Design Engineer

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Engineering Technical Services (ETS) is a dynamic team dedicated to advancing research and education within the Faculty of Engineering. We collaborate with faculty and students to design, manufacture, and support innovative experimental devices and laboratory equipment.

Our multidisciplinary team brings together a wealth of expertise from Machinists, Electrical Technicians, Material Testing Specialists, Engineers, Millwrights, Carpenters, and Plastics Specialists.

We directly support research initiatives and undergraduate courses by maintaining and upgrading lab equipment, designing and manufacturing custom apparatus, and providing hands-on training and supervision to students.

Reporting to the Technical Services Supervisor, the Design Engineer is responsible for working with Researchers and students to assist in developing designs and drawing packages for manufacture in support of research and teaching activities in the Faculty of Engineering. The successful candidate should hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field and should have a breadth of experience in drafting, design, and manufacturing.

The Design Engineer will be primarily responsible for research support activities and will be working on site in the Engineering Technical Services team.

Note: The job title will be determined based on the successful candidate's qualifications: Design Engineer for candidates holding a P.Eng. (or equivalent), or Design Engineer-in-Training for candidates holding an E.I.T. (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

Engineering Consultation and Design

• Provide consultative services to students and researchers on methodologies around the creation of machined parts and assemblies including material types, manufacturing methods, and design process.
• Review submitted design drawings for technical issues, such as manufacturability, tolerancing, and assembly details, and provide recommendations to clients to address issues.
• Utilize computer aided design (CAD) software to create models, assemblies, and drawing packages for manufacturing and machining activities.
• Develop bill of materials and work instructions as appropriate to support efficient purchasing and manufacturing.
• Provide budgetary cost estimates to researchers on time and materials required for projects.
• Work with technical staff to coordinate large or complex projects as required, including communication with vendors, suppliers, and customers.
• Consult and follow code requirements in design activities as required.

Teaching and Training

• Demonstrate basic shop practices, current manufacturing processes, shop safety and use of specialized equipment and instrumentation to students and researchers.
• Set up and support large scale lab apparatus and equipment for undergraduate labs, including industrial engines, pumps, and boilers.

Fabrication and Manufacturing

• Machining parts using a variety of tools, methods, and equipment – including CNC mills, manual lathes, drill presses, waterjets, and grinders – across a diverse range of materials such as metals, plastics, wood, glass, and composites.
• Repair, maintain, upgrade and make custom modifications to machines and equipment as required.

Research Lab Activities and Safety

• Set up, calibrate, test, and run instrumentation equipment, including metrology, data acquisition, and material testing systems for research support.
• Be an active participant in Faculty Health and Safety plan, including consultation on development of policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• BSc in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Registered as a member in good standing with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geophysists of Alberta (APEGA) or equivalent (EIT minimum, P. Eng. preferred), with a clear commitment to obtaining P.Eng. designation within 3 years of employment.
• 4+ years of relevant mechanical engineering design experience (i.e. designing customer components, design for manufacturing, rapid prototyping, material testing, and quality management).
• Coaching, mentoring, or sharing technical experience as it relates to Design and Manufacturing.
• Advanced skill in computer aided design (CAD) in Solidworks, Inventor, or similar.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and provide novel solutions to difficult challenges.
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical standards and codes for machine design.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a team and with multiple stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• MIG/TIG welding proficiency.
• Machinist Certificate or Equivalent.
• 2+ years of Manual and CNC experience with working knowledge of CAM/CAD.
• Knowledge of industrial or micro electronics.
• Programming knowledge and experience.
• WHMIS & safety training.
• Experience with assemblies and part tolerances.
• Experience working in research and development environments.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

In your cover letter, please outline why you believe you are the right person for this opportunity. Please also provide a detailed answer to the question: "How will you contribute to a culture of trust, effectiveness and innovation in the Faculty of Engineering?"

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms - physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.