Machinist Technician

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at: Faculty & Staff Benefits .

Location - North campus. This role is in person

Working for the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is teeming with change makers, community builders, and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to more than 40,000 students in 200+ undergraduate and 500+ graduate programs, over 13,000 faculty and staff, 260,000 alumni worldwide and have been recognized as one of Canada’s Greenest Employers for over a decade.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross section of people—from our students and stakeholders, to our renowned researchers and innovators who are quite literally curing diseases, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger, and more just.

Department summry

The Department of Mechanical Engineering offers students the opportunity to pursue an exceptional, high quality education in one of Canada's largest mechanical engineering departments.

Our 1,450 students (1000 undergraduate and 450 graduate) learn in a thriving and dynamic environment emphasizing solid academics and sound hands-on skills. We offer traditional and co-op undergraduate programs (including a biomedical co-op option), as well as Master of Engineering, Master of Science, and PhD graduate programs.

Position summary

Reporting to the Technical Services Supervisor, the Machinist Technician will be responsible for supporting undergraduate educational outcomes via instructional labs and hands-on design courses as well as supporting research activities by manufacturing parts and assemblies. The Machinist Technician is required to work with the Academic Staff and Students to participate in the design and to manufacture parts and assemblies. Research lab support  will include the setup, calibration, and installation of test instrumentation equipment for the Faculty and may include the maintenance and effectiveness of said equipment. The Machinist Technician is also required to provide a high degree of expertise and knowledge of the safe work and operation of shop equipment and facilities and provide frontline educational support to both undergraduate and graduate students.

Duties

Design, Fabrication & Manufacturing (40%)

• Machining parts using a variety of traditional and non-traditional machines, tools and methods including CNC milling machines, manual lathes, drill presses, grinders, honing, laser cutters, EDM sinker and wire, and water jet cutters using a variety of materials made from wood, glass, plastics, steel, aluminum, titanium, and composites
• Utilizing computer aided design (CAD) software to review part and assembly designs and drawings
• Familiarity with 3D printer will be uesful
• From 3D CAD files, blueprints, and design sketches, determine an optimal sequence of events, tooling and equipment required to manufacture parts
• Prepare computer numerically controlled (CNC) programs using standard CNC programs and controllers (MasterCAM 2020 or higher, Cimco Editor, HAAS, and Fanuc, Okuma, Trak CNC)
• Set-up and run CNC machines tool and check the program to ensure machinery will function properly and output will meet expectations and requirements
• Utilize various shop equipment (hand-tools, saws, grinders, sheet metal shear & brake) as required
• Weld, braze or spot well metal together using MIG/TIG welding processes
• Provide budgetary cost estimates to researchers on the time/materials required for projects
• Consult with other technicians, machinists, and design engineer staff as required on unfamiliar or complex projects

Student Support (45% - combined activities of Student Shop Lead and Teaching & Training)

• On a rotating basis with other Machinist Technicians, for an academic term, act as the course support lead for specific in person course support:
• Liaising with the Department Associate Chairs (Undergrad) or delegates (ie. Undergrad Lab Coordinator) to understand the level of technician support required by undergraduate courses throughout the academic semester
• Ensure that all undergraduate students in the shop managed spaces are trained in the use of shop equipment and are following shop safety procedures
• Coordinate team to instruct undergrad students in the safe use of drill presses, band saws, spot welders, power sanders, handheld tools, machine tools, manual CNC machines and other machine shop equipment
• Advising the Technical Services Supervisor on required staffing levels throughout the term as fluctuations in coursework demand more or less Machinist Technician support time needed
• Providing support and managing of spaces for undergraduate students during design courses lab times as well as ensuring that shop staff have available time outside of normal lab hours for assistance with project work
• Liaising with the Shop Assistant to ensure that the materials and equipment for courses are ready and available

Teaching & Training (30%)

• Provide assistance to the Technical Services Supervisor for the duties described above
• Demonstrate basic shop practices, current manufacturing processes, shop safety and use of specialized equipment and instrumentation to students and researchers
• Consult with faculty, researchers, students and other technicians to discuss projects including designs, concepts and procedures
• Coach clients (graduate students and researchers) in the options available to complete a research part or project and guide the client to an appropriate decision Provide ongoing consulting on iterative design processes for projects with complex or changing requirements

Support Educational & Research Lab Activities (10%)

• Setup, calibrate, and test instrumentation equipment
• Support lab/equipment moves or relocations as required by the Faculty
• Provide recommendations and feedback on the installation and setup of research equipment
• Provide plumbing/gas fitting installation services including water, air gas, chemical processes and steam lines
• Troubleshoot research equipment problems as requested

Other Shop Activities (5%)

• Be an active participant in Faculty environment, health and safety (EH&S) plan including the consultation on development of policies and procedures
• Repair, maintain, upgrade and make custom modifications to machines and equipment as required
• Clean and upkeep machines and shop spaces to keep the shop free from hazards

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma
• Journeyman Machinist Certificate or equivalent
• 6+ years of relevant experience
• 4+ years of CNC experience with working knowledge of CAM/CAD
• WHMIS & safety training
• Coaching, mentoring, or instructional experience as it relates to shop equipment

Preferred Qualifications

• Diploma in mechanical or electrical technologies
• Other trades background would also be an asset
• MIG/TIG welding proficiency
• Experience with assemblies and part tolerances
• Experience working in research and development environment 

Along with your resume, please submit a cover letter that outlines why you believe you are the right person for this opportunity. Also, in your cover letter, please provide a detailed answer to the question:

"How will you contribute to a culture of trust, effectiveness and execution in the Faculty of Engineering?"

Applications received without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications received with a cover letter that does not specifically address these important items will also not be considered.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

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