Instructional Lab Technician

Northeastern University; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 35,514 - 50,158; Full time

Job summary

Northeastern University is looking for an Instructional Lab Technician to provide technical and instructional support in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. This role encompasses lab maintenance, equipment setup, and direct mentorship for students.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering and experience managing a university teaching laboratory. Applicants should demonstrate strong problem-solving and communication skills, and a solid understanding of electrical equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• At least four years of experience in a university teaching lab.
• Experience training or supervising students preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare teaching labs for classes and maintain equipment.
• Support students and Teaching Assistants in lab work.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

Skills

Knowledge of electrical test equipment

Familiarity with Arduino programming

Ability to read electronic schematics

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Oscilloscopes

Soldering tools

Job description

Instructional Lab Technician

Reporting to the Assistant Director for ECE Labs and Safety in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), the Instructional Lab Technician provides essential technical and instructional support for undergraduate teaching laboratories. This role ensures that teaching labs are properly maintained, equipped, and operating safely at all times.

Core duties include: working safely with, in, and around electrical equipment; assembling and installing equipment requiring wiring, soldering, or connecting; configuring, operating, and adjusting test equipment within ECE teaching labs; conducting circuit troubleshooting on electronic devices; troubleshooting, modifying, and adjusting experimental circuitry prototypes; recording and reporting test data as it pertains to teaching lab needs; and supporting and, when needed, overseeing the work of students in the ECE Capstone Design course, particularly in the construction and testing of electronic assemblies. The Instructional Lab Technician also assists instructors with developing new experiments and provides direct assistance and mentorship to students and Teaching Assistants.

Work Schedule}

Four days on‑site per week; one day remote per teaching and lab schedule. Standard hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; evening and weekend coverage required as necessary.

Work Environment

This position works primarily in undergraduate teaching laboratories involving electrical and electronic equipment. The role requires regular physical activity including setting up and breaking down lab equipment, and the ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field, with at least four years of experience supporting or overseeing a university teaching laboratory.
• Master's degree preferred or vocational training/technical certification in electrical controls (or equivalent) plus relevant experience in a teaching lab or technical environment.
• Experience training or supervising students in a lab or technical environment preferred.

Technical Skills

• Familiarity with standard electrical test and measurement equipment, including oscilloscopes, power supplies, function/wave generators, and AC/DC and ohm meters.
• Familiarity with programming environments including Arduino and Raspberry Pi; some circuit design and sensor selection experience preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret electronic schematics and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of power supplies and their safe operation.
• Familiarity with PCB manufacturing is a plus.
• Basic familiarity with 3D printing is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of networking and network troubleshooting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Other Requirements

Strong communication, problem‑solving, and organizational skills; ability to train, instruct, and mentor students and Teaching Assistants. Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to rapidly evolving course requirements. Ability to work and coordinate with offices including Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), facilities, and risk management.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Teaching Lab Operations & Maintenance

• Prepare teaching labs daily and weekly, including equipment setup and takedown; some labs require new configurations on a weekly or semi‑weekly basis.
• Perform routine equipment testing, monitoring, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance on electrical equipment, circuits, and electronic devices.
• Update and install software on lab equipment and computers as needed.
• Maintain lab inventory, place supply and equipment orders, and coordinate acquisition and installation of new equipment.
• Ensure labs are clean, organized, and ready for scheduled classes and open lab sessions.
• Maintain and update lab schedules and manage lab availability for students and faculty.

Student & Teaching Assistant Support

• Support students in ECE laboratory courses (e.g., Capstone Design) with topics including Arduino, data acquisition, electronic design, and circuit troubleshooting.
• Train and supervise Teaching Assistants.
• Provide instruction on the proper use and care of lab equipment, components, and kits.
• Orient students and Teaching Assistants to lab resources, including location and use of components, kits, and instrumentation.
• Conduct office hours in support of students and Teaching Assistants.
• Support the ECE Capstone Design course by advising and mentoring students during project work, managing data acquisition systems, providing safety oversight for electrical, electronic, and radio‑frequency projects, and coordinating breakdown and storage of Capstone project components for parts reuse.
• Assist instructors with the development of new lab experiments. Loan and manage sensors and other equipment for student use.
• Support student project work in electronic circuit design, programming, and sensor selection.

Pre‑Course & Semester Preparation

• Prepare student toolboxes and verify kits for completeness prior to the start of each course or lab session.
• Prepare samples for mechanical and electrical testing as needed.
• Coordinate full breakdown of equipment at the end of each semester and prepare labs for the upcoming semester.

Space Planning, Facilities Support & Safety

• Assist the Assistant Director for ECE Labs and Safety with lab space planning, facility improvements, and operational upgrades.
• Coordinate with faculty, staff, IT personnel, the College Space Operations team, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), facilities, and risk management to support lab infrastructure and safety needs.
• Ensure a safe laboratory environment in accordance with departmental policies and applicable OSHA standards.
• Identify and address safety concerns related to electrical, electronic, and radio‑frequency equipment and student project work.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director for IT Infrastructure and Architecture on IT infrastructure and architecture‑related tasks for teaching and research spaces.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Position Type

• Academic Administration

E‑Equal Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation

Grade/Pay Type: 107H
Expected Hiring Range: $25.78 – $36.41 per hour
Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.