Location - This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.
About the Engineering Technical Services (ETS)
Engineering Technical Services (ETS) is a dynamic team dedicated to advancing research and education within the Faculty of Engineering. We collaborate with faculty and students to design, manufacture, and support innovative experimental devices and laboratory equipment.
Our multidisciplinary team brings together a wealth of expertise from Machinists, Electrical Technicians, Material Testing Specialists, Engineers, Millwrights, Carpenters, and Plastics Specialists.
We directly support research initiatives and undergraduate courses by maintaining and upgrading lab equipment, designing and manufacturing custom apparatus, and providing hands-on training and supervision to students.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Technical Services Supervisor, the Machinist Technician supports both research activities and educational outcomes. You will collaborate with Academic Staff and students to design and manufacture new and unique parts and assemblies, as well as support the delivery of undergraduate instructional labs and hands-on design courses. Research lab support will also include setup, calibration, installation, and maintenance of test instrumentation and equipment. A high degree of expertise and knowledge of safe work practices and the operation of shop equipment is required. As part of the Engineering Technical Services team and the University of Alberta, you will be contributing to future research in Alberta and across Canada while also providing frontline educational support to both undergraduate and graduate students.
The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.
Advanced Fabrication & Machining
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Multi-Axis Machining: Setup and operate a wide range of traditional and advanced machinery, including CNC milling machines, manual lathes, drill presses, grinders, honing tools, laser cutters, water jet cutters, and EDM (sinker and wire).
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Multi-Material Working: Manufacture parts and assemblies using steel, aluminum, titanium, plastics, composites, wood, and glass.
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CAD/CAM Programming: Review 3D CAD files, blueprints, and design sketches to determine the optimal manufacturing sequence. Program and test CNC equipment using MasterCAM (2020 or higher), Fusion 360, Cimco Editor, HAAS, Fanuc, Okuma, and Trak CNC.
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Welding & Bench Work: Perform MIG/TIG welding, brazing, and spot welding. Utilize standard shop tools, saws, sheet metal shears, and brakes.
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Emerging Tech: Utilize 3D printing technologies to support modern rapid prototyping needs.
Mentorship, Teaching & Safety Training
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Student Instruction: Demonstrate basic shop practices, current manufacturing processes, and the safe use of specialized machinery to undergraduate/graduate students and researchers.
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Design Consultation: Coach graduate students and researchers through iterative design processes, providing feedback on concepts and guiding them toward practical manufacturing decisions.
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Shop Leadership (Rotating Role): On a rotating academic term basis, serve as the Course Support Lead to coordinate shop student safety training, manage lab spaces during design courses, and liaise with academic chairs to manage student support demand.
Research Lab Support & Infrastructure
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Equipment Maintenance: Clean, maintain, troubleshoot, and perform custom modifications or upgrades to shop machinery to ensure a hazard-free environment.
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Instrumentation & Setup: Calibrate, test, and install specialized research equipment, assisting with lab relocations as needed.
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Lab Utilities: Provide basic plumbing and gas fitting installation services for lab infrastructure (including water, air, gas, steam, and chemical process lines).
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Safety Compliance: Actively participate in the Faculty’s Environment, Health and Safety (EH&S) plan, contributing to the development of safety policies and procedures.
Minimum Qualifications
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High School Diploma combined with a Journeyman Machinist Certificate (or an equivalent recognized trade credential)
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6 years of relevant manufacturing/machining experience, including at least 4 years of dedicated CNC experience
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Strong working knowledge of CAM/CAD
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Current WHMIS certification and a strong background in workshop safety protocols
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Proven experience coaching, mentoring, or instructing others on the safe and proper use of shop equipment
Preferred Qualifications
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Diploma in mechanical or electrical technologies
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A multi-trade background, specifically featuring proficiency in MIG/TIG welding
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Strong background working with complex assemblies and tight part tolerances
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Experience working within a research and development (R&D) or post-secondary academic environment
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Experience with materials testing (e.g., load frames, destructive testing)
Application Instructions
Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please provide a detailed answer to the following question: "How will you contribute to a culture of trust, effectiveness and innovation in the Faculty of Engineering?"
This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).
This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.
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.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.
All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.
The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.
L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.
