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Engineering Technician 4

Job Description Summary

The Engineering Technician IV works as part of the Technical Services Unit. The position requires a senior working-level engineering technician who is engaged in considerable development, design and construction of precision, specialized and complex instrumentation and systems for teaching and research in the Department.

Job Description

This position is in the Mechanical Services Unit, which consists of a primary instrument machine shop, student shop, and stores. The Eng. Tech IV will work as part of the Mechanical Services Unit to support the teaching and research functions of the Department. Under the guidance of the Technical Services Director, this position performs advanced machining, including general and CNC machining, as well as welding, woodworking and fabrication as required; fabricates, integrates and assembles precision mechanical components and systems (this includes making independent decisions regarding design problems) where the specialized research equipment, apparatus and components being built are generally for unique projects and often have not been built or previously developed; carries out maintenance and repairs on instruments and machines which may include basic electrical and instrumentation work; provides guidance to students and members of the department in general machining and machine shop practice; makes recommendations regarding ways in which projects may be completed; and performs occasional backup stores duties and purchasing when requested. Interacts with faculty, graduate and undergraduate students and technical staff.

Organizational Status:

Reports to Technical Services Director

Work Performed:

Instrument Machine Shop (IMS): Performs advanced machining and fabrication of precision parts and devices to fine tolerances, and assembles mechanical units and instruments by applying a broad spectrum of established techniques. Performs machining using conventional and CNC lathes and milling machines, as well as welding, woodworking and other fabrication work as required. Works from oral and written requests, sketches, drawings and samples. Tracks the expenses for work performed in terms of hours worked and all expenses incurred (e.g. raw material, machine tools). Designs, modifies and develops specialized research equipment, apparatus and components; designs or supplements design concepts when drawings are not supplied. (approx. 50% of this area of work requires the position to design or modify drawings or submissions); establishes standardized technical documentation. Utilises Computer Aided Design (CAD) software tools (SolidWorks preferred) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software tools (e.g. MasterCAM) for use on CNC (Computer Numerically Controlled) machines. Determines the requirements of projects received from faculty and graduate students; makes recommendations regarding how projects may be completed with respect to design and techniques used. Repairs, upgrades and maintains instruments, equipment and machines. Maintenance may involve electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, pressurized gases, vacuum equipment, vacuum instrumentation, and cryogenic-related work. Follows safety regulations and the WHMIS legislation and reports unsafe conditions to the Manager. Engineering Technician IV practices good housekeeping in the work area.

Student Machine Shop (SMS): Periodically oversees the activities of the student machine shop, ensuring that the operation meets the guidelines of the appended policy for the student shop. Major responsibilities of this position include maintaining an up-to-date basic machine shop practices course and presenting this course as required, ensuring all shop users are adequately trained before using tools and equipment. Provides guidance and assistance in general machining and machine shop practice to authorized users of the students. Makes recommendations regarding ways in which projects may be completed. Carries out preventative maintenance and repairs to student shop machines and tools, ensuring they are always in good working order and safe condition. Enforces all safety regulations and requirements, maintains a safe working environment, and maintains good housekeeping. Hand out components and materials to authorized users.
 

Backup relief work as required and during vacation relief: May assist in unloading trucks and moving equipment or furniture. This position may be assigned additional duties, including assisting with work from other departmental technical areas or research lab projects, which the Technical Services Director assigns.

May help with the tasks associated with the Store person, including receiving incoming orders, maintaining general stock items in the mechanical shops, dispensing materials, and sourcing and ordering non-stock items under the direction of the Technical Services Director.

Consequence of Error/Judgement:

Poor attention to detail or low quality of work could result in extensive costs related to material waste, delayed research projects and missed deadlines. Mechanical Services work is often done without technical advice or documented procedures. It requires initiative, judgment, and the application of technical knowledge in resolving complex design and operational problems. Imprecise tracking of time and expenses would hinder the cost recovery process for services rendered by the Mechanical Services Unit. The quality of guidance and assistance provided to students in completing their projects impacts the quality of their educational experience. Poor adherence to safety/housekeeping policy, regulation and procedure, poor maintenance of equipment, or inadequate training of new shop users could result in serious injury.

Supervision Received:

This position works independently; overall direction and supervision is received from Technical Services Director. Exercise independent initiative and judgment of wide latitude in the performance of specialized duties and responsibilities by providing consultative services with respect to feasibility and/or alternatives. Coordination of teaching-related duties and student machine shop supervision will be done in consultation with the Technical Services Director, Faculty and undergraduate lab supervisors as required.

Supervision Given:

This position will periodically involve the supervision of student shop users and may occasionally include supervising other technicians (e.g. new hires) or apprentices for a limited period.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship and a minimum five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications:

Red Seal certification in a relevant machining trade, or active progress toward such certification, is strongly preferred. Preference will also be given to candidates whose education and training are specifically in advanced machining, CNC machining, fabrication or a closely related discipline. Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship, with training in all aspects of machining, standard production and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) techniques, and application of materials is preferred. Relevant training may include a recognized apprenticeship in instrument making, tool and die making (precision mechanics), machining or a related trade, or graduation from a technical college or institute such as B.C.I.T. in a mechanical or machining discipline. A university degree is considered an asset. Strong CNC skills and demonstrated, regular hands-on experience with advanced machining are preferred. Related experience should include precision machining using milling machines and lathes, including CNC equipment, and may also include waterjet cutting, welding, sheet metal work, basic woodwork and basic wiring. Experience with fabrication of specialized or custom components and equipment is preferred. Five years of practical experience specializing in scientific or research work is preferred. Ability to effectively provide advice/guidance in technical matters related to submitted projects. Good knowledge of technical drawing standards such as CSA CAN3 B78.1 or equivalent, including the ability to interpret and apply engineering specifications. Excellent communication skills and the ability to relate well to others in a teaching capacity would be an asset. Knowledge of Government/WCB regulations and policies related to safety and handling of hazardous materials. Good organizational and time-management skills.