What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Assembly Technician position at Salas O'Brien?
At Salas O’Brien we tell our clients that we’re engineered for impact. This passion for making a difference applies just as much to our team as it does to our projects. That’s why we’re committed to living our values every day: inspiring, achieving, and connecting as shared owners of our success with a focus on a sustainable future.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
Job Summary
Salas O’Brien has been working with the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) of Carnegie Mellon University on the design of a Concrete Mat Laying Robotics System for use in the marine industry by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 2025, the project is advancing from design and testing to full-scale production and implementation.
Here Is a Video About This Amazing Project
VIDEO: Armor 1: revolutionizing Mississippi River revetment with the world’s largest mobile robot | Salas O'Brien
We are seeking a Mechanical Assembly Technician to work with a team of Engineers and Designers to provide technical support to the technology development process and the production phase.
The successful candidate will assume significant responsibility for delivering novel capabilities of national significance. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with unique advanced sensors, communication systems, and unmanned platforms. The candidate will be supported with first-rate hardware, test infrastructure, talented peers, and a work environment that values excellence, continuous learning, and work-life balance.
Duties And Responsibilities
Travel: Possible travel to Lockport, LA
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.
Building for the long-term means that all of our team members can expect to work on amazing projects with a people-first approach to problem solving. It also means that each member of our team has truly limitless potential to build a unique, meaningful, and high-impact career—and they’ll receive great total rewards along the way.
Job Summary
Salas O’Brien has been working with the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) of Carnegie Mellon University on the design of a Concrete Mat Laying Robotics System for use in the marine industry by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 2025, the project is advancing from design and testing to full-scale production and implementation.
Here Is a Video About This Amazing Project
VIDEO: Armor 1: revolutionizing Mississippi River revetment with the world’s largest mobile robot | Salas O'Brien
We are seeking a Mechanical Assembly Technician to work with a team of Engineers and Designers to provide technical support to the technology development process and the production phase.
The successful candidate will assume significant responsibility for delivering novel capabilities of national significance. The candidate will have the opportunity to work with unique advanced sensors, communication systems, and unmanned platforms. The candidate will be supported with first-rate hardware, test infrastructure, talented peers, and a work environment that values excellence, continuous learning, and work-life balance.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Assemble large mechanical robotic systems.
- Install various mechanical components, motors, sensors, and subsystems to larger robotics system.
- Integrate assemblies onto the full width system in Pittsburgh, PA.
- Repair wiring and route electrical components as needed.
- Follow diagrams, sketches, operations manuals, manufacturer's instructions, and engineering specifications to ensure proper production and integration.
- Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures and rules.
- Provide mechanical technician support for large scale robotics testing and operational trials.
- Repair downed system, replace defective parts, debug any mechanical impediments.
- Represent our organization among the many groups involved in the development of the Full Width Robotics System.
- You have a High School diploma or equivalent.
- You have 1 - 3 years of related mechanical experience.
- You are available to travel approximately once a month
- Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Experience with robotics or electro-mechanical system preferred.
- Ability to work in both independent and team settings, and work with minimal supervision.
- Able to clearly communicate any discovered issues to supervisors.
- Punctual and must have good organization skills.
- Knowledge of, and ability to safely use basic hand tools.
- Must be able to use and read measuring tools including, but not limited to, tape measures, calipers, micrometers, gauges, and dial indicators.
- Equipment maintenance, repairing, and troubleshooting.
Travel: Possible travel to Lockport, LA
This role is also eligible for performance-based bonuses and a comprehensive U.S. based benefits package, including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
- Professional development support
For more information, visit our full benefits overview here.
Founded in 1975, Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and professional services firm focused on achieving impact for our clients, our team, and the world. We know that tomorrow’s requirements are today’s opportunities, and we are here to design lasting solutions for pressing challenges.
We work across a variety of industries providing integrated engineering and consulting services. Our specialized experience includes design for data centers, healthcare, science and technology, high-rise buildings, clean energy, education, and other building types as well as structural and building sciences, infrastructure asset management, advanced robotics, and more.
Our technical expertise is paired with an exceptional team of business development, human resources, finance and accounting, information technology, and marketing professionals, all of whom play a key role in bringing our commitments to life every day.
Third-Party Agency Notice
Salas O’Brien does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiters or agencies. We only work with approved partners engaged directly by our Talent Acquisition team for specific searches. Unsolicited submissions will not be eligible for placement fees.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Salas O’Brien provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, or local laws. Salas O’Brien will accommodate the disability-related needs of applicants as required by law.