Prototyping Engineer - Cleveland, United States - Case Western Reserve University

Description

Job Description

POSITION OBJECTIVE

This position will be the in-house engineering expert for advanced multi-disciplinary design prototyping and manufacturing projects for Case Western Reserve University's Larry Sears and Sally Zlotnick Sears think[box]. The engineer will plan, schedule, conduct and coordinate advanced engineering work on a total project-wide basis, making decisions on theory, problems, and methodology to develop new or improved techniques, procedures, or equipment. Instruct and/or lead staff and users on advanced electrical engineering projects such as those involving embedded sensors, unusual or experimental materials, and computer programming. This position will utilize intensive and diversified knowledge of engineering principles in specialty areas and is granted virtual freedom of action within authorized results.

Sears think[box]-the world's largest open-access innovation-focused makerspace, is an educational initiative that provides a multi-faceted, open environment to educate the Case Western Reserve University community through collaboration, innovation, and creativity. Think[box] provides instruction and training along with space, equipment, and machines for a wide variety of digital and manual design/build activities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Meet with users to evaluate and provide expert direction on demanding projects. Share expert knowledge on circuits, sensors, mapping, internet of things, coding, and selection of appropriate materials and processes. Guide students and other users through the design/build/verify process on innovative prototypes where no precedent may exist for the choices being made. (20%)
2. Provide design-for-prototyping mentorship for student startup companies seeking to go to manufacture with their innovations. Support students engaged in extra-curricular 'design/build' competitions, and guide faculty in creating suitable projects for design and prototyping related courses. (15%)
3. Manage the makerspace in collaboration with other think[box] staff. Serve as the project lead on installation and commissioning of new equipment and machinery. Assist in the development of a maintenance schedule to ensure equipment is maintained regularly and assessed for safety/risk. Maintain inventory of stocked consumables. Create, maintain, and manage safe operating procedures for all makerspace equipment and processes to ensure a safe working environment in consultation with the Environmental Health and Safety officer. Ensure user safety by enforcing proper safety policies. (15%)
4. Actively participate in the recruitment, training, and management of think[box] student technicians. Ensure that sound engineering practices are followed and always demonstrated. (10%)
5. Instruct community users and Case Western Reserve University students. Create and maintain training material on the safe use of prototyping and testing equipment and processes. Create and deliver training modules on soldering, bread-boarding, proper circuit design, and computer programming needed to interface with prototype circuits. Teach engineering design and prototyping processes to users/students in design/build related workshops. (30%)

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Participate in and respond to day-to-day Sears think[box] operations. (5%)
2. Perform other duties as assigned. (5%)

CONTACTS

Department: Continuous contact with department staff and faculty to exchange ideas, share information, maintain workflow.

University: Occasional contact with the offices of the President and Provost, deans of schools and colleges, and central administration to represent Sears think[box] and exchange information. Regular contact with faculty and staff involved with 'Design/Build' course, projects and competitions.

External: Moderate contact with alumni, potential donors, local companies, potential clients, local K-12 educators and students to facilitate and promote joint action/ cooperation to achieve immediate operating results.

Students: Continuous contact with student employees to maintain workflow. Continuous contact with student users involved with 'Design/Build' courses, projects, and competitions.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Recruit, train, supervise, and manage undergraduate student employees.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: 5 to 7 years of electrical engineering and prototyping experience. Instructional experience preferred.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Engineering, preferably in electrical engineering. Graduate degree in an engineering discipline preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS

1. Experience with a variety of both analog and digital circuits, components, controls, hand assembly (SMT soldering), testing equipment, sensors, PCB design, and embedded systems.
2. Strategic level of conceptual independent thinking, an intense attention to detail, patience, instruction skills, and very high expectations of quality.
3. Experience with a variety of basic makerspace prototyping equipment: laser cutters, 3d printers, vinyl cutters, etc.
4. Ability to teach/instruct basic and advanced prototyping workshop skills.
5. Experience with the application of computer-aided-design (CAD), computer-aided analysis (CAE), and circuit design software.
6. Ability to engage and motivate students from multiple backgrounds (art, music, engineering, science) engaged in design and build projects.
7. Strong interpersonal, organizational and management skills.
8. A successful record of creative project design, management, manufacture, testing and delivery.
9. A successful record in initiating and managing electrical engineering projects.
10. Ability to manage multi-disciplinary projects.
11. Community involvement.
12. Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative management style.
13. A demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace.
14. Excellent organizational skills, open to direction and a commitment to get the job done.
15. Understanding of a variety of manufacturing (mechanical and electrical) processes.
16. Cross-discipline understanding of the principles of engineering and science.
17. Ability to meet consistent attendance.
18. Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The Prototyping Engineer will be located within the think[box] Prototyping Floor. Duties will require working with various manual and computer-controlled machines, circuit making equipment and processes, prototyping and manipulating a wide range of ferrous, non-ferrous, and polymeric materials. None of the processes or materials will present any toxic hazards. Occasional travel is required when supporting students in external competitions or ongoing training. Working flexible hours may be necessary for evenings and weekends.

Diversity Statement

In employment, as in education, Case Western Reserve University is committed to Equal Opportunity and Diversity. Women, veterans, members of underrepresented minority groups, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

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Reasonable Accommodations

Case Western Reserve University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the Office of Equity at to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicant will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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