South Africa: Lab Technician – Mechatronics posted by Nelson Mandela University

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Oversee the installation, servicing, upgrading, and maintenance of specific electronic communications equipment.
• Set up electronic communications and general-purpose electrical/electronic engineering laboratories for student practicals and projects.
• Coordination of undergraduate practicals with other departmental technicians.
• Source components and either repair faulty 3D printers, electronic signal and measuring equipment or arrange for external repairs if the warranty has expired.
• Coordinate repairs or replacement with suppliers regarding defective equipment covered under warranty.
• Maintain and support mechanical/electrical/electronic engineering equipment for undergraduate and postgraduate use, ensuring adequate consumables are available for tests, consultations, and research.
• Assist in preparing annual budgets, manage the procurement of components and equipment within budget limits, and handle order processing through the ITS financial system.
• Work closely with suppliers and academic staff to ensure accurate ordering and receipt of specified items.
• Maintain documentation related to the procurement of components and stock received, while coordinating with NMU’s procurement department.
• Support academic staff by supervising student practical tests.
• Provide daily assistance to students with practical assignments, projects, and troubleshooting technical issues.
• Manage student resources, including issuing and tracking components and supervising students in hazardous environments.
• Inventory, track and manage academic assets within specified Departmental labs together with University Asset department.
• Offer technical support for special events such as Open Day, short courses, and research activities.
• Identify, report, and help resolve unsafe working conditions, by managing Health and Safety in the department and act as the SHE Representative for the department.
• Ensure adherence to equipment safety and operational procedures, test and regulatory codes. Ensure general laboratory safety standards are in place and always adhered to by all users.
• Ensure laboratories remain organized and clean after use, report building maintenance issues via the ITS system, and follow up on logged faults.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• An in-depth knowledge of mechanical, electronic communication systems and procedures as well as the use of digital measuring equipment (oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, multimeter) and various types of electronic signal generating equipment.
• Sound knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Sound knowledge of software used for electrical circuit design and simulation (such as Proteus or MultiSim)
• Sound knowledge of electrical engineering principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work unsupervised.
• Proven leadership skills.

REQUIREMENTS

In order to be considered, applicants must have:

• M+3 Mechanical Engineering or M+3 Electrical Engineering Degree or Mechatronics Degree or equivalent.
• Minimum of three (3) years’ relevant experience in which competency has been gained.

Preference will be given to candidates registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)