Full Time, Academic Year, Laboratory Instructional Assistant Manufacturing Process Lab

Lorain County Community College•Elyria, OH

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Laboratory Instructional Assistant supports hands-on manufacturing processes laboratory instruction for TECN 131 (Manufacturing Processes I) and TECN 132 (Manufacturing Processes II). These courses teach students to operate machine tools in a supervised laboratory environment. The assistant works closely with faculty to prepare and maintain the lab, support students during projects, promote safe practices, and ensure the lab is ready for instruction. The role includes preparing machine tools, fixtures, materials, measuring instruments, tooling, and consumables; monitoring student work and assisting with machine operation and advanced lab activities; reinforcing machining procedures and safety requirements; inspecting equipment and tooling and coordinating maintenance; managing supplies; and keeping the laboratory organized. The assistant also supports students during open-lab hours with machine setup, blueprint interpretation, and measurement, participates in lab preparation, documents equipment status and student use, and performs other duties as assigned. This is a full-time, academic-year position with flexible weekday hours, including some daytime and evening hours. The stated starting salary is $34,800 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and established pay practices.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in mechanical engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a closely related field, or equivalent industry experience; highly qualified current students may also be considered.
Availability for flexible weekday hours, including some daytime and evening hours, which may include evenings or open-lab hours.
Familiarity with mechanical and industrial blueprints, metrology using calipers, micrometers, and indicators, and basic machinist practices such as turning, milling, drilling, and grinding.
Commitment to maintaining a safe laboratory environment, enforcing safety policies and PPE requirements, and ensuring proper machine operation.
Hands-on skill with manual lathes, vertical mills, drill presses, surface grinders, saws, and power tools, and comfort working in a busy lab environment.
Ability to coach students clearly and patiently during manufacturing processes activities.
Ability to learn course content quickly and assist instructors in delivering competent instruction.
Basic computer skills, including Windows, file management, email, and office software.
Ability to read technical instructions, schematics, and simple mechanical drawings.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with clear communication and strong organization.
Ability to stand for extended periods and move equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience with manual machines such as vertical mills, lathes, drill presses, surface grinders, and saws.
Experience assisting with or tutoring manufacturing processes, manual machining, metrology, or related courses in an educational lab environment.
Familiarity with mechanical tools and methods, dial indicators, dial calipers, vernier micrometers, depth micrometers, scales, blueprint reading, and hand tools.
Demonstrated ability to develop or support lab exercise documentation, checklists, or student aids.

Responsibilities

Assist with setup of lab exercises by preparing machine tools, fixtures, raw materials, work-holding, measuring instruments, tooling, and consumables.
Monitor student projects and support safe operation of manual machine tools and advanced lab work in TECN 131.
Work with instructors to ensure students follow machining procedures, machine safety protocols, and housekeeping standards.
Inspect lab equipment and tooling, perform or report minor maintenance, and coordinate major repairs with faculty or maintenance staff.
Inventory and maintain supplies, including tooling, consumables, measuring instruments, raw stock, work-holding devices, and safety gear; assist with ordering as needed.
Assist with lab cleanup and organization between sessions.
Provide guidance to students during open-lab hours on machine setup, technical drawings, measurement of tolerances, and keeping projects on schedule.
Collaborate with instructors in pre-lab planning and project setup meetings as required.
Help enforce lab policies, safety rules, and machine-use protocols, and participate in required safety training.
Document equipment status, student usage logs, and issues for instructor review.
Perform other duties as assigned.