Engineering Technician

ubc; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 82,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of British Columbia's Facilities & Technical Services team within Earth and Ocean Sciences seeks an Engineering Technician to design, fabricate, maintain and repair specialized research and teaching equipment. You will translate user needs into technical requirements and fabricate components using a range of mechanical workshop tools and materials.

You will provide technical support for the safe operation of shared laboratory facilities, including the machine shop and related

Qualifications

• Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship and a minimum five years.

Responsibilities

• Designs, fabricates, modifies and repairs specialized research and teaching equipment, devices and components.
• Operates machine shop equipment (lathes, milling, drilling, grinding, sawing).
• Provides technical support for shared laboratory facilities and equipment.
• Maintains technical documentation, CAD drawings and equipment records.
• Trains users on safe operation of equipment and technical facilities.
• Performs preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs and maintains safe housekeeping.

Job description

Staff - Union

Job Category

CUPE 116

Job Profile

CUPE 116 Salaried - Engineering Technician 4

Job Title

Engineering Technician

Department

Facilities | Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences | Faculty of Science

Compensation Range

$7,309.00 - $7,798.00 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

October 18, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

Ongoing

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The incumbent collaborates with researchers, students and staff to design, fabricate, modify, maintain and repair specialized research and teaching equipment, instrumentation and mechanical or electromechanical systems .

The incumbent translates user needs into technical requirements, recommends appropriate designs and manufacturing techniques, and fabricates components using a range of mechanical workshop tools and materials.

The incumbent provides technical support for the safe and effective operation of assigned shared laboratory facilities, equipment and infrastructure, including the machine shop, rock cutting room, rock crushing room and other technical areas. This includes equipment maintenance and repair, user training, technical documentation, and supporting safe and appropriate housekeeping practices.

The incumbent instructs faculty, staff and students in the safe use and operation of shared departmental equipment and carries out technical work requiring specialized knowledge and judgment. Knowledge and experience with CNC systems, 3D printing and electronic instrumentation are assets.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Facilities & Technical Services Manager.

Work Performed

Works with faculty, staff and students to understand project requirements and translates sketches, technical drawings and user requirements into technical solutions and CAD drawings.

Designs, fabricates, modifies and repairs specialized research and teaching equipment, devices and components and advises users on appropriate materials, designs and manufacturing techniques.

Operates machine shop equipment, including lathes, milling, drilling, grinding and sawing equipment, and works with metal, plastic, wood and other materials.

Provides technical support for assigned shared laboratory facilities and equipment, including the machine shop, rock cutting room, rock crushing room and other designated technical areas.

Performs preventive maintenance, inspections, troubleshooting and repairs on shared equipment and instrumentation and maintains appropriate equipment and maintenance records.

Maintains safe and appropriate organization and housekeeping within assigned technical spaces and identifies equipment, infrastructure or safety concerns requiring follow-up.

Instructs faculty, staff and students in the proper and safe use of shared equipment, instrumentation and technical facilities.

Troubleshoots mechanical and electromechanical systems and works with researchers, other technical staff and vendors to repair and maintain equipment.

Maintains technical documentation, including CAD drawings, equipment records, operating procedures and standard operating procedures.

Maintains a safe work environment by identifying technical risks and hazards and implementing appropriate controls within established procedures.

Plans and coordinates assigned work, communicates with users regarding progress and technical requirements, and works with other EOAS technical staff as required.

Provides technical advice to the Facilities & Technical Services Manager regarding equipment maintenance, technical capabilities and opportunities to improve technical operations.

Provides technical guidance and training to apprentices as assigned.

Performs other related duties within the classification level.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Errors could result in serious personal injury to the incumbent or users of departmental equipment and facilities, damage to expensive research or teaching equipment, delays to research projects, or cancellation of teaching activities.

Supervision Received

Works independently on technical projects and activities assigned by the Facilities & Technical Services Manager. May be approached directly by faculty, staff and students for technical assistance and collaborates with users to determine appropriate technical solutions.

Supervision Given

Provides technical and procedural advice, instruction and assistance to users of departmental equipment and facilities. May provide technical guidance and training to apprentices.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from a technical college or institute or completion of a recognized apprenticeship and a minimum five y