Mechanical Engineering Technician, Shiley School of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering Technician, Shiley School of Engineering

Department Shiley Lab & Makerspace

Job Code C54503

Job category Full Time Staff

Terms and Hours Full Time Non-Exempt, 35 hour work week

Salary Range Starting Hourly Rate $25.29; commensurate with experience

Job Summary

The Mechanical Engineering Technician for the Shiley School of Engineering will provide fabrication operations in the Shiley-Marcos Center for Design & Innovation. The Machine Shop is available for Engineering students to independently design, prototype, and manufacture their Capstone and research projects using a variety of equipment. This position will work independently with minimal supervision and is responsible for providing technical operations of the fabrication shop, training and supervision of students and faculty on equipment use, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment.

Core Duties

Duties Related to Machine Operations and Health & Safety

• Perform machine operations which includes but is not limited to set-up & tool selection on CNC/NC machines, conventional lathes, mills, grinders, drill presses, welding, and various other standard shop equipment to create products.
• Apply industry standard machine tool techniques to ensure high-quality part requirements are met.
• Maintain shop and equipment, perform and facilitate scheduling of preventive maintenance and ordering of supplies in collaboration with external vendors as needed to maintain machine standards.
• Ensure materials and/or equipment are stocked and ordered as needed and work with Lab Manager to assess budget requests for upcoming fiscal years.
• Coordinate and manage the acquisition of new equipment as needed, seeking quotes and advising on equipment purchases.
• Partner with University Environmental Health and Safety team member to ensure standard processes are followed and documented as required.
• Manage Hazard Communications requirements; SDS sheets, proper labeling of hazards, personal protective equipment, and related.

Duties Related to Supporting Faculty and Student Projects

• Fabricate metal and polymer parts using manual and/or CNC/NC machine tools for student and faculty projects.
• Train and support students on proper equipment and materials selection and use.
• Promote creativity and innovation, and safe work practices.
• Advise and mentor students in best practices for part design.
• Partner with faculty and students on Capstone and research projects to provide support, guidance and make recommendations as appropriate with regards to machining of parts, testing, modifications, and other creative solutions.
• Monitor staff and faculty that use the fabrication shop to ensure proper space usage.
• Manage and schedule requests related to the fabrication shop and assist with set-up and breakdown of equipment as needed.

Other duties as relevant to the duties of the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Please note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility.

Education & Experience

• Required: Associates degree.
• Required: Three to five years of relevant experience that includes performing machinist functions and knowledge of CAM/CAD software and providing design advising.
• Preferred: Experience in higher education and/or academic Machine Shop
• Or a combination of equivalent education and/or experience.

Certifications & Licenses

• Preferred: None.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of shop technology such as hand tools, CNC/NC machines, conventional lathes, mills, grinders, drill presses, 3D printers, laser cutters, water jet, and other similar technology. In absence of proficiency in any device or area, the ability and enthusiasm to learn and understand equipment.
• Ability to weld and use woodworking skills to fabricate parts.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong and effective interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn safety regulations and procedures, including those related to OSHA.
• Knowledge of or ability to learn laboratory safety practices and standard operating procedures.
• Competence with and commitment to inclusive excellence; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively, accomplish organizational goals, communicate clearly, manage conflict, and act proactively.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience with vendor management.
• Ability to consistently handle and follow through with multiple projects and assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to exercise excellent judgment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for the duties of the position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and computerized maintenance management systems, and creative software suites.
• All University of Portland positions require the ability to quickly learn and use new technologies, software, and applications in depth and at level of proficiency required for duties of the position. In most situations, the necessity of learning, using, and supporting new technologies, software, and/or applications does not change a job description nor make the position one that involves higher level duties.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently: sit, perform desk-based computer tasks; use fine manipulation and grasp; use a telephone; write by hand; sort and file paperwork.
• Occasionally: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 50 pounds.
• Frequently: ability to interact and communicate with members of the University and others as necessary.
• Occasionally: ability to attend events and activities on or off campus at night and/or weekends.

Working Conditions

• Hours of employment: sometimes may require working flexible and/or longer hours, including nights and weekends, when necessitated by projects.
• Stress from work-related situations such as those involving challenging, important, urgent, time-sensitive, or multiple matters.
• Must perform tasks that may require the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses and shoes, protective clothing and gloves, etc.
• While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, or toxic or caustic chemicals.
• The employee may be exposed occasionally to a risk of electrical shock when working with certain pieces of equipment and may work with vibration causing tools or equipment.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but may become loud when using power tools or machinery.

Work Standards

• Respect for the University’s mission and Catholic identity: demonstrates commitment to learning, respecting, and contributing to the mission of the University, a Catholic and Congregation of Holy Cross institution. The University’s mission statement states in relevant part: “we pursue teaching and learning, faith and formation, service and leadership in the classroom, residence halls, and the world.” The University’s Statement of Inclusion states in relevant part: “Our belief in the inherent dignity of each person is founded upon the social teaching of the Catholic Church. At the center of that teaching is the fundamental mandate that every person, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, social or economic class, age, or disability shall be treated with respect and dignity."
• The full Mission Statement is at: www.up.edu/about/mission.
• The full Statement of Inclusion is at: www.up.edu/disclosures/inclusion.
• Promote culture of safety: demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Compliance with laws and policies and procedures: subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University, departmental, and other applicable policies and procedures, including but not limited to, the personnel, business, and/or other policies of the University.
• Compliance with driving-related laws and requirements: when conducting university business while driving, must comply with the Oregon Vehicle Code and University of Portland driving requirements.
• Interpersonal skills: demonstrates the ability to work professionally with all University of Portland community members, external organizations