Engineering assistant Jobs in Vancouver, BC

Job Summary

The incumbent collaborates with researchers, students and staff to design, fabricate, modify, maintain and repair specialized research and teaching equipment, instrumentation and mechanical or electromechanical systems.

The incumbent translates user needs into technical requirements, recommends appropriate designs and manufacturing techniques, and fabricates components using a range of mechanical workshop tools and materials.

The incumbent provides technical support for the safe and effective operation of assigned shared laboratory facilities, equipment and infrastructure, including the machine shop, rock cutting room, rock crushing room and other technical areas. This includes equipment maintenance and repair, user training, technical documentation, and supporting safe and appropriate housekeeping practices.

The incumbent instructs faculty, staff and students in the safe use and operation of shared departmental equipment and carries out technical work requiring specialized knowledge and judgment. Knowledge and experience with CNC systems, 3D printing and electronic instrumentation are assets.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Facilities & Technical Services Manager.

Work Performed

• Works with faculty, staff and students to understand project requirements and translates sketches, technical drawings and user requirements into technical solutions and CAD drawings.
• Designs, fabricates, modifies and repairs specialized research and teaching equipment, devices and components and advises users on appropriate materials, designs and manufacturing techniques.
• Operates machine shop equipment, including lathes, milling, drilling, grinding and sawing equipment, and works with metal, plastic, wood and other materials.
• Provides technical support for assigned shared laboratory facilities and equipment, including the machine shop, rock cutting room, rock crushing room and other designated technical areas.
• Performs preventive maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting and repairs on shared equipment and instrumentation and maintains appropriate equipment and maintenance records.
• Maintains safe and appropriate organization and housekeeping within assigned technical spaces and identifies equipment, infrastructure or safety concerns requiring follow-up.
• Instructs faculty, staff and students in the proper and safe use of shared equipment, instrumentation and technical facilities.
• Troubleshoots mechanical and electromechanical systems and works with researchers, other technical staff and vendors to repair and maintain equipment.
• Maintains technical documentation, including CAD drawings, equipment records, operating procedures and standard operating procedures.
• Maintains a safe work environment by identifying technical risks and hazards and implementing appropriate controls within established procedures.
• Plans and coordinates assigned work, communicates with users regarding progress and technical requirements, and works with other EOAS technical staff as required.
• Provides technical advice to the Facilities & Technical Services Manager regarding equipment maintenance, technical capabilities and opportunities to improve technical operations.
• Provides technical guidance and training to apprentices as assigned.
• Performs other related duties within the classification level.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors could result in serious personal injury to the incumbent or users of departmental equipment and facilities, damage to expensive research or teaching equipment, delays to research projects, or cancellation of teaching activities.

Supervision Received
Works independently on technical projects and activities assigned by the Facilities & Technical Services Manager. May be approached directly by faculty, staff and students for technical assistance and collaborates with users to determine appropriate technical solutions.

Supervision Given
Provides technical and procedural advice, instruction and assistance to users of departmental equipment and facilities. May provide technical guidance and training to apprentices.

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 own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship and a minimum of 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 own awareness, knowledge and skills related to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Recognized machinist, millwright, tool and die maker, or related trade certification from a recognized technical institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and demonstrated ability to safely operate machine tools and independently undertake machining, fabrication, maintenance and repair tasks.
• Experience troubleshooting and maintaining mechanical, electromechanical or scientific equipment.
• Experience with metal fabrication, welding and related techniques.
• Proficiency using CAD software.
• Knowledge of circuitry, electronics and instrumentation.
• Experience providing equipment instruction or technical training.
• Experience in scientific, research or post-secondary environments and in the design and fabrication of experimental equipment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work effectively with users with varying levels of technical experience.
• Experience with CNC systems, 3D printing, microcontrollers, LabVIEW, Arduino or Python is an asset.