Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
Working under general supervision, perform specific aspects of a broader engineering problem. The engineer 1 will receive supervision on new aspects of the work and on difficult problems. The engineer is responsible for the undergraduate chemical engineering laboratories, including the overall operation of the facilities. The engineer will maintain all facilities and particular sets of experiments in the undergraduate laboratories and leads the continuous improvement in safety protocol. The engineer will deliver some lecture material; guiding, advising, and mentoring students in laboratory activities; and supervising undergraduate laboratory assistants assigned to the laboratories. The position will also support researchers in the department about data acquisition, chemical instrumentation, electronic instrumentation, and simple mechanical systems.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Perform specific aspects of a broader engineering problem. Oversee the undergraduate laboratory experiments, including building the computer interfaces and the actual experimental apparatuses, using sound professional judgement to fix problems with these experiments, upgrades to software and data systems, and provisioning supplies. (25%)
Support complex scientific and research programs related to area of specialization; analyze data, monitor and oversee experimental process, and design and develop prototypes, specialized equipment, and/or systems. Under some supervision, valuate, select and apply techniques, procedures and criteria and offer suggestions in making adaptations when planning and coordinating the ideation, design and fabrication of new undergraduate laboratory experiments, and the development of associated curricular materials. (15%)
Apply methods and techniques, adjust and correlate data, determine errors in results, and follow the operation through a series of related steps to completion. Help coordinate detailed phases of work related to responsibility for part of a major project or for an entire project of moderate scope. Provide support towards the research mission in the department, by providing help to faculty and graduate students in developing experimental apparatus and methods. Help researchers on how to use department-owned equipment and instrumentation. Oversee maintenance of department-owned equipment. (15%)
Exercise judgment on certain details of the work and in assisting in making preliminary selections and adoptions of possible alternatives, by developing technical and methodological solutions to engineering/ scientific problems requiring analytical thinking and knowledge. Lead continuous improvement activities to maintain a safe work environment and safe practices in the undergraduate laboratories. (10%)
May be assisted in work by a technician or student helper. Provide technical support to other staff, associates, and/or students, as needed. (10%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Supervise undergraduate laboratory assistants involved in laboratory preparation and maintenance. (5%)
Lead tours of the lab and give presentations on occasion. (5%)
Maintain non-laboratory equipment (poster printer, display monitors, etc.). (5%)
Continued professional growth through conference attendance and presentations. (5%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)
CONTACTS
Department: Continuous contact with supervisor, faculty and staff, in regard to formal lab courses and research activities.
University: Occasional contact with faculty and staff from other departments, in regard to lab procedures.
External: Frequent contact with vendors to acquire supplies and equipment for the labs.
Students: Frequent contact with graduate and undergraduate students in regard to formal lab courses and research activities.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
This position has no direct supervision of staff employees.
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 0 to 2 years of professional engineering experience.
Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Has knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within the Chemical Engineering Department.
Rely on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job.
Ability to operate laboratory equipment.
Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
General laboratory environment. Medium to heavy lifting of equipment and packages will be required of the employee. Proper use of personal safety equipment is required.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 0 to 2 years of professional engineering experience.
Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering.
