Manufacturing Educator/Lab Director

Purpose of this Position:

A known strength of the Western New England University College of Engineering is that it produces industry-ready engineers.  It does this primarily through student involvement in the execution of real-world engineering projects and associated prototypes, whereby students learn the practical application of their engineering curriculum.  One very important aspect of this is learning to design and specify products that are producible.  One way that WNE accomplishes this is by encouraging student participation in the manufacturing process (most of the manufacturing currently performed at the school is accomplished by the students working on their projects, and other students trained and paid to work in the manufacturing environment).
 
The purpose of this position, simply put, is to maintain and continually improve the environment and learning experience the students have available to them in this regard.  
 
Note:  while this is not a position that is expected to spend a significant portion of working time actually manufacturing components, the ability to do so (or learn to do so) for the purpose of effective coaching will be a plus. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Teach the basics of design-for manufacturing, product definition, and inspection techniques/practical tolerancing (in a lab and/or classroom environment, both in one-on-one and group settings).
• Develop training plans that provide for continuous capability of student workers to utilize the available equipment (using outside training expertise, as may be required).
• Assure the implementation of weekly/monthly/annual maintenance of the associated equipment, utilizing student workers and outside professional resources.
• Collaborate as needed with all departments within the College of Engineering to best meet their needs, within the bounds of what is practically achievable.

Required Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities:

The successful candidate will have a working knowledge of the practical aspects of the engineering environment, with particular emphasis on the transition of engineering designs into prototypes and products.  This will include, but not be limited to:

• Design for manufacturing
• Product definition
• Inspection techniques (metrology)
• Knowledge of manual and CNC machining
• Knowledge of related manufacturing disciplines, such as welding, brazing, grinding
• IMPORTANT NOTE:  The candidate is not expected to be proficient in all of the above-listed areas:  they are expected to have sufficient working knowledge to learn more about these areas as needed, and to bring in relevant technical expertise where needed.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good organization, self initiation, and ability to work independently without direct supervision.
• Ability to maintain strict code of confidentiality.
• Ability to work in partnership with faculty, administration, and staff.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to present self in a confident and professional manner as a representative of the College of Engineering.
• Ability to minimize and/or resolve conflict, and the ability/desire to coach students to do the same

This is a half time position. Exact working hours are flexible. This is not a work-from-home position, but occasional flexibility in this regard is possible.

Western New England University is committed to enhancing diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging by acknowledging and embracing diversity of thought, opinion, and approach with colleagues regardless of background, culture, and organizational level. WNE encourages diversity in our job applicants to ensure the best culture and work outcomes.