Laboratory Instructor, Hardware Specialist

Waterloo International; Southwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 73,000 - 117,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Waterloo seeks a Laboratory Instructor/Hardware Specialist in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department to enhance undergraduate labs and ensure safe, effective operation of lab facilities. You will deliver lab courses, collaborate with faculty on lab content, and help design new experiments while maintaining equipment and safety standards.

Reporting to the Lab Director and supervising Teaching Assistants, you will plan labs, assess student work, manage lab

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical or Computer Engineering or equivalent.
• MASc degree or relevant industrial experience is an asset.
• Area of specialization should encompass one of: Nanotechnology Engineering.
• Five years of experience managing lab operations.
• Experience with measurement instruments in the area of specialization.
• Experience with hardware design procedures and software related to the area.
• Experience running labs, troubleshooting circuits, writing and updating lab manuals, developing new labs, and evaluating presentations is preferred.
• Experience monitoring safety in labs or similar environments is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and teaches assigned undergrad lab courses and collaborates with faculty for lab synchronization.
• Monitors student progress and assesses reports and labs for technical and theoretical content.
• Supervises and mentors Teaching Assistants and staff involved in labs.
• Maintains laboratory inventories and ensures safe operation of equipment.
• Plans new labs, writes manuals, and helps design new experiments.
• Trains and guides TA staff and oversees lab activities across terms.

Skills

Lab operations management

Teaching experience

Electrical engineering knowledge

Safety in labs

Measurement instruments

Education

Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical or Computer Engineering

MASc degree asset

Tools

Hardware design software

Laboratory equipment

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: 2026-01534

Time Type: Full time

Employee Group: Staff

Job Category: Academic Delivery Support

Employment Type: Permanent

Department: Faculty of Engineering - Electrical and Computer Engineering - Lab Instruction II

Hiring Range: $72,523.53 - $90,654.42

Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

The internal posting deadline for this position is August 7, 2026, at 11:59PM

This is a Career Path position. The final level will be determined based on demonstrated skills and experience.

Anticipated hiring ranges:

• USG 8: $72,523 -$90,654
• USG 9: $78,959-$98,699
• USG 10: $85,980- $107,475
• USG 11: $93,878-$117,348

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

The Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) undergraduate curriculum has two core programs and four interdisciplinary programs. Reporting to the Lab Director, Teaching (Lab Director) and to the theme area Supervisor/Laboratory Instructor (Supervisor), the Laboratory Instructor/Hardware Specialist (Lab Instructor) enhances student success through a positive learning environment and teaches undergraduate (undergrad) laboratory (lab) courses within the established scope and guidelines of the professional degree program. These positions are responsible for laboratory course delivery and other academic responsibilities, and the technical operation and maintenance of the ECE undergraduate laboratory facilities in support of assigned lab courses. The Lab Instructor collaborates with course faculty for lecture-laboratory synchronization and works in conjunction with faculty members on lab content and development and design of any new experiments to be introduced into the undergraduate laboratory.

Key Accountabilities

Instruction of Students and Assessment of their Academic Performance

Prepares and teaches assigned undergrad lab courses. Collaborates with faculty course instructors for lecture-laboratory synchronization. Monitors students’ laboratory progress by assessing reports and lab assignments in the technical and theoretical aspects of the subject matter. Ensures academic integrity is maintained in the laboratories. Marks student work term reports. Assists students on an individual or group basis with lab and related assignments/problems. Evaluates student technical presentations and symposium poster marking. Supervises/consults/advises/marks fourth year student design projects.

• Develops experiments and writes laboratory materials/manuals in conjunction with faculty. Recommends and/or makes necessary changes in materials, techniques or procedures to optimize the value of the lab exercise. Plans new labs, conducts and evaluates prototype labs. Keeps course content and resources current.
• Supervises Teaching Assistants who Oversee Students performing the Experiments and Exercises Ensures the effective utilization and development of TAs who assist with undergrad laboratories from term-to-term on a changing basis. Directs laboratory TAs through the academic term cycle: assigning duties, coordinating their laboratory activities, etc. Provides new teaching assistants with training in lab equipment procedures and/or theory, and instruction on experiments and design exercises before each term’s laboratory sessions begin. Participates in TA interviewing, ranking, and rating their performance. Mentors new or sessional staff in area of expertise. Trains other Laboratory Instructors in the use of specialized hardware or software, as required.

Lab Maintenance

Monitors and updates the laboratory equipment inventory. Monitors performance to ensure adequate quality control and arranges maintenance of technical equipment. Oversees teaching inventory, researches and recommends purchases. Maintains the technical and safe operation of the assigned laboratories. Recommends and implements approved upgrades and improvements to lab facilities and practices.

Other Duties

Attend lab planning and review sessions. Participate in class prof/student rep meetings. Trains for other specializations as required by the department. Assist with other duties or special projects which may be assigned by the Lab Director or Supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• MASc degree or relevant industrial experience is an asset.
• Area of specialization should encompass one of the following areas: Nanotechnology Engineering.
• Five years of experience managing lab operations.
• Experience in working with different measurement instruments in the area of specialization is required.
• Experience with hardware design procedures and software packages related to the area of specialization.
• Experience in running labs, troubleshooting electrical circuits; software; and equipment, giving tutorials/lectures and demonstrations, writing and updating lab manuals, developing new labs, marking reports, and evaluating technical presentations is strongly preferred.
• Experience monitoring and enforcing safety in labs or a similar environment is a strong asset.
• Experience in purchasing hardware and software in the area of specialization is an asset.
• Previous teaching experience is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of computer interfacing with measurements instrumentation is required.
• Proven aptitude for teaching and a demonstrated interest in working with undergraduate students.
• Well-developed interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain procedures for ensuring safety of students and staff in the lab.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team within a busy and dynamic environment.
• Approachability, consistency, and the ability to motivate and earn students’ trust.
• Self-motivation in taking initiatives to improve the quality of labs, teaching, and working environment is required.
• Demonstrated ability to specify, evaluate, install, test and service the required hardware for labs is required.
• Willingness to train for other specializations as required by the department.
• Broad knowledge of current computer hardware and software applications used in an undergraduate computer or electrical engineering environment.
• Intermediate proficiency with Databases.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Intermediate proficiency with SharePoint, FileMakerPro, or Oracle.

Equity Statement

The 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 [e-mail] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.

At the University of Waterloo, we think differently, we act with purpose, and we work together. We advance learning and knowledge through teaching, research, and scholarship, nationally and internationally, in an environment of free expression and enquiry. We are a leading global research-intensive university, renowned for entrepreneurship and innovation, providing co-op and work-integrated learning at scale with impact. Learn more about Waterloo. Internal candidates are reviewed first before external applicants are considered. Due to the volume of applications, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.