Senior Mechanical Engineer for Active Learning

04-Aug-2023

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

62598BR

Job Summary

If you are seeking an opportunity to combine your mechanical engineering background with your passion for supporting STEM education, this may be your next career move! The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to support hands-on learning activities at the SEAS Active Learning Labs. In this exciting and unique position, you will use your knowledge, skills and ideas to help develop and implement current and new course lab components, train students and teaching fellows in design, laboratory, and manufacturing practices, and provide support for students’ design projects. Reporting to the Director for Active Learning, Mechanical Engineering, you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team of staff engineers who support SEAS educational mission. And in alignment with our core values, we seek candidates who are interested in prioritizing diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace. If this interests you, please read the details below and apply by submitting a cover letter with your updated resume.

Position Description

Course and Teaching Support:

• Support active learning components of SEAS courses. Assist faculty and teaching staff in the design, development, and implementation of new lab activities. Set up, test, maintain, and prepare all equipment and tools prior to upcoming lab experiments and course activities.
• Instruct and assist students with the use of lab/shop equipment such as laser cutters, 3D printers, shop tools, CNC mills, and lathes.
• Provide technical support for engineering software such as Solidworks or Fusion360.
• Create and organize course documentation and use the team’s best practices for maintaining and archiving team institutional knowledge.
• Support and teach summer outreach programs with a mix of Harvard and non-Harvard students.

Mentoring/Advising:

• Mentor and advise students with their capstone design projects.
• Advise students on professional development and pathways within the field of mechanical engineering.
• Advise and collaborate with student clubs and other extracurricular activities.
• Mentor engineers and student employees.
• May direct the work of student employees and teaching fellows.

Lab Safety and Maintenance:

• Lead lab safety trainings and orientations for students, course teaching fellows and assistants, and other users of the Active Learning Labs spaces. Assist in the development and updating of instructions and safety guidelines for all lab equipment and processes.
• Maintain and improve the Active Learning Labs mechanical engineering facilities. This includes shop spaces, lab spaces, and flexible design spaces. Help maintain cleanliness and organization of the labs and shops.

Basic Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum of three years of related work experience beyond college degree is required.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Strong hands-on experience in operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining computer-aided machining (CAM) and rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers, 3-axis mills, and laser cutters. Professional hands-on experience with power tools and machine shop equipment. Competence in computer-aided design/manufacturing methods/material selection.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of students, teaching fellows, teaching staff, and faculty is essential.
• Strong organizational skills, creativity in problem solving, and high self-motivation are key to performing effectively in this position. Must be able to perform effectively as part of a team and in a highly self-directed environment while balancing multiple projects.
• Broad interest in and excitement for fabrication projects - a passion for making and building. Strong desire to learn, tailor, and teach skills as needed for effective course support.
• Prior experience with hands on skills, teaching, tutoring/mentoring.
• Strong awareness of lab safety regulations, proper implementation of personal protective equipment, as well as the ability to train students on the safe use of power tools and fabrication devices.
• Demonstrated competence in generating and delivering straightforward technical documentation such as lab procedures, protocols, and reports.
• Experience with data acquisition hardware and a working level of data analysis tools is helpful.
• Basic working knowledge of electrical engineering concepts and hands-on experience with electromechanical devices including motors, microcontrollers, sensors, and basic circuits is preferred.

Physical Requirements

The work is performed in the Active Learning Labs and in an office environment. This position requires the ability to participate in moving and setup of equipment and supplies (up to 50lbs).

Working Conditions

The capacity to adjust to a flexible work schedule is critical. In our working environment, some of the lab activities organized and supervised by the Senior Mechanical Engineer can occur outside of a typical 9:00 am to 5:00 pm workday. Must be willing and able to be on site for these activities.

Additional Information

• The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for administrative and staff positions.
• Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter.
• The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.
• This position requires working on-campus full-time at our Science and Engineering Complex in Allston, MA. Some flexibility in working hours is required. See Working Conditions section for more information.

About SEAS

The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard’s teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are: educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, we bring discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.harvard.edu .

Commitment to Diversity

SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Some of our core values include respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Allston

Department

SEAS Teaching and Learning

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.