Instructional Engineer

Job Description

The William E. Boeing Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics has an outstanding opportunity for an instructional engineer to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the facilities manager the instructional engineer as primary responsibility for Instructional lab administration and supervision. The position responsibilities may extend to supervising the AA Machine shop and Composite Lab as needed.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Lab Research Support 75%

• Participate in laboratory curriculum development: work with faculty to create new experiments, consult on all aspects of the design, construction, and implementation of the experiment, then instruct and train TAs on how to proceed with the experiment and ensure that the apparatus is operating correctly. As needed, prepare instructional information (from paper format to more technology-based formats now) for students.
• Consult on instructional based research projects with students and instructors including defining the scope of work, research methods and implementation of equipment to support the research objectives.
• Train students and instructors on use of departmental equipment.  This may also include modifying equipment to meet the research needs.
• Work with A&A staff and faculty to supply any needed test specimens or other machined parts in support of undergraduate labs.
• Regular review and implement best practices in manufacturing and lab operations.
• Install, repair, modify and maintain the instructional and research lab equipment.
• Design or modify instrumentation
• Participate in drop-in or by appointment office hours for students to get feedback on the feasibility of their projects based on current departmental resources.

Wind Tunnel Support 15%

• Complete model evaluations prior to testing
• Safety training for groups who use the 3x3
• Support wind tunnel testing in the 3x3 as needed
• Answer emails in shared account regarding wind tunnel questions
• Consult with student groups regarding projects in the 3x3
• Help with KWT testing as a backup.
• Perform regular cleaning and maintenance under the direction of the wind tunnel manager as needed

Facilities & Safety 5%

• Follow-up with Facilities Services to ensure that work is complete, accurate, and timely.
• Enforce laboratory safety compliance: Modify or maintain Machine Shop orientation, maintain safety training materials for users. Ensure compliance of new shared departmental labs with evolving EH&S (Environmental Health and Safety) lab safety standards.
• In partnership with the Facilities Manager, maintain the User Policies manual: compliance with recharge center and evolving EH&S safety policies.  Keep up-to-date instructional videos for existing and new lab experiments.
• Assist research groups with waste disposal as needed.
• In concert with the A&A Safety Committee, implement and enforce safety procedures and accident prevention programs for A&A facilities and personnel.
• Identify EH&S safety classes that should be attended by lab personnel; verify attendance for new students, staff, and faculty as they join the shop.
• Ensure that all required EH&S laboratory safety documentation including PPE Assessments, Risk Assessments, Standard Operating Procedures and Training Records are up-to-date and in place for each lab
• Supervise RSO, Senior Capstone, Junior lab, and other student project teams in basic and advanced manufacturing practices.
• Provide lab onboarding training: administer an onboarding series for team and club leadership, which includes training in safety and technical resources.
• Perform routine testing of lab equipment to ensure that they are functioning properly.
• Make recommendations for new equipment.
• Coordinate equipment procurement and installation for new instructional experiments.
• Set up equipment for student lab experiments and verify they are operational
• Purchase replacement for consumables and/or damaged items

Process improvement and Research Design Consultation 5%

• Serve in collaboration with the Facilities Manager as a point of contact for students to identify resources within the department to complete their course and extracurricular (RSO’s) projects.
• Partner with classroom instructors to identify and support departmental facility resources to support academic labs, this may include but is not limited to making recommendations about future purchases, providing procedures and/or training to students, providing feedback on the feasibility of student requests and collaborating with the facilities manager to onboard new faculty to resources available to support their courses.
• Participate in project teams which may include the facilities manager, administrator, and others within the department or external to the department to update and streamline the facilities resources available to students to complete their coursework and/or enhance their extracurricular activities.
• Document and organize procedures for facilities

Other Duties

• Serve as back up building coordinator

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or scientific discipline and one year experience as an engineering technician or related experience.
• Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

 Additional Qualifications

• Basic machining skills.
• Knowledge of and hands on experience with data acquisition.
• Understands fundamentals of and experience with computer programming.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills.
• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal and group student mentoring skills.
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills.
• Flexibility and motivation to learn new skills and techniques.
• Hands-on experience with electronics, circuits, and soldering
• Hands-on experience preparing and assembling electro-mechanical designs
• Hands-on experience with fabrication equipment
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD modeling, and program debugging
• Attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects while meeting firm deadlines
• Ability to monitor and enforce safety protocols

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of and hands on experience with additive manufacturing
• Knowledge of and hands on experience with CNC machining
• Experience with equipment maintenance.
• Experience with and specific knowledge of composite manufacturing and/or mechanical testing.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$56,448.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$93,180.00 annual

Other Compensation:

-

Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW 

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world.  

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. 

Our Commitment 

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [email protected]. 

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.