All-round prototyping and mechanical engineering student coach (0,8-1,0 fte)

Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

is an internationally leading technical university specialized in Engineering Science & Technology. The TU/e organisation comprises 9 faculties and 10 services that support the primary process of teaching and research. With high-quality education and research, TU/e ensures the advancement of technical sciences and the development of technological innovations. In this way, TU/e contributes to the growth of prosperity and well-being in the Brainport region and beyond. TU/e is all about people. More than 13,500 students and 3,500 employees live, work and recreate on campus.

TU/e innovation Space occupies a special position at TU/e. It is the center of expertise for Challenge Based Learning (CBL) and Entrepreneurial Learning, and a learning hub where students in interdisciplinary teams co-create responsible solutions to real-world challenges together with researchers, industry, and societal organizations.  We develop them to become engineers of the future.
Addressing the increasing complexity of global societal challenges, TU/e innovation Space has become an essential player in advancing systemic approaches to both social and technology-driven innovation. This hub is dedicated to enhancing the learning experience of students in CBL, both curricular and extracurricular (student team program). By building valuable and long-term connections with companies, societal, and governmental organizations. These collaborations are key to creating real impact and addressing the complex challenges faced by societal and industrial stakeholders. 

TU/e innovation Space is composed of several units (called clusters) like Resources, Education, Extracurricular, Business Collaboration, Communications and Research. The team consist of approximately 70 people, half of which are staff and the other half student assistents.

Also TU/e's student teams are part of the organization of TU/e innovation Space (involving 650 students of which 60 fulltimers). The programs and activities of TU/e innovation Space are split over four locations on campus (Matrix, Gaslab, Momentum, Disruptor) and at the Automotive Campus in Helmond and other places.

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The job

We are looking for an all-round technically skilled boundary spanner to join our team at TU/e innovation Space, the center for challenge-based learning and student entrepreneurship at Eindhoven University of Technology. Do you like to work with students and teachers in a highly innovative educational and technical environment? We offer you this opportunity!                              

Our ideal candidate has a background in mechanical or mechatronical engineering and can also work with other engineering techniques in a technical workshop. You will provide hands-on guidance and mentorship to students, helping them tackle technical challenges while developing their prototypes.

You are hands-on, with a broad interest in engineering and next to mechanical engineering problems, students might ask your support on basic design processes, mechatronics, basic electronics, 3d-printing, laser-cutting and other manufacturing techniques that you can encounter. Basic knowledge of these techniques is very much appreciated.

You have knowledge of Design for Manufacturing, and can help students and staff in designing products in such a way, that they get easy to assemble or manufacture. As our students' innovations are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible, you need to be keen on learning new things and searching for solutions on new terrains.

You thrive in a dynamic environment and will work in a small team of technicians within the Technical Resources Cluster. Together, you oversee a group of trained Student Assistants that work with us to support all basic prototyping requests including 3D prints, material requests, advice on safety by design, etc.

Our work environment is different from a research or manufacturing facility: our technical staff has an important role in education, by coaching and guiding students. Challenge-based learning courses from all departments are given in TU/e innovation Space and prototyping is an important element of these courses. Key aspects in your role are therefore: affinity with education, ability to coach students and overall a service-oriented approach.

You will also set up and give safety trainings and help to promote a safety-first culture, and can support students either individually or by organizing trainings for groups of students. To be successful in this role, you act as a team-player and form your own network within the university.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with the prototyping of their projects, including helping them to design, build, and test their prototypes.
• Provide technical advice and support to teachers and students on a variety of topics, such as material selection, machining processes, and electronics.
• Organize or give trainings based on the needs of students and courses/teachers.
• Maintain a safe and orderly workshop and prototyping environment.
• Operate and maintain a variety of workshop equipment, including lathes, mills, drills, 3D printers, and laser cutters. Ordering of tools, materials and supplies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other prototyping spaces, technical coordinators, workshops across campus, and with external suppliers, and manufacturers.
• Reaching out to, and collaborating with university teachers and our international community to ensure their courses are optimally supported in terms of prototyping (as part of the challenge-based design cycle).
• Being the main responsible for managing and overseeing the prototyping that takes place as part of innovative educational courses.
• Acting as a technology and technique-driven boundary spanner in the triangle of students, teachers and student teams.
• Bridging collaboration with the Education Cluster of TU/e innovation Space, that supports the university in developing interdisciplinary courses and challenge-based learning. You will internally collaborate with other clusters.
• Connecting with EPC (TU/e's professional Equipment and Prototype Center) and other professionals within the university, in helping our students to get to the best solutions in the process of designing or engineering a prototype.