Laboratory and Systems Technician

Dalhousie University; Halifax; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Dalhousie University, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, invites applications for a Laboratory & Systems Technician in the Electrical & Computer Engineering Department. This role provides technical oversight for undergraduate and graduate laboratories, focusing on computing infrastructure, embedded systems environments, and specialized networking platforms.

Reporting to the Department Head, you will build and maintain lab workstations and servers, administer Linux systems, and support

Qualifications

• Advanced Technology Diploma (electrical & computer hardware) with 3–5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in PCB design and fabrication, Linux System Administration, and C++ development.
• Able to work in an intensive research environment that may require long periods of reading and screen time.
• Expert knowledge of CAD and Office 365.
• Working knowledge of industry standards in computing and instrumentation requirements.

Responsibilities

• Build, configure, and maintain lab workstations, servers, and network infrastructure while administering Linux systems and managing specialized software environments for teaching and research labs.
• Lead development and support of course-related technologies, including designing and assembling hardware, developing C++ firmware, and supporting FPGA and embedded systems environments.
• Collaborate with faculty and technical staff to define lab requirements, design course materials, procure equipment, and support student projects from ideation through implementation.
• Provide hands-on technical support in labs, including troubleshooting, repairing, and calibrating electronic equipment, and assisting students and teaching assistants during active sessions.
• Ensure safe and compliant lab operations by working with stakeholders to implement best practices, maintain equipment standards, and prepare student lab kits to specification.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance lab operations by tracking industry trends, recommending new technologies and upgrades, and improving computing, instrumentation, and prototyping capabilities.

Skills

PCB design

Linux administration

C++ development

Lab hardware knowledge

CAD software

Education

Advanced Technology Diploma (electrical & computer hardware)

Tools

CAD

Office 365

Job description

Salary $28.31 - $35.84 per hour ($47,844- 60,567 per annum, 32.5 hours per week)

Classification

Classification T7

Provisional Statement

This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

The Electrical & Computer Engineering Department is located within the Faculty of Engineering at Dalhousie University. The department plays a key role in Nova Scotia as a catalyst of research-driven innovation as well as the intellectual and technological growth of the province. Reporting to the Department Head, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Laboratory & Systems Technician provides technical oversight for undergraduate and graduate engineering laboratories, with primary responsibility for computing infrastructure, embedded systems environments, and specialized networking platforms.

Key Responsibilities

• Build, configure, and maintain lab workstations, servers, and network infrastructure while administering Linux systems and managing specialized software environments for teaching and research labs.
• Lead development and support of course-related technologies, including designing and assembling hardware , developing C++ firmware, and supporting FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) and embedded systems environments.
• Collaborate with faculty and technical staff to define lab requirements, design course materials, procure equipment, and support student projects from ideation through implementation.
• Provide hands‑on technical support in labs, including troubleshooting, repairing, and calibrating electronic equipment, and assisting students and teaching assistants during active sessions.
• Ensure safe and compliant lab operations by working with stakeholders to implement best practices, maintain equipment standards, and prepare student lab kits to specification.
• Continuously evaluate and enhance lab operations by tracking industry trends, recommending new technologies and upgrades, and improving computing, instrumentation, and prototyping capabilities.

Note

Due to operational requirements, the successful applicant is required to work in‑person on campus.

Required Qualifications

• Advanced Technology Diploma (with a focus on electrical and computer hardware and software ) with three to five years of relevant experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Experience in PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design and fabrication, Linux System Administration, and C++ development.
• Able to work in an intensive research environment that may require long periods of time reading and working on a screen.
• Expert knowledge of industry specific software including CAD and Office 365.
• Working knowledge of industry standards in computing and instrumentation requirements.

Assets

• Current safety training including WHMIS
• Ability to diagnose, repair, and recalibrate lab bench equipment .
• Experience in an academic/research environment.

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core competencies, in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Knowledge & Thinking Skills
• Communication
• Service

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees ( NSGEU local 77) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please review our Employment Equity information.If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here .

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed to Apply

• Required Documents Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Optional Documents Cover Letter