Design Engineer

University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Alberta is seeking a Design Engineer to support research and teaching activities in the Faculty of Engineering. The role involves designing and drafting parts for manufacture, with on-site work at North Campus, Edmonton, and collaboration with researchers and students.

The role requires a Mechanical or Industrial Engineering degree, CAD proficiency (SolidWorks/Inventor), and at least 4+ years of design experience.

Qualifications

• BSc in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or closely related field.
• Registered as a member in good standing with APEGA or equivalent (EIT minimum, P.Eng preferred) with plan to obtain P.Eng within 3 years.

Responsibilities

• Provide consultative services on machined parts and assemblies, including materials and design process.
• Review submitted drawings for manufacturability, tolerancing, and assembly details; provide recommendations.
• Create CAD models, assemblies, and drawing packages for manufacturing and machining.
• Develop bill of materials and work instructions to support purchasing and manufacturing.
• Provide budgetary cost estimates for time and materials to researchers.
• Coordinate large or complex projects with vendors, suppliers, and customers.
• Follow applicable codes in design activities.
• Demonstrate shop practices and train students and researchers in manufacturing processes.
• Set up and support large-scale lab apparatus and equipment for undergrad labs.

Skills

CAD proficiency

Strong communication

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Mechanical design standards

Manufacturing knowledge

Education

BSc in Mechanical or Industrial Engineering or related

APEGA registration or eligible (EIT minimum)

Tools

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

CAM/CAD

Job description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal applicants will be given priority consideration based on minimum qualifications, or a combination of experience, skills, and abilities before external applicants are considered.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

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.

Reporting to the Technical Services Supervisor, the Design Engineer is responsible for working with Researchers and students to assist in developing designs and drawing packages for manufacture in support of research and teaching activities in the Faculty of Engineering. The successful candidate should hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field and should have a breadth of experience in drafting, design, and manufacturing.

The Design Engineer will be primarily responsible for research support activities and will be working on site in the Engineering Technical Services team.

Note: The job title will be determined based on the successful candidate's qualifications: Design Engineer for candidates holding a P.Eng. (or equivalent), or Design Engineer-in-Training for candidates holding an E.I.T. (or equivalent).

Engineering Consultation and Design

• Provide consultative services to students and researchers on methodologies around the creation of machined parts and assemblies including material types, manufacturing methods, and design process.
• Review submitted design drawings for technical issues, such as manufacturability, tolerancing, and assembly details, and provide recommendations to clients to address issues.
• Utilize computer aided design (CAD) software to create models, assemblies, and drawing packages for manufacturing and machining activities.
• Develop bill of materials and work instructions as appropriate to support efficient purchasing and manufacturing.
• Provide budgetary cost estimates to researchers on time and materials required for projects.
• Work with technical staff to coordinate large or complex projects as required, including communication with vendors, suppliers, and customers.
• Consult and follow code requirements in design activities as required.

Teaching and Training

• Demonstrate basic shop practices, current manufacturing processes, shop safety and use of specialized equipment and instrumentation to students and researchers.
• Set up and support large scale lab apparatus and equipment for undergraduate labs, including industrial engines, pumps, and boilers.

Fabrication and Manufacturing

• Machining parts using a variety of tools, methods, and equipment – including CNC mills, manual lathes, drill presses, waterjets, and grinders – across a diverse range of materials such as metals, plastics, wood, glass, and composites.
• Repair, maintain, upgrade and make custom modifications to machines and equipment as required.

Research Lab Activities and Safety

• Set up, calibrate, test, and run instrumentation equipment, including metrology, data acquisition, and material testing systems for research support.
• Be an active participant in Faculty Health and Safety plan, including consultation on development of policies and procedures.

• BSc in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Registered as a member in good standing with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geophysists of Alberta (APEGA) or equivalent (EIT minimum, P. Eng. preferred), with a clear commitment to obtaining P.Eng. designation within 3 years of employment.
• 4+ years of relevant mechanical engineering design experience (i.e. designing customer components, design for manufacturing, rapid prototyping, material testing, and quality management).
• Coaching, mentoring, or sharing technical experience as it relates to Design and Manufacturing.
• Advanced skill in computer aided design (CAD) in Solidworks, Inventor, or similar.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and provide novel solutions to difficult challenges.
• Strong working knowledge of mechanical standards and codes for machine design.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively in a team and with multiple stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• MIG/TIG welding proficiency.
• Machinist Certificate or Equivalent.
• 2+ years of Manual and CNC experience with working knowledge of CAM/CAD.
• Knowledge of industrial or micro electronics.
• Programming knowledge and experience.
• WHMIS & safety training.
• Experience with assemblies and part tolerances.
• Experience working in research and development environments.

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.