Laboratory Instructor, Hardware Specialist

University of Waterloo • Waterloo, ON

42d

About The Position

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process. The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) undergraduate curriculum has two core programs and four interdisciplinary programs. Reporting to the Lab Director, Teaching (Lab Director) and to the theme area Supervisor/Laboratory Instructor (Supervisor), the Laboratory Instructor/Hardware Specialist (Lab Instructor) enhances student success through a positive learning environment and teaches undergraduate (undergrad) laboratory (lab) courses within the established scope and guidelines of the professional degree program. These positions are responsible for laboratory course delivery and other academic responsibilities, and the technical operation and maintenance of the ECE undergraduate laboratory facilities in support of assigned lab courses. The Lab Instructor collaborates with course faculty for lecture-laboratory synchronization and works in conjunction with faculty members on lab content and development and design of any new experiments to be introduced into the undergraduate laboratory.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years of experience managing lab operations.
• Experience in working with different measurement instruments in the area of specialization is required.
• Experience with hardware design procedures and software packages related to the area of specialization.
• Knowledge of computer interfacing with measurements instrumentation is required.
• Proven aptitude for teaching and a demonstrated interest in working with undergraduate students.
• Well-developed interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring safety of students and staff in the lab.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team within a busy and dynamic environment.
• Approachability, consistency, and the ability to motivate and earn students’ trust.
• Self-motivation in taking initiatives to improve the quality of labs, teaching, and working environment is required.
• Demonstrated ability to specify, evaluate, install, test and service the required hardware for labs is required.
• Willingness to train for other specializations as required by the department.
• Broad knowledge of current computer hardware and software applications used in an undergraduate computer or electrical engineering environment.
• Intermediate proficiency with Databases.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Intermediate proficiency with SharePoint, FileMakerPro, or Oracle.

Nice To Haves

• MASc degree or relevant industrial experience is an asset.
• Area of specialization should encompass one of the following areas: communication systems, power systems, control systems and robotics; or digital hardware; or analog hardware, radio frequency, circuits, and systems.
• Experience in running labs, troubleshooting electrical circuits; software; and equipment, giving tutorials/lectures and demonstrations, writing and updating lab manuals, developing new labs, marking reports, and evaluating technical presentations is strongly preferred.
• Experience monitoring and enforcing safety in labs or a similar environment is a strong asset.
• Experience in purchasing hardware and software in the area of specialization is an asset.
• Previous teaching experience is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Instruction of Students and Assessment of their Academic Performance
• Supervises Teaching Assistants who Oversee Students performing the Experiments and Exercises
• Lab Maintenance
• Other Duties

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees