Part time Laboratory Instructional Assistant -- Multicraft Industrial Maintenance

About the role

The Multicraft Lab supports Fluid Power and Mechanical Systems courses. Students build skills on industry trainers and tools during scheduled class labs and limited open lab hours. The Instructional Assistant (LIA) will assist with various tasks.

Responsibilities

• Keep the lab clean, organized, and safe.
• Put tools back in the right place, label bins and shelves, reset stations, and lock up at close.
• Assist during scheduled labs, including setup, coaching students on tasks, and teardown.
• Staff weekly open lab hours during the semester, support students one on one, track attendance, and enforce safety rules.
• Prepare equipment, trainers, tools, and materials before classes and demonstrations.
• Aid in teaching students how to construct, test, and troubleshoot hydraulic and pneumatic circuits on trainers, read schematics, and properly document results.
• Aid in teaching students how to construct, build, and test rotational drives and complete basic mechanical tasks, including belt, chain, and gear drives, laser and manual shaft alignment, fasteners and torque, bearings, seals, and basic measurement with calipers, micrometers, and scales.
• Maintain equipment condition, perform first-line maintenance like cleaning and simple checks, and report repair needs and keep the lab equipment organized.
• Maintain inventory, restock consumables, and help with parts and materials ordering.
• Provide tours of the lab and talk with visitors about programs that use the space.
• Attend occasional campus activities and promotional events on behalf of programs that use the Mechanical Systems Lab.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Availability for flexible weekday hours. Some daytime and some evening hours are required.
• Strong safety awareness and the ability to apply and uphold safety rules.
• Hands-on skill with common hand and power tools and comfort in a busy lab environment.
• Ability to coach students clearly and patiently during Fluid Power and Mechanical Systems activities.
• Ability to learn course content quickly and assist the instructor in delivering competent instruction during Fluid Power and Mechanical Systems courses.
• Basic computer skills, including Windows, file management, email, and office software.
• Ability to read technical instructions, schematics, and simple mechanical drawings.
• Works well independently and on a team, with clear communication and solid organization.
• Able to stand for extended periods and move equipment as needed, up to 40 pounds.
• Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Manufacturing, Automation or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Highly qualified current students may also be considered.
• Experience with Festo or similar hydraulic and pneumatic trainers, and familiarity with fluid power safety, gauges, and instrumentation.
• Experience assisting in or tutoring Fluid Power Systems, Fluid Power Control Systems, Mechanical Systems, or related courses.
• Familiarity with mechanical tools and methods, dial indicators, dial calipers, vernier micrometers, laser and manual shaft alignment, torque procedures, and bearing installation.
• Basic electrical measurement skills using a multimeter and comfort with simple sensor and valve wiring on trainers.