Structural Testing and Laboratory Technician

ubc; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

The ASSET Team at The University of British Columbia Okanagan develops and tests innovative structural systems to improve safety, resilience, and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure. The work includes large-scale experimental testing of reinforced concrete, precast concrete, structural steel, and other systems.

Research outcomes advance engineering knowledge. The Technician provides technical support for the planning, design, construction, documentation, and execution of ASSET Team's

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with assembling test equipment.
• Fabrication of steel/wood/concrete components for tests.
• Proficiency in using tools and lab equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Supports planning, design, construction, documentation and execution of large-scale tests.
• Assembles and tests research equipment prior to use.
• Maintains equipment and laboratory documentation.
• Assists with developing and documenting test setups and layouts.
• Ensures safety guidelines and procedures are followed.

Skills

Hands-on lab tasks

Fabrication

Tool safety

Equipment installation

Lab documentation

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Staff - Union

Job Category BCGEU Okanagan Support Staff

Job Profile BCGEU OK Hourly - Research Assistant and Technician IV

Job Title Structural Testing and Laboratory Technician

Department UBCO | Research Support | School of Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science

Compensation Range $31.89 - $36.58 CAD Hourly

Posting End Date September 28, 2026

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

Job End Date October 11, 2027

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 ASSET Team develops and tests innovative structural systems intended to improve the safety, resilience, and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure. The work includes large-scale experimental testing of reinforced concrete, precast concrete, structural steel, and other structural systems. Research outcomes support advances in engineering knowledge and practice.

The Technician provides technical support for the planning, design, construction, documentation, and execution of ASSET Team's large-scale structural testing. This position will carry out hands-on experimental tasks, including (but not limited to) using tools to assemble test equipment, fabricating components from steel, wood, or concrete, and preparing test samples as needed. This position must also demonstrate proper and safe use of tools, instrumentation, machinery, and laboratory equipment. This position will procure, install, and maintain equipment and lab documentation. This position will be trained in university safety guidelines and purchasing and receiving procedures, and will be expected to maintain a high level of safety in the laboratory.

Organizational Status

This position will report to the ASSET Research Manager and ultimately to the Principal Investigator (Dr. Tobber). The technician works closely with faculty members, graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other university technical staff or service units. The position may also be required to coordinate with contractors, suppliers, consultants, and industry research partners.

Work Performed

Provides research support:

• Supports a professional, respectful, collaborative, and inclusive laboratory environment.


• Works with ASSET team members to ensure project and research schedules are met and that all safety aspects are implemented.


• Uses appropriate tools and equipment to construct and install large-scale experimental arrangements safely and accurately using sketches, schematics, functional drawings and/or as per research's instructions.


• Fabricates, assembles, installs, modifies, and dismantles structural testing systems, steel fixtures, loading frames, instrumentation supports, and other experimental components.


• Performs or coordinates cutting, drilling, grinding, fastening, welding, machining, and mechanical assembly.


• Coordinates the fabrication of specialized steel and mechanical components by internal shops or external contractors.


• Works with researchers to develop new laboratory experiments and improve existing laboratory experiments.


• Assists with adapting, modifying and maintaining equipment and providing troubleshooting support to researchers and research assistants.


• Identifies practical problems during fabrication, assembly, and operations and develops appropriate solutions in consultation with the Research Manager, Principal Investigator, or project team when required.


• Assembles and tests research equipment prior to use to verify proper operational status.


• Adapts, modifies, services and maintains test equipment per established maintenance schedules and manufacturers' specifications.


• Reads and interprets fabrication drawings, reinforcing details, sketches, technical specifications, equipment manuals, or proposed test setups for constructability, installation requirements, access, tolerances, and practical feasibility.


• Assists in the development and documentation of structural test setups, loading systems, reaction systems, specimen details, instrumentation arrangements, and laboratory layouts.


• Monitors test equipment and experimental setups during testing and assists with troubleshooting and adjustments.


• May arrange, carry out, or oversee the repair of instruments.


• Performs other related duties consistent with the classification and needs of the research program.

Design, drafting, and documentation:

• Prepares or revises technical drawings, fabrication details, assembly drawings, bills of materials, and other technical documents using AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar software.


• Maintains organized technical records for completed and ongoing experimental programs.

Provides a safe laboratory and educational environ