Laboratory Engineer, Department of Mechanical Engineering

University of Saskatchewan•Saskatoon, SK

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for independently applying a high level of professional expertise in the design and delivery of the Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics portion of the Mechanical Engineering undergraduate laboratory program. It also provides advanced technical support to research activities and department needs in this and related areas. The role involves incorporating evolving industry practice into undergraduate laboratories and staying current on advanced research techniques. The position reports directly to the Department Head and takes direction from faculty members specializing in heat transfer. The incumbent manages the laboratory space and consumables budget for the heat transfer area, instructs undergraduate students, trains graduate students, and collaborates with faculty on research activities. A substantial amount of specialized equipment is supported, and the role contributes to capital equipment planning and serves on the Department Safety Committee. A major responsibility includes monitoring safety issues, developing standard operating procedures, recommending specialized training, controlling access to hazardous areas, ensuring safe storage of hazardous substances, and facilitating proper waste disposal.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required.
Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS), or an equivalent Canadian body, is required.
New hires must be immediately eligible to register with APEGS as an Engineer-in-Training and must become fully registered within four years.
A minimum of two years of relevant experience is required.
A demonstrated commitment to safety protocols in past roles is required.
Must have the physical ability to perform moderate to heavy physical labour.

Nice To Haves

A Mechanical Engineering degree is highly desirable.
Formal training and/or demonstrated experience in the operation of specialised equipment, facilities and engineering tools (e.g., computer models and software) used in the heat transfer area would be an advantage.
Advanced degree(s) in a relevant field would be an advantage.
Experience in instructing students is strongly preferred.
Aptitude and experience working with instruments common in the field (temperature measurement, humidity measurement, heat exchangers, combustion/fire science measurements etc.) would be highly regarded.
General knowledge of instrumentation and data acquisition systems would be an advantage.
Experience with LabView programming, other programming languages, and building energy modelling software would be considered a strong advantage.
Ability to work within a team.
Creative thinking, problem solving and troubleshooting skills.
Effective interpersonal skills.
Good verbal and written communication skills.
Proven ability to work on multiple projects with competing demands to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

Development and implementation of standard operating procedures for laboratory safety.
Recommending and developing specialized safety training for teaching and research personnel.
Ensuring compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulatory requirements.
Ensuring secure storage and disposal of hazardous substances.
Assessing and mitigating risks associated with laboratory operations.
Participating in the Department Safety Committee.
Instructing and/or supervising the instruction of undergraduate and graduate heat transfer laboratory programs.
Assisting in the development, planning, and documentation of new and existing undergraduate and graduate laboratories.
Setting up undergraduate and graduate laboratory equipment.
Training and supervising graduate student Laboratory Demonstrators.
Participating in the administration of the mechanical engineering undergraduate laboratory program.
Supporting research through competent operation and further development of laboratory infrastructure.
Providing direct, specialized technical assistance to graduate students on their research projects.
Enabling the development of research capability by acquiring and implementing advanced technical expertise.
Achieving a high standard of maintenance for all facilities.
Ensuring appropriate calibration standards are maintained for all critical instrumentation.
Preparing and submitting funding applications for equipment renewal opportunities.
Ensuring funds used are within budget allocation levels and are effectively stewarded.
Ensuring university and college policies and procedures are adhered to.
Contributing to general programming development and supervision of shared department resources.
Providing service and advice to industry, students, and design groups.
Responding to special needs to promote the success of the department.