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JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for the administrative and technical supervision of the Physics and Astronomy Technical Services Units, which provide training, design, implementation, and support of experimental equipment and Information Technology infrastructure for the department.

The Physics Technical Services Unit comprises the Mechanical Shop, the Student Machine Shop, the Electronics lab, IT Services, the Stores, and the Shipping and Receiving. The Director's focus is on the mechanical design and fabrication role of Tech Services, while providing guidance and administrative support for the other divisions.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

Reports to the department head.

WORK PERFORMED

• MECHANICAL DESIGN - Translation of research needs into detailed mechanical designs ready for fabrication:

a. Perform thorough needs analysis with customers to determine critical design aspects,
b. Create 3D models of parts and assemblies.
c. Perform mechanical and thermal simulations for critical components
d. Create drawing package for machinists, including 2D drawings and 3D models.

• PROJECT MANAGEMENT - For projects requiring significant resources from the Technical Services groups, the Director develops the project plans and manages the execution of the work, to ensure that Technical services staff work effectively and efficiently towards a successful outcome for the customer.
• COMMUNICATION WITH CLIENTS - Communicates with clients to :

a. ensure resources are equitably allocated among users with varying needs,
b. solicit and plan incoming work from researchers.
c. refine jobs submitted to technical services units for clarity, expediency, and effectiveness along with clients and technicians
d. research solutions during development stages of projects; provide consultation to faculty, staff and students; advise on technical solutions which result in actual designs or experimental setups
e. gather information on client satisfaction with quality, speed and cost of proposed and delivered solutions

• COMMUNICATION WITH STAFF - In conjunction with Technical Leads in each Tech Services unit:

a. Set work queue, including assignment of specific technicians / professional staff member to jobs.
b. Regularly review incoming work submissions
c. Review quality issues with individual technicians and staff
d. Ensure high technical standards are maintained at all times, and foster upgrading of standards.

• ADMINISTRATION/HR/COMMUNICATION WITH UNITS - Manage human resources within each work unit:

a. Record and discusses performance-related issues with individual technicians and professional staff.
b. Plan and implement appropriate skills upgrading and training for each technician
d. Schedule staff vacations

• INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS - Identify, coordinate and execute improvement projects, which may include:

a. online job tracking for clients
b. coordinated promotion of services to rest of department members.
c. improvements to departmental resources.

• DEPARTMENTAL TRAINING - Arrange training and education for department members (researchers, students, staff) as delivered by appropriate Tech Services units, which may include:

a. training in the Student Machine Shop
b. training on departmental resources (e.g. Waterjet cutter training)
c. Software (e.g. Solidworks, MasterCam, Altium) and IT-related tools

• FINANCIAL - Plan, coordinate and execute major capital expenditures for individual units. May have discretionary spending associated with position to re-allocate among different Tech Services Units under their purview. Tracks funding as garnered through Tech Services Fees.
• HIRING - write job descriptions, identify "soft money" which may be used to hire grant-funded technicians.
• SAFETY - Follow safety regulations and the WHMIS legislation, ensure that technical services staff work in a safe manner, and report unsafe conditions to the appropriate Department resource.

CONSEQUENCE OF ERROR

This is a key position in ensuring optimized operation and adequate maintenance of an extremely wide variety of scientific electronic equipment located in our services, teaching and research labs, and in the timely provision of detailed design services in the development of prototype research equipment. Error and/or poor judgement could have an immediate negative affect on departmental efficiency, stall research projects and affect related research funding initiatives, and/or disrupt teaching lab schedules.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work direction is received from the Department Head and Technical Services Committee.

Works closely with the departmental Computing Committee with regard to the administrative supervision of IT personnel.

This position reports for administrative issues to the Manager of Operations & H/R of Physics & Astronomy.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Supervises and coordinates the overall work completed by 8 Engineering Technicians and 6 M&P-level staff members covering the Instrument Machine Shop, Electronics Machine Shop, and IT Services, in conjunction with the Technical Leads in each of the Tech Services Units.

QUALIFICATIONS

University degree (Masters or PhD preferred) plus a minimum of 10 years practical experience in an industrial or university research environment in work related to instrumentation for scientific research or development, including demonstrated ability in the provision of strong, effective and supportive management of technical staff. Possesses a broad range of technical knowledge and design skills related to the development of scientific apparatus.

MACHINING/FABRICATION:

Broad-based knowledge of Machine Shop capabilities and workflow including:

• A detailed understanding of common fabrication techniques (CNC lathe/mill, manual machine tools, 3D printing) used to accomplish a wide range for project work.

2. Expert proficiency with mechanical design and simulation of complex, customized assemblies used for scientific research.
3. Knowledge of design criteria for successful development of ultra high vacuum systems, systems used at temperature extremes, and other challenging environments commonly encountered in scientific research.

ELECTRONICS:

A broad-based understanding of electronics technology is required, which may include:

• Data acquisition systems, scientific electronic instrumentation, opto-electronics, radio frequency, microwave, high voltage, analog and digital electronics, x-ray, laser and superconductive magnet technologies, digital signal processing or equivalent in education and expertise.
• Electronics fabrication techniques including modern CAD layout and design tools (Solidworks preferred).

IT INFRASTRUCTURE:

A broad-based understanding of computer technology and IT infrastructure is required, which may include:

• The organization and structure of computing clusters used for high performance computing

2. The organization and structure of networked computers supporting electronic and mechanical design and simulation tools.

ENGINEERING:

Experience in design, development, maintenance, production management, vendor specification, supervision and administrative duties.

Ability to provide advice and guidance to students and faculty on technical issues related to scientific instrumentation.

Ability to continuously integrate technological advancements in a range of disciplines into the scientific instrumentation development process.

COMMUNICATION AND MANAGERIAL SKILLS:

Effective oral and written communication, problem-solving, interpersonal and organizational skills.

Demonstrated ability in effective team building and conflict resolution.

Ability to supervise and coordinate the work of others.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $74,202.00 to $115,942.00 /year