Approved Date:

7/30/2025 11:22:08 PM

Date Last Edited:

7/30/2025 11:22:03 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

1/1/2021

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1340D

Division:

L&S PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Department:

100000 - PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

40039857

Position Description ID

170499

UC Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 3 TX (004758)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40065031

Reports to Payroll Title:

RES-FY

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40056567

Department Head Payroll Title:

ADMIN MGR 2

DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent establishes procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives in a broad area of work. Only the final results of work done are typically reviewed. Incumbent typically develops procedures within the limits of established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Director of the Basic Plasma Science Facility, the incumbent will coordinate the various stages from design to testing of experimental components. Coordinate repairs and machine upgrades for the Large Plasma Device. The incumbent will also assign tasks to the Development Technicians and Lab Assistants on various projects, along with supervising graduate and undergraduate use of various devices for fabrication.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy consists of faculty, undergrads and graduate students, academic researchers, scientists, staff and postdocs. Our department is located in Knudsen Hall, the Physics & Astronomy Buildings, the Planetarium (located in the Math Sciences Building), the Science and Technology Research Building (STRB) and a portion of Kaplan Hall (Division Mechanical Shop) totaling approximately 155,000+ square feet and an asset total of $11M.

Design and Development of Mechanical Systems

1. Design and develop mechanical subsystems for Large Plasma Device (LAPD) which include the water cooling system for magnets.

2. Produce mechanical drawings and schematics using computer aided design software. In some cases this is self-initiated and in some cases incumbent is given a conceptual idea of needed components by other research personnel and expected to design and produce drawings of the component.

3. Utilize engineering principles and mathematics in producing calculations for the design and development of mechanical subsystems.

4. Consult with research staff and the Director on feasibility of new components.

5. Consult with research staff and the Director to insure the mechanical subsystems interface appropriately with the LAPD.

40%

Mechanical Assembly and Field Testing

1. Assemble parts and components into mechanical subsystems and test when appropriate for vacuum leaks or other faults.

2. Supervise, coordinate and/or perform the machining of the precision mechanical parts at the STRB facility, Physics Machine Shop, or off-campus vendors when used.

3. Purchase materials to be used in the fabrication or machining process.

4. Track and inspect mechanical parts throughout the assembly, construction and delivery stages.

5. Install and test the parts, components and sub-systems.

40%

Maintenance, Repair and Equipment Upgrades

1. Supervise maintenance of existing mechanical systems and equipment. 

2. Supervisor and/or perform necessary repairs to mechanical sub-systems and vacuum systems.

3. Coordinate and track repairs sent out from the laboratory.

4. Coordinate upgrade activities as directed by the faculty supervisor. Activities may include redesign of mechanical sub-systems, vacuum systems, etc.

5. Order and maintain an appropriate stock of standard, commercially supplied, mechanical parts and replacement components.

20%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in Science, Mathematics, Engineering or related field and / or equivalent  experience / training.

Required

2 Years

experience using Design software in mechanical design.

Required

2 Years

experience in welding and soldering equipment.

Required

5 Years

experience designing mechanical systems and structures.

Required

5-10 Years

experience working in a scientific lab environment.

Required

1. Working knowledge of mechanical engineering principles, mathematics and computer aided design software.

Required

2. Ability to generate AutoCAD and Solidworks engineering drawings and schematics.

Required

3. Ability to conceptualize ideas or needs and produce design or drawings or schematics.

Required

4. Skill in project management to track components from design state, through fabrication, assembly and testing.

Required

5. Demonstrated skill in using an oxygen-acetylene torch for soft solder and silver soldering.

Required

6. Skill in using heavy CNC machine tools, like lathes, mills, etc.

Required

7. Skill in operating and supervising the operation of heavy equipment (overhead crane and forklift)

Required

8. Skill in using machine shop hand tools and power tools.

Required

9. Inter-personal skills sufficient to interact cooperatively and effectively with faculty, staff, students, external collaborators and commercial vendors.

Required

10. Demonstrated ability and skill to work independently and as a member of a team, prioritizing assignments and carrying out specific tasks directed toward the achievement of the general goals of the project and faculty.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

5%

Minimal travel to local vendors.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Science and Technology Research Building

Standing/Walking

X

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

Numerical skills

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.