Job Description Summary

Located in Niskayuna, New York, central to the New York Capital District, GE Aerospace Research builds on GE’s 125+ years of industrial research heritage, tackling the most challenging engineering problems through multi-disciplinary teams to deliver innovative technologies. Together, we create and sustain differentiated solutions to maintain competitive advantages for GE Aerospace and our customers.

As a versatile hands-on professional, you will partner with the Component Heat Transfer Lab’s Test Engineer to bring cutting‑edge thermal test programs to life. You’ll build, instrument, and operate prototype rigs, execute component‑level experiments, and maintain lab systems that drive breakthroughs in jet engine heat transfer research. Ideal candidates are crafty problem solvers with a knack for prototype assembly, instrumentation, and collaborative R&D support.

Job Description

As a Component Heat Transfer Lab Mechanical Technician, you will support the Component Heat Transfer Laboratory’s Test Engineer in executing experimental programs for thermal management research on jet engine components. Working under the direction of the Test Engineer, you will help translate test plans into hardware assemblies, conduct component-level experiments, and maintain high-quality lab operations that drive innovative heat transfer solutions.

Essential Responsibilities

Under the guidance and tasking of the Test Engineer, you will:

• Collaborate with the Test Engineer and researchers to clarify test objectives, develop work packages, and schedule lab activities.
• Build, instrument, and commission thermal test rigs and subscale component assemblies per detailed mechanical and electrical drawings.
• Operate and monitor experiments using measurement and imaging tools, including thermocouples, RTDs, heat flux gauges, infrared cameras, flow meters, and pressure probes.
• Procure, prepare, and organize mechanical parts and instrumentation components to support test execution.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and upgrade test hardware and auxiliary systems (compressor skids, preheaters, exhausters) to ensure safe, reliable operation.
• Record test data and assist in preliminary data validation and documentation for handoff to engineers and analysts.
• Follow the Test Engineer’s directions to execute procedures, adhere to safety protocols, and enforce lab standards.

Qualifications/Requirements

• High School Diploma/GED minimum of 3 years’ experience in a laboratory setting
• Proven ability in hands-on craftsmanship in building and assembling functional prototypes: comfortable translating sketches and diagrams into tangible assemblies, with experience in model making, DIY projects, or automotive maintenance.
• Strong troubleshooting skills and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving mechanical or instrumentation issues.
• Excellent communication skills to take direction clearly and coordinate effectively with Test Engineers, researchers, and vendors.
• Organized time management and the ability to manage multiple tasks.
• A collaborative mindset and willingness to learn new techniques, tools, and processes in thermal testing.
• Comfortable interpreting technical documentation, schematics, and standard operating procedures.
• Willingness to support primary first-shift operations, with potential for occasional second- or third-shift activities.
• U.S. citizenship for export-controlled research access; ability to pass drug screening and background check.
• Must be 18 years or older and able to work on-site in Niskayuna, NY.

Desired Characteristics

• Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field with at least 3 years of hands-on lab or research experience.
• Prior experience assisting engineers in fluid or thermal experiments in an R&D or lab environment.
• Working knowledge of thermal and flow instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and lab safety practices.
• Familiarity with data acquisition software such as LabVIEW and basic scripting for data handling.
• Experience with machine shop equipment (mills, lathes, grinders) and basic machining operations.

The weekly range for this position is $1,292 -$1,830 USD. The specific weekly range offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate’s experience, their education, and the work location. This posting is expected to close on September 1st, 2025.

Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

General Electric Company, Ropcor, Inc., their successors, and in some cases their affiliates, each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a “Sponsor”). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor’s welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, for applicants who are not asylees, refugees, lawful permanent residents or U.S. Citizens (i.e., not a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), otherwise known as a U.S. Person), final offers will be contingent on the ability to obtain authorization for access to U.S. export-controlled information from the U.S. Government.

Additional Information

GE Aerospace offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).

Relocation Assistance Provided: No