Engineering Student Machine Shop Instructor

University-of-Waterlo; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 73,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waterloo seeks an Engineering Student Machine Shop Instructor to teach and supervise undergraduate and graduate students in the Engineering Student Shops. The role focuses on safe operation, machining techniques, and feedback on designs, with oversight of equipment setup and occupancy limits.

The position is located in the Engineering Project Shop (E7) and Engineering Student Machine Shop (E5), with potential work in the Wood Shop.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and a trade qualification in one of the listed crafts.
• 7+ years in metalworking machinery and related trades.
• Experience teaching and mentoring students in a shop setting.
• Strong machining and fabrication technique knowledge.
• Ability to track inventory and maintain tools and equipment.

Responsibilities

• Teach machining techniques and demonstrate fabrication skills.
• Instruct and mentor students individually or in small groups.
• Demonstrate proper, safe use of machine shop equipment.
• Review designs and provide safety, manufacturability feedback.
• Enforce safety rules and supervise all shop users.

Skills

Teaching & mentoring

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma and a Certificate of Qualification (General Machinist / Tool & Die Maker / Mould Maker)

Tools

CNC machine tools

MasterCam

Woodworking CNC routers

Job description

At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day.Learn more about our recruitment process.Job Requisition ID:2026-02440Time Type:Full timeEmployee Group:StaffJob Category:Academic Delivery SupportEmployment Type:TemporaryDepartment:Faculty of Engineering - Dean of Engineering Office - Sedra Student Design CentreHiring Range:$72,523.53 - $90,654.42Posting Information:This posting is for an existing vacancy.Term: 1 yearThis position is being offered as a temporary contractJob Description:Primary PurposeThe Engineering Student Machine Shop Instructor teaches the knowledge, demonstrates the skills, as well as approves and enables the activities required for undergraduate and graduate Engineering students and other approved individuals to safely use the equipment and resources of the Engineering Student Shops. The primary location of the job will be the Engineering Project Shop located in Engineering 7 and the Engineering Student Machine Shop located in Engineering 5. Depending on demand, the job may also be located in the Wood Shop in E5.Key AccountabilitiesTeach manufacturing techniques and demonstrate manufacturing skillsTeach inexperienced students, both individually and in a small group setting, fundamental machining knowledge and fabrication techniquesDemonstrate the correct use of machine shop equipment and toolsGive opportunities for practice and demonstrate techniques that enhance and develop students’ machining and fabrication skillsEstablish a mentoring relationship with students who use the shop frequentlyApprove student activities, monitor progress and provide feedbackRespond to questions regarding proper and safe use of machine shop equipmentReview student designs and drawings and provide feedback that includes safety considerations, manufacturability, skill level, and tooling and equipment requirements prior to giving permission for machiningApprove equipment set up and monitor progress of machining, especially for new usersDirect and control student activities, particularly when a machining or fabrication process must be modified or stopped immediately due to safety concernsSupervise all shop usersEnsure that all shop users comply with all safety requirements, including maximum occupancy, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), securing loose clothing or long hair, etc.Enforce all safety regulations in regards to safe operation of all equipment as specified in the Safety Manual and the Standard Operation ProceduresAssist the manager with the day to day supervision of undergraduate co-op studentsProvide assistance for instructors and staff as they host learning activities within the facilities of the Engineering Design ClinicMaintain machine shop equipment and inventoryEnsure that all shop equipment is in safe working order, i.e. performing routine pre-use inspections, verifying safety features are in place and adjusted properly, and notifying the Manager of any deficienciesPerform regular scheduled maintenance and repairs of equipment as requiredAssist the Manager with monthly safety inspectionsMaintain inventory of tooling and shop supplies that are available to studentsOther duties as assignedRequired QualificationsEducationHigh School Diploma and a Certificate of Qualification (Ontario preferred) in one of the following trades: General Machinist, Tool & Die Maker, Mould Maker7+ years of demonstrated experience in a broad spectrum of metalworking machinery and a suite of skills applicable to the machining / fabricating tradesExtensive teaching and mentoring experience of students and/or apprentices in a shop setting requiredHighly skilled in all machining and fabrication methods and techniquesExperience in the tracking and maintaining of supply inventoryExperience with maintaining and repairing tools and machineryExperience programming and operating CNC machine tools in combination with expertise using current versions of MasterCam is an assetExperience with wood working and CNC routers is an assetBasic MS Office skillsExcellent communication skills to train and demonstrate machining skills to both individual or small groupsComfortable with providing constructive feedback to studentsAbility to maintain attention to detail in a fast paced, multitasking environmentAbility to manage multiple, competing prioritiesConfident problem-solving abilitiesEquity StatementThe University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.