OFFICIAL JOB TITLE: Professional Technician I – IV
DIVISION: Academic Affairs/College of Engineering
DEPARTMENT: College of Engineering Mechanical Engineering Department
BARGAINING UNIT STATUS: Faculty Federation - Librarians & Technicians
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Works under the general supervision of the Dean, College of Engineering, with delegation for daily oversight and performance evaluation by the Chairperson, Mechanical Engineering Department.
SUPERVISES: Teaching/research assistants and/or student workers
SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Level of appointment will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Provide technical support for the development, operation and maintenance of instructional/research laboratory facilities, apparatus and equipment in the mechanical engineering department and interdisciplinary spaces. Assist instructors and students with the preparation, use and safety of experimental/test procedures, apparatus, equipment, and materials. The position assumes duties split across both the instructional laboratories as well as research facilities of the Mechanical Engineering faculty. Will also support College research activities in other units or locations.
EXAMPLES OF PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Assemble, install and operate equipment, instrumentation and other apparatus in classroom or laboratories in support of instructional and research activities.
- Adjust, calibrate and test technical, laboratory and/or other instructional equipment and components according to specifications, standards, diagrams, technical manuals, and/or instructions of faculty or professional staff.
- Maintain, modify, calibrate and repair Mechanical Engineering and interdisciplinary lab equipment.
- Identify needs, specifications, vendors and prices and place orders for equipment used in instructional laboratories and research projects working in close collaboration with respective faculty, department and chair. Research equipment needs for teaching spaces and provide recommendations for procurement.
- Procure, receive and maintain adequate stock of materials and supplies for teaching and research purposes.
- Fabricate, rebuild or repair, as requested and approved by chair (or faculty for research spaces) new or used lab equipment for teaching or research purposes.
- Maintain a computer inventory system of all equipment and material related to the Mechanical Engineering Department.
- Ensure security of College/University equipment and property.
- Monitor ventilation/services in labs according to established procedures; coordinate repairs with the Department of Facilities and Physical Plant and make recommendations for related renovation needs
- Maintain a teaching schedule of all lab activities for each semester and perform related duties such as maintaining records, logs and schedules of equipment use, maintenance and repair.
- Assist faculty in setting up equipment and material for experiments and demonstrations, including being available at such times when labs or demonstrations are in session.
- Serve on pertinent Committees.
- Coordinate the departmental safety program, including maintaining compliance with federal, state, local and University safety codes and hazardous material handling (and disposal) procedures in coordination with University Environmental Health and Safety
- Foster a creative, collegial, effective learning community and be receptive to new responsibilities as the department laboratories mature.
- Stay current with engineering laboratory practices and technology developments in order to ensure safety and make recommendations for procurement and repairs of equipment and lab renovations to facilitate improved teaching and learning outcomes and growth in research development.
- Assist with department outreach and recruitment activities including Open House and Accepted Student Day. Provide customized laboratory tours for external constituents of the mechanical engineering program.
- Act as data custodian for electronic key systems—department and interdisciplinary spaces.
- Support research activities of faculty and graduate students, predominantly in summer and for Mechanical Engineering, but with support for other College of Engineering departments.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean; coordinate planned absences with supervisor.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology or closely-related field
- EXPERIENCE: Previous hands-on experience with the operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment
- OTHER: Available during evening and weekend hours as teaching/project schedules dictate.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master's degree in engineering or related field.
- Experience working in a higher education laboratory setting.
- Experience working with technicians, engineers, and representatives of equipment vendors and manufacturers to obtain equipment, supplies, and support.
- Experience operating sophisticated engineering research equipment/instrumentation.
- Experience training others in laboratory procedures, equipment operation and maintenance.
- Familiarity with data acquisition equipment and software such as LabVIEW.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Significant technical knowledge and capabilities in laboratory equipment/instrument operation, maintenance and repair.
- Strong oral and written communication skills as required for interaction with faculty, students, and external vendors.
- Excellent teamwork skills; ability to work independently and exercise good judgment; committed to continuous learning and professional development.
- Knowledge of health and safety practices and precautions applicable to an engineering laboratory.
- Ability to establish cooperative working environment with faculty and students.
SALARY: $70,000 - $1000,000
UMass Dartmouth offers exciting benefits such as:
- 75% Employer-Paid Health Insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Life Insurance
- Long Term Disability
- State Pension Retirement Plan
- Optional Retirement Savings Plans
- Tuition Credit (Employee, Spouse, & Dependents)
- Twelve (12) paid holidays
- And More!
Benefits for Faculty Federation - Librarians/Technicians
Applicants must be authorized for permanent employment in the United States. Employment-based visa sponsorship is not available.
To apply, please submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and the contact information for three professional references.
The review of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled.
