Rapid Prototyping Specialist

Competition 2406

This competition is restricted to internal applicants of the University of Alberta. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status. 

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position has a term length of 1 year plus 1 day with the possibility of extension and offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Department of Medicine

The Department of Medicine is the largest department in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta with over 250 academic faculty members and over 400 trainees (graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and residents).The Department of Medicine's core mission is to undertake outstanding education, research and high-quality clinical care to provide the best possible health outcomes for Albertans. We have 14 divisions that work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary, multicultural and ethnically diverse collegial environment.

Position Summary

This position holds a variety of unique and unrelated tasks from designing and working on technical projects, prototyping in device development, and supervising users of specialized equipment, to guided tours of the SMART Institute, to website/online platform support.

Duties 

TECHNICAL 60%

Device Development Prototyping and Machining:

• Lead design and engineering roles in projects by being able to optimize design from knowledge of materials, manufacturing techniques and repairability.
• Use Generative Design techniques to optimize designs for functionality
• Design and construct functional enclosures for CSA approved electrical devices
• Manufacturing using composite materials
• Manufacture lightweight carbon fiber and fiberglass parts to meet specification of a research project in a safe manner

Code development for:

• Develop microcontroller systems (C++ and Arduino)
• Desktop/laptop/mobile applications using Java in Processing and Android Studio
• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Devices

3D printing:

• Create and/or edit 3D files to prepare for 3D printing
• Execute a variety of 3D printing projects using engineering grade materials
• Prioritize printing order to maximize efficiency
• Perform troubleshooting and repair work on 3D printers

Machining using specialized equipment:

• 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machining using CAD/CAM
• Manual machining (lathe, milling machine, drill press, band saw etc.)
• Laser micromachining

Sourcing of materials, equipment and manufacturers

• Source materials for 3D printing, machining, and other custom fabrication work
• Research new manufacturing equipment and creating a pricing/cost system for work being done on it
• Source manufacturers to make small scale production runs of products, coordinating back and forth to make sure the correct product is received and that the materials fall within testing regulations for the device being made.

Circuit board design, assembly, and Troubleshooting

• Design circuit boards using Altium Designer
• Source manufacturers to make the circuit boards
• Through hole and surface mount hand soldering and testing
• Troubleshoot issues and performing repairs on circuit boards

Training on specialized equipment and supervision of users that are not commonly available in research laboratories: These include:

• 3-axis and 5-axis CNC machining using CAD/CAM
• Laser micromachining, using a femtosecond laser, nanosecond laser and a fiber laser welder
• Advanced 3D printing using the Raise3d Pro 2 and Formlabs 3B
• Scanning Electron Microscopes (SEM) and Optical profilers

ADMINISTRATIVE: 15%

Web Design:

• Create professional quality renders for the product, descriptions and marketing material for
• product using Adobe Illustrator and Autodesk Fusion 360
• Set up and optimized Google SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
• Manage SMART Institute technical website content site to integrate with new QMS systems in place.

Photography and photo editing

• Use professional photography equipment to document images in the lab and projects.

Researching, implementing, and managing a quality management system (QMS):

• Research, test and implement an invoice management system to keep track of orders
• Utilize advanced system to share documents and information regarding projects

Laboratory Management Access and Control System (LMACS) Development, Management and Maintenance:

• Implement and manage a laboratory management access system
• Create and maintain a database and hub for users to learn about the lab and equipment
• Provide support for users wanting to join the LMACS or are having issues using it
• Create and maintain an interlock system for some equipment in the LMACS

Pricing of services

• Research equipment rental and services offered in the lab and come up with appropriate pricing for different user groups. Compare pricing with vendors to ensure fairness and competitiveness

Optimizing Equipment Parameters

• Research methods and procedures from academic papers to increase capabilities of the lab and to use in projects (Femtosecond Laser, CNC Machining)
• Document methods and results

SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) Creation and User Training/Supervision

• Create SOP's for devices in the lab
• Train users on how to use equipment
• Supervise users while they are using the equipment until complete competency is reached and they can be signed off as trained
• Answer questions users may have while using the equipment
• Troubleshoot problems the users may have

Tours of the SMART Institute

• Participate in tours of the lab in the SMART Institute and describe the equipment and processes in the lab

SUPERVISORY/TRAINING 25%

• Train support staff, external users, and trainees to use several pieces of equipment valuing 5M dollars
• Supervise the use of the above-mentioned sophisticated equipment
• Ensure users are properly trained, and the appropriate documentation is updated and maintained

Minimum Qualifications

• Diploma in Biomedical Engineering Technology or Electronics Engineering Technology or Computer Engineering Technology
• Should be eligible to be recognized as a Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) with ASET

Preferred Qualifications

• Practical machining or workshop experience required
• Experience using Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Autodesk Fusion 360 or equivalent (e.g., Solid works, AutoCAD)
• CNC (3-axis and 5-axis) operating experience
• Advanced 3D printing experience
• Computer programming experience (C++, Java)
• Microcontroller system design experience (e.g., Arduino)
  • Integrating sensors and peripherals
  • Programming
  • Analog circuit design
  • Wireless communication (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi, Bluetooth Low Energy)