Position Overview:

We're seeking a Senior Science & Engineering Mechanical Technician to work under the guidance of the Principal S&E Technicians. The technician will perform mechanical assembly tasks and provide general support for the vacuum processing of devices.

Specific job Duties include (but not limited to):

• Vacuum bake processing of production and developmental klystron microwave tubes including installation on bake stations, pumping down, leak checking, RGA operation, pinch-off, mechanical preparation, sand basting using all environmental and safety procedures, high voltage resistance checking and precision bridge crane hoisting and rigging
• Perform mechanical and vacuum diagnostics and repair of production equipment such as sputter-ion pumps, turbo-molecular pumps, rotary vane pumps, scroll pumps, oil diffusion pumps, helium mass spectrometer leak detectors and bake station vacuum ovens.
• Works with minimal supervision on mechanical tasks and vacuum systems after orientation.
• Use of hand tools and power tools to repair equipment. Occasionally fabricate fixtures and equipment, sometimes self-designed.
• Install vacuum waveguide systems for high-power microwave testing.
• Occasional special projects involving design and fabrication. Coordinate with other groups and areas. Occasionally assist with new procedure development.
• Perform all work in accordance with established safety and work planning and control procedures and continuously strive to ensure a safe working environment
• Work occasional irregular hours, as required, in support of project, program, operations, or maintenance schedules and goals

To be successful in this position you will bring:

• Five years of practical work experience in mechanical assembly, fabrication, testing, and process controller programming or demonstrated ability
• Demonstrated working mechanical knowledge, mathematics, and related subject matter.
• Working knowledge of vacuum bakeout procedures and equipment
• Ability to fabricate/assemble components including prototypes, and perform experimental apparatus set-up, testing, and equipment operation
• Working knowledge of shop math and the ability to calculate cumulative tolerances and interferences
• Some knowledge of specialized equipment such as helium leak detectors; brazing, soldering, TIG welding, and rigging equipment
• Measuring instruments such as micrometers, calipers, height gauges, stress gauges, vacuum and pressure gauges, and temperature measurement devices
• Good interpersonal skills and strong communication skills, both oral and written
• Experience with MS Office:
  • Experience with formulas and multi-sheet lookups in MS Excel
  • Experience with MS Word formatting and entry
• Experience working as part of a collaborative team
• Must be capable of and committed to achieving the department's mission in a safe and respectful manner, in compliance with applicable standards and regulations
• Must possess a valid California Driver's License and a good driving record

SLAC employee competencies:

• Effective Decisions: Uses job knowledge and solid judgment to make quality decisions in a timely manner.
• Self-Development: Pursues a variety of venues and opportunities to continue learning and developing.
• Dependability: Can be counted on to deliver results with a sense of personal responsibility for expected outcomes.
• Initiative: Pursues work and interactions proactively with optimism, positive energy, and motivation to move things forward.
• Adaptability: Flexes as needed when change occurs, maintains an open outlook while adjusting and accommodating changes.
• Communication: Ensures effective information flow to various audiences and creates and delivers clear, appropriate written, spoken, presented messages.
• Relationships: Builds relationships to foster trust, collaboration, and a positive climate to achieve common goals.

Physical requirements and working conditions:

• Must be able to work standing for long periods of time, lift heavy objects and work from a ladder and portable stairs
• Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Work standards:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients and with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for environment, safety and security; communicates related concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned. Meets the applicable roles and responsibilities as described in the ESH Manual, Chapter 1-General Policy and Responsibilities:
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, .

As an organization that receives federal funding, SLAC and Stanford University have a COVID-19 vaccination requirement that will apply to all university employees, including those working remotely in the United States and applicable subcontractors. To learn more about COVID policies and guidelines for Stanford University Staff, please visit

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Classification Title: Senior S&E Tech Mechanical

Grade: A35

Job code: 6688

Duration: Regular Continuing

Note: This position is represented by SEIU Local 2007 and the collective bargaining agreement between the university and SEIU Local 2007 governs the terms and conditions of employment.