Technical Services Supervisor

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

Location -   This role is in-person at North Campus, Edmonton.

About the Faculty of Engineering - 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 Academic Department Manager in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, the Technical Services Supervisor provides operational leadership to the Engineering Technical Services (ETS) team. The Supervisor acts as a key technical advisor, providing conceptual review of new projects and advising on technical manufacturing processes while ensuring adherence to code requirements and quality control standards.

This position coordinates interdisciplinary work requisitions across multiple service lines and manages facilities and equipment under the responsibility of Mechanical Engineering, ensuring that all operating and maintenance functions are planned and executed in order to maintain technical services support readiness for research and undergraduate education activities. Additionally, the Technical Services Supervisor directs human resource management of technical services staff, including hiring, training, evaluation, and performance management, and oversees the allocation of financial resources for the technical services team.

Technical Advising

• Provide conceptual review and advice on new research projects with technical involvement and code requirements during all stages of experimental design
• Advise on technical manufacturing processes, resources, and vendors by keeping current with trends and providers within North America
• Review customer-provided drawings and technical requirements with shop personnel and research groups
• Review project submissions and create drawing packages to support multidisciplinary research project requirements
• Maintain quality control standards across all technical service operations for the function and appearance of research projects
• Drive continuous improvement by applying Lean manufacturing principles to optimize shop floor layouts, operational workflows, and work planning systems

Project Management

• Prioritize and assign internal and external work requisitions from research groups and departments
• Manage resources and oversee direction of activities across five service lines (electronics, materials testing, machining, engineering, and course support)

Environment, Health and Safety

• Develop and maintain a health and safety management system for technical services activities in adherence to OH&S standards
• Set training and orientation standards for staff and students working within Mechanical Engineering Shops

Facilities and Infrastructure

• Ensure that facilities and equipment under the responsibility of Mechanical Engineering are functional through seasonal demands for undergraduate and research activities
• Manage equipment for shops and undergraduate labs (i.e. repairs, maintenance, and recommendations for replacement and upgrades)

Human Resources Management

• Evaluate personnel skills and capabilities and initiate training and upgrading programs to maintain technical and supervisory excellence
• Responsible for all personnel functions relating to hiring, promoting, and temporary staffing requirements

Financial Management 

• Responsible for job tracking database to track consumables and labor on all research projects and undergraduate courses
• Oversee cost accounting and billing of ETS resources to undergraduate course support activities and internal and external research projects
• Oversee allocation of financial resources for the Technical Services group, including ETS Research Equipment Renewal fund
• Direct procurement and inventory management operations, including special order parts and equipment for research projects and department needs

• Professional Designation: Certified Engineering Technologist (C.E.T.) is required. A Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation is preferred and satisfies this requirement.
• Education: Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (or related field) required. A BSc in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) is preferred and satisfies this requirement.
• Trades & Technical Background: Minimum 4+ years of trade experience (Millwright or Machinist), nearing eligibility for Journeyperson certification. Certified Journeyperson Millwright or Machinist is preferred.
• CNC/CAD/CAM and solid modeling experience
• 7+ years of relevant experience in product development and research support
• Thorough working knowledge of all equipment relating to design and manufacturing
• Strong communication, supervisory, leadership, and decision-making skills
• Safety training (standard First Aid, CPR, WHMIS, Hazardous Waste Management)
• Awareness of concepts in biosafety and laser safety

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please provide a detailed response 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.