Structural Testing and Laboratory Technician

Job Summary

The ASSET Team develops and tests innovative structural systems intended to improve the safety, resilience, and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure. The work includes large-scale experimental testing of reinforced concrete, precast concrete, structural steel, and other structural systems. Research outcomes support advances in engineering knowledge and practice

The Technician provides technical support for the planning, design, construction, documentation, and execution of ASSET Team’s large-scale structural testing. This position will carry out hands-on experimental tasks, including (but not limited to) using tools to assemble test equipment, fabricating components from steel, wood, or concrete, and preparing test samples as needed. This position must also demonstrate proper and safe use of tools, instrumentation, machinery, and laboratory equipment. This position will procure, install, and maintain equipment and lab documentation. This position will be trained in university safety guidelines and purchasing and receiving procedures, and will be expected to maintain a high level of safety in the laboratory.

Organizational Status
This position will report to the ASSET Research Manager and ultimately to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Tobber). The technician works closely with faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other university technical staff or service units. The position may also be required to coordinate with contractors, suppliers, consultants, and industry research partners.

Work Performed
Provides research support:

Supports a professional, respectful, collaborative, and inclusive laboratory environment.

Works with ASSET team members to ensure project and research schedules are met and that all safety aspects are implemented;

Uses appropriate tools and equipment to construct and install large-scale experimental arrangements safely and accurately using sketches, schematics, functional drawings and/or as per researcher's instructions;

Fabricates, assembles, installs, modifies, and dismantles structural testing systems, steel fixtures, loading frames, instrumentation supports, and other experimental components.

Performs or coordinates cutting, drilling, grinding, fastening, welding, machining, and mechanical assembly

Coordinates the fabrication of specialized steel and mechanical components by internal shops or external contractors.

Works with researchers to develop new laboratory experiments and improve existing laboratory experiments;

Assists with adapting, modifying and maintaining equipment and providing troubleshooting support to researchers and research assistants;

Identifies practical problems during fabrication, assembly, and operations and develops appropriate solutions in consultation with the Research Manager, Principal Investigator, or project team when required.

Assembles and tests research equipment prior to use to verify proper operational status;

Adapts, modifies, services and maintains test equipment per established maintenance schedules and manufacturers' specifications;

Reads and interprets fabrication drawings, reinforcing details, sketches, technical specifications, equipment manuals, or proposed test setups for constructability, installation requirements, access, tolerances, and practical feasibility.

Assists in the development and documentation of structural test setups, loading systems, reaction systems, specimen details, instrumentation arrangements, and laboratory layouts.

Monitors test equipment and experimental setups during testing and assists with troubleshooting and adjustments.

May arrange, carry out, or oversee the repair of instruments.

Performs other related duties consistent with the classification and needs of the research program.

Design, drafting, and documentation:

Prepares or revises technical drawings, fabrication details, assembly drawings, bills of materials, and other technical documents using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar software.

Maintains organized technical records for completed and ongoing experimental programs.

Provides a safe laboratory and educational environment:

Maintains laboratory work areas in a clean and functional condition.

Verifies that tools and lab equipment are working safely prior to use; Maintains SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and safety manuals as inventory is entered

Understands and implements safety guidelines as provided by the university health and safety office; Understands and follows the requirements as provided by WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) and GHS (Globally Harmonized System); Monitors lab safety and corrects issues as they occur.

Student training and technical guidance

Provides practical instruction and technical guidance to graduate and undergraduate students involved in laboratory work.

Demonstrates the correct use of tools, equipment, instrumentation, and laboratory procedures.

Helps students understand drawings, fabrication requirements, assembly procedures, and expected standards of workmanship.

Monitors student work to support safe practices, appropriate use of equipment, and satisfactory technical quality.

Encourages students to develop practical skills while ensuring that activities remain consistent with project requirements, laboratory procedures, and university policies.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The position requires a thorough understanding of the policies and procedures as prescribed by the University, the Faculty of Applied Science, and the School of Engineering. This position will be required to work independently with minimal supervision and is expected to perform duties in a precise and timely manner.

Many research programs depend on the operation of the structural testing facility. Poor decisions regarding safety procedures and/or poor maintenance of the facilities could prove a risk to users. Errors in this context could result in personal injuries, expensive repairs and unavailability of equipment needed for teaching and research. Improper time management could lead to delays in providing experimental results or access to users, thus negatively affecting outcomes.

Student and lab safety is paramount. Failure to follow safety guidelines could result in personal injury or loss of equipment. Poorly maintained equipment could cause injury to students or be detrimental to the outcome of experiments causing loss of time and valuable research information.

Supervision Received
The position reports primarily to the Research Manager, who establishes operational priorities, coordinates research schedules, and provides general direction. The Principal Investigator establishes the broader research objectives, project priorities, technical requirements, and budgetary parameters.

This position is expected to work with substantial independence in planning and completing assigned technical work. Work is reviewed based on achievement of project objectives, technical quality, safety, timeliness, and effective coordination with the research team.

Supervision Given
The position does not initially have formal supervisory responsibility for permanent staff. The Technician provides technical direction, practical instruction, and day-to-day guidance to undergraduate and graduate students, research assistants, and other personnel performing laboratory work. The technician may coordinate the work of contractors, suppliers, fabricators, and temporary technical personnel associated with specific experimental projects.

Qualifications

University degree in a relevant discipline or technical program (Engineering Technology Diploma) and a minimum of four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Red Seal certification in welding, millwright, machining, or another relevant trade preferred.

Experience in constructing, fabricating, assembling, installing, operating, maintaining, and repairing complex equipment or systems.

Experience in structural steel fabrication, detailing, or erection.

Experience in reinforced concrete construction, formwork, reinforcing steel, or concrete placement.

Experience in preparing or revising drawings using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar software.

Experience in large-scale structural, mechanical, geotechnical, or materials testing.

Experience in working with hydraulic actuators, pumps, hoses, manifolds, and control systems.

Experience in installing, operating, and troubleshooting load cells, displacement transducers, strain gauges, and data-acquisition systems.

Experience in operating cranes, forklifts, rigging, hoisting, and material-handling equipment.

Experience in coordinating fabrication, construction, maintenance, or technical projects.

Experience in supervising apprentices, students, junior employees, or contractors.

Experience in a university, research, testing, manufacturing, or industrial environment.

Strong practical and mechanical aptitude, with practical problem-solving skills and sound judgement.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.

Professional, respectful, and effective interpersonal communication skills.

Experience in maintaining accurate records and using standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office products.

Knowledge of structural steel fabrication, detailing, and erection.

Knowledge of reinforced concrete construction, including formwork, reinforcing steel, and concrete placement.

Knowledge of large-scale structural, mechanical, geotechnical, or materials testing.

Knowledge of hydraulic actuators, pumps, hoses, manifolds, and control systems.

Knowledge of load cells, displacement transducers, strain gauges, and data-acquisition systems.

Knowledge of cranes, forklifts, rigging, hoisting, and material handling practices.

Knowledge of technical drawings, sketches, specifications, and relevant drafting practices.

Knowledge of University policies, procedures, manuals, handbooks, and reports.

Knowledge of safe work practices and applicable laboratory, occupational health and safety, and University requirements.

Knowledge of standard computer applications, including Microsoft Office products, and the ability to learn new technical systems. Ability to carry out complex technical tasks with limited supervision.

Ability to take initiative, exercise sound judgement, and resolve technical problems.

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, sketches, and specifications.

Ability to organize work, establish priorities, and complete tasks with limited supervision.

Ability to coordinate several activities or projects concurrently.

Ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff, contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

Ability to perform physically active work associated with structural testing, including working around large specimens and equipment and handling materials using appropriate mechanical assistance.

Ability to provide practical instruction and guidance to students.

Ability to comprehend and interpret University policies, procedures, manuals, handbooks, and reports.

Ability to learn new technical systems, equipment, processes, and procedures and participate in relevant training.

Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.

Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work requirements.

Ability to work independently while recognizing when consultation or assistance is required.

Ability to maintain a commitment to safe work practices and compliance with laboratory and University requirements.

Occupational First Aid, forklift, aerial lift, crane, rigging, welding, or other related certifications are considered an asset.

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