Mechatronics Engineering Technologist

Staff – Union

Job Category
CUPE 116

Job Profile
CUPE 116 Salaried – Engineering Technician 4

Job Title
Mechatronics Engineering Technologist

Department
Engineering Tech 2 Department of Civil Engineering Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range
$6,028.00 – $6,435.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date
January 31, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Job Summary

This is a senior technical level position that requires design, assembly and maintenance of electrical and mechanical instrumentation and systems. This includes demonstrating and operating complex equipment used in teaching and research, providing consultation services regarding the design and operation of equipment, and prototyping, construction, and repairing various equipment. This position is a senior level engineering technician engaged in considerable development, design and construction of precision, specialized and complex equipment, instrumentation and systems for teaching and research requiring expertise in field of engineering technology and for providing consultative services with respect to feasibility and/or alternatives; work at this level requires carrying out complex or precision tasks that requires comprehensive technical knowledge, skills and capabilities in the design and development of rare equipment.

Organizational Status
The Civil Engineering department has multi-disciplinary labs that support more than 37 full-time faculty, with over 500 undergraduate students and 230 graduate students. Works directly with faculty, research engineers, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, undergraduate students, and other staff. This position reports to the Head Engineering Technician
Work Performed

o   Works closely with other technicians (Mechanical and Electrical) and, under general direction and guided by outlines and rough specifications, performs non-routine assignments that require the application of all aspects of technology.

o   Advises users of facilities, the feasibility and practicality of components and devices required, and the adaptation and modification of equipment and devices for their specific needs.

o   Independently carries out assembly, design, installation, and operation of experimental or specialized equipment and electronic instrumentation systems (e.g., data acquisition systems, hydraulic control systems, precision measuring sensors, and signal conditioning equipment).

o   From standard and non-standard procedures, takes basic concepts and develops end-user solutions (specifications, procedures, operating limits/ranges, etc.). This involves mechanical design and selection of appropriate parts/materials and the operation of a wide range of mechanical system, motorized system and the use of machine shop tools.

o   Designs and fabricates complex and highly precise devices; modifies and adapts equipment to meet specialized requirements.  

o   Diagnoses mechanical and electrical faults and carries out necessary repairs and modifications.

o   Recommends new methods or techniques to effect solution of mechanical and electrical problems.

o   Operates a wide range of machine shop and instrumentation tools.

o   Creates documentation for various custom equipment or procedures (operating manuals, technical assembly documentation, CAD drawings of electronic schematics, 2D and 3D mechanical assemblies, wiring diagrams, calibration graphs.

o   Provides experimental testing support in the form of operation and/or training on complicated equipment and systems (Earthquake simulation equipment, hydraulic controls, computerized testing equipment, etc.). Demonstrates and instructs other personnel in equipment use, operation, and safety procedures, including specialized equipment and techniques as appropriate.

o   Maintains and repairs all Department property and equipment. Ensures the maintenance of technical data or records of equipment and evaluates new equipment as required.  Undertakes periodic training to refresh and update skills and knowledge related to the job function including training on health and safety issues.

o   Provides repair and calibration support on a wide variety of electronic instrumentation used for both graduate research and undergraduate labs.

o   Provides consulting services for technical staff, students, faculty, and external companies/agencies regarding various equipment and projects.

o   May be required to supervise and coordinate the work of other technicians.

o   Responsible for implementing and maintaining a safe and organized working environment through constant awareness of safety issues.

o   Carries out any other related duties as required in keeping with the qualifications and requirements of positions in this classification.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The worker uses a considerable amount of judgement in the appropriate methods and procedures used to accomplish the work. Errors in judgement could lead to scheduling/quality control issues with equipment, adverse impact on undergraduate and graduate lab work, and in extreme cases, safety hazards to faculty, staff, or students.
Supervision Received
The worker is responsible for planning and coordinating daily work (scheduling, techniques, and methods used) based on long-term goals. Normally works with minimum technical advice or documented procedures. Requires the exercise of initiative and judgment, and the application of fundamental technical knowledge in resolving complex design and operational problems. Can obtain advice from the Head Engineering Technician or other technical staff for special problems.
Supervision Given
May supervise other technical staff, academic staff, and students: checking work for accuracy, completeness, and housekeeping; coordinating the work of others assigned to the projects, and giving technical advice and assistance to facilities users. Supervises and trains lab users in the safe operation of dangerous and complex equipment.
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.
Preferred Qualifications

An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline or graduation from a two-year technical program such as BCIT with specialized training in electronic instrumentation is an asset. Completion of a college program in mechanical engineering technology. Supplementary courses in electronics, instrumentation, computer hardware, data acquisition and controls software are highly desirable. Experience in experiment design and testing procedures, as well as topics relevant to mechanical and mechatronic engineering laboratories, would be required. Ability and desire to work in design and fabrication of highly complex and precision experimental equipment for teaching and research. Sound knowledge of mechanical components and electronics and instrumentation. Experience in operating machine tools is required. Experience with specialized training and knowledge in the operation of servo-controlled hydraulic control systems, pneumatic systems, pumps system, vacuum pumps, sensors and transducers, signal conditioning, and data acquisition systems. Knowledge and experience of industrial electronics, industrial instrumentation and motor control is desirable.  Ability to communicate effectively with experience in training personnel. Knowledge and experience in building electronic control and monitoring systems. Experience using CAD and complex electronic diagnostic equipment. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.