Electronics & Electrical Technician

Job Purpose 

To work as part of a team providing high quality Electronics technical support for research and teaching in the James Watt School of Engineering.

The Electronics Services Division is a part of the Technical Service provision of around 50 staff providing electronics, electro-mechanical and software expertise to the School. Our Technical Services team supports world class engineering research projects, teaching activities, commercial contract work, contributing to the strategic objectives of the School.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To design, construct and develop electronic, electro-mechanical and computer-controlled instruments and equipment. Utilise a wide range of specialist skills and techniques to support teaching and research activities in the School of Engineering.

2. To plan, set up and prepare undergraduate teaching labs. Ensure that all required components and equipment are available and fully functional. To provide expert guidance, explain electronic principles and demonstrate how to operate technical equipment as required.

3. The School uses a wide range of sophisticated electronic equipment in research and teaching laboratories. Diagnose faults, carry out routine maintenance and repairs to this equipment. Work to safe and professional standards at all times.

4. To provide expert technical advice and propose technical solutions in the field of electronics for students and staff in the School.

5. To design and develop printed circuit boards (PCBs) using electronics CAD software. Assist and educate service users in good design practice. Fabricate boards using through-hole and surface mount technologies as appropriate.

6. To engage with training initiatives encouraging skills transfer and development as required in line with a School objectives. This may involve supervision of apprentices and work placement students.

7. To evaluate safety issues and conduct risk assessments as required. Carry out inspection and testing of electrical appliances throughout the school ensuring compliance with legal requirements. To apply and adhere to all relevant Health and Safety policies and procedures.

8. To set up and maintain local IT systems and keep work records, project details and other essential management information using electronic data base systems.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience 

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential 

A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role, or SCQF level 7 (Advanced Higher / SVQ level 3, HNC) in relevant subject or equivalent plus experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2 Detailed knowledge of electronics theory, design and analysis

A3 Excellent knowledge of relevant health and safety policies and procedures

Desirable 

B1 Good knowledge of electronic CAD tools such as Cadence, Altium or Kicad

B2 Good knowledge of software simulation of electronic circuits

B3 Good knowledge of embedded system programming and control software

B4 Good knowledge of process control and data logging

Skills 

Essential 

C1 Skilled in analogue and digital electronic circuit design and analysis

C2 Skilled in the use of electronic and electrical test and measuring equipment, including the use of Meters, Signal sources and Oscilloscopes.

C3 Excellent verbal and written communication skills

C4 Excellent interpersonal skills, able to work independently and as part of a team

C5 Excellent planning and organising skills, able to prioritise own workload

C6 Proven ability to exercise initiative and judgement

Desirable

D1 Ability to program in Labview, C, Java, Python or similar language

D2 Good skills in through-hole and surface mount PCB fabrication

D3 Good skills in programming Microcontrollers and Embedded Electronic Systems

D4 Good mechanical skills to be able to construct Electronic & Electrical equipment

Essential Experience 

E1 Sufficient relevant experience to be able to demonstrate relevant competencies as required for this level of specialist technical post

E2 Experience in using a wide range of electronic test and measurement equipment

E3 Experience of providing technical support, advice and training to others with varying levels of competence in the field

E4 Experience in fault finding, problem solving and repair in electronic systems

Desirable Experience

F1 Experience of constructing and finishing bespoke electronic equipment

F2 Experience of working with power electronics and electrical systems

Job Features

Planning and Organising

• Planning projects and work programmes delegated by the Line Manager

• Planning the method and technical approach for the components and equipment to be used

• Plan and prioritise own work activities within established procedures and protocols

• Organise and prioritise access to equipment and tools in conjunction with colleagues

• Organise and set up teaching laboratories and demonstrations as required

Decision Making

• Make decisions on technical approach and method for task in hand

• Make decisions on selecting appropriate component parts

• Make decisions about working safely and how to minimise risks

• Contribute to collective decisions on divisional issues through meetings and direct communication with the Service Managers

• Use initiative and make appropriate self-determined decisions on all matters appropriate to the grade and within established competencies, seeking guidance where more senior input or unfamiliar technologies make it necessary

Problem Solving

• Identifying solutions to technical problems in an electronic engineering environment

• Interpreting verbal instructions, drawings, electronic media and proposing solutions where information is inaccurate or incomplete

• Diagnose faults and problems with Electronic & Electrical equipment and effect suitable repair

• Able to work with a diverse range of people with a variety of styles and personalities in a competent and professional manner

Internal/External Relationships

• Regular interaction with the Workshop Lead Technician and Service Managers to receive work and direction

• Regular interaction with colleagues on shared work, projects and use of equipment

• Interaction with other technical divisions to provide Electronic & Electrical advice and support

• Interaction with students in setting up and supporting teaching labs and projects

• Interaction with research and teaching staff to create, develop and prove finished designs and products

• Work with other University internal services and personnel as required

• Work with external goods and service providers as required

Other

• Must be self-motivated and show desire to achieve the objectives agreed with managers working towards the strategic goals set by the School.

• Must be willing to continually learn and develop new skills in the specialist field and work towards professional registration with an appropriate Institution (e.g. EngTech from the Engineering Council).

Dimensions

The James Watt School of Engineering is supported by 4 technical service Divisions: Mechanical, Laboratory, Electronics & Electrical and Design & Graphics. Technical services provides support to approximately 2600 students and 480 researchers in the School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow. This post is part of Electronics & Electrical Service division comprising 6 Technicians who provide technical support for a diverse range of research and teaching activities. Research activities include Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Environmental Biotechnology and Systems, Power and Energy Research Divisions. In addition, support for teaching Aero, Civil, Electronics & Electrical and Mechanical Engineering is provided.

The School of Engineering operates over two main Buildings (Rankine Building and James Watt Building) in the West end of Glasgow but also has two other off campus sites at Acre Road and Oakbank Industrial Estate. This job will predominantly be based in the Electronics Workshops in the Rankine or James Watt buildings but will also involve technical support occasionally in other areas.

Standard Terms and Conditions

Salary will be on the Technical & Specialist Grade, level 5, £22,847 – £27,116 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and offered on an open-ended basis.

New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months.

The successful candidate will be eligible to join the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) Pension Scheme.

It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.****

We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equality.

The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.