ELECTRONICS & WORKSHOP TECH

About the Position

We are welcoming applications for the Limited-Term position of Workshop Technician within CERC@MARC. The Workshop Technician is needed to oversee and manage three high-power vehicle and electric traction system dynamometers at MARC along with several other smaller test systems. The dynamometers are used for testing and evaluating hardware for university research projects and third-party clients. This role includes: (1) Creating and maintaining safe operating procedures for the lab equipment, (2) Developing and teaching training courses on operation of the lab equipment, (3) Running tests on equipment as needed, collecting test data, and presenting results in report format, (4) Organizing and improving the lab facilities over time to increase productivity and testing throughput.

Job Summary

Provides specialized and technical support to the department as it pertains to electronics used for research and teaching purposes. Responsible for designing, maintaining, and troubleshooting various equipment and associated software.

Purpose & Key Functions

• Design, build, and maintain various components of the electronics workshop such as computer interfaces, research apparatus, and laboratory and departmental equipment that does not fall under a supplier’s service contract.
• Assemble, install, and relocate laboratories and office furniture such as desks, bookcases, and file cabinets.
• Write technical user documentation for various interfaces and pieces of equipment.
• Produce technical drawings using various design software.
• Verify functionality and calibrate testing equipment.
• Read and understand technical manuals and schematics.
• Determine the cause and troubleshoot malfunctions in electrical, electronic, and mechanical equipment.
• Evaluate and select new shop equipment, tools, and testing devices to be purchased by the department.
• Exchange technical and scientific information amongst colleagues.
• Provide expertise and advice to faculty, staff, and students via email, telephone, and in person on the construction and use of in-house developed apparatus' including detailed drawings and instructions.
• Demonstrate operating procedures to users for custom-built equipment.
• Recommend alternatives to clients if initial requests for custom built equipment is not feasible.
• Provide time estimates and cost breakdowns to clients for materials.

Supervision

• No formal supervision of others is required.
• Provide orientation and show procedures to others.

Qualifications

• 3-year Community College diploma in Electronics or related field of study.
• Requires 3 years of relevant experience.

Assets

• Previous experience working in a university environment is considered a strong asset.

Additional Information

This position will be responsible for the following duties, including but not limited to:

• Monitoring a workshop area, technical facilities, and equipment
• Ensuring adequate support for student curricular and related extra-curricular needs
• Ensuring compliance with all health and safety and security requirements as outlined by the University and provincial statutes
• Providing safety training, information, technical assistance, and directions to workshop users
• Maintaining and troubleshooting various equipment and associated software

The successful candidate must demonstrate in-depth understanding and experience in:

• Lab or workshop management and organization
• Operation and design of automated test systems
• Mechanical fabrication and CAD drawing
• Electrical schematic design, wiring, and soldering
• Electrical and mechanical sensing devices: temperature, torque, speed, etc.
• Rotating machinery, such as electric motors or gas engines
• Piping and cooling systems for automotive and building applications
• Experimental test setups including dynamometers (AVL, A&D), power supplies, and thermal chambers
• Mechanical fastening, equipment vibrations and tolerance stack-ups and alignments of assemblies

The successful candidate must also have and/or demonstrate:

• Strong project management, problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships at work
• Flexibility and adaptability when meeting deadlines with numerous interruptions
• Ability to respond creatively to resolve issues and maintain workflow
• Ability to take initiative and follow through, and willing to ask for help when needed
• Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team environment
• High attention to detail while producing thorough and accurate work
• Professionalism, integrity, and ability to handle confidential information
• Experience and basic familiarity with software and programming

This position requires a primarily on-site presence. Flexibility is also required to work occasional evenings, weekends and evening hours to meet the demands of the position.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.