On-Call, Assistant Lab Director

Santa Clara University; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Clara University is seeking an On-Call, Assistant Lab Director to help manage externally funded engineering development and research programs. The role emphasizes embedded computing, mechatronic devices, and control systems, with hands-on design, prototyping, and field deployments.

You will mentor students, coordinate teams, and support educational programs while serving as a liaison for external partnerships.

Qualifications

• Ability to multitask and supervise student teams.
• Experience with robotics, embedded systems, and mechatronics.
• Strong communication and collaboration in diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lab Director in managing programs and facilities.
• Develop and test robotic subsystems with embedded computing.
• Mentor students and coordinate educational outreach.
• Provide supplemental support during vacancies.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Embedded system design

Programming and testing

Education

B.S. degree preferred

Tools

3D printing

Laser cutting

CNC

Job description

Position Title:

On-Call, Assistant Lab Director

Position Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

Hiring Range:

$27.55 per hour

Pay Frequency:

Hourly

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. On-Call, Assist Lab Director in managing externally funded engineering development and research programs, to include managing facilities, acquiring and deploying equipment, coordinating team activities, task management and scheduling, organizing field deployments, project reporting, proposal development, etc. Systems engineering tasks include managing requirements, interfaces, integration, documentation, test and verification, etc.

2. Perform detailed engineering design, development, and test of advanced robotic subsystems, with an emphasis on embedded computing/communications systems, mechatronic devices and control systems, etc. Range of development tasks will include analysis using modern tools (e.g., Matlab, Solidworks, etc.), design using advanced environments (e.g., CAD, software IDEs, etc.), prototyping and manufacturing (3D printers, laser cutters, CNC equipment, etc.), and test (DAQ systems, etc.).

3. Support the Lab Director in tasks relating to supporting educational programs, instruction/advising/mentoring students, serving as a representative for external partnerships, supporting Lab events and activities, and so on.

4. This position may serve as supplemental support for additional laboratory positions in times of vacancy.

5. Perform other duties as assigned.

C. PROVIDES WORK DIRECTION

1. Direct the work of students relating to embedded systems development and/or software development on one or more Robotic Systems Laboratory projects.
2. Assist with supervision of student teams in Robotic Systems Laboratory project spaces as necessary.

D. GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Recommends initiatives and implements changes to improve quality and services.
2. Identifies and determines cause of problems; develops and presents recommendations for improvement of established processes and practices.
3. Maintains contact with laboratory users and solicits feedback for improved services.
4. Maximizes productivity through use of appropriate tools; planned training and performance initiatives.
5. Researches and develops resources that create timely and efficient workflow.
6. Prepares progress reports; informs supervisor of project status; and deviation from goals. Ensures completeness, accuracy and timeliness of all operational functions.
7. Prepares and submits reports as requested and required.
8. Develops and implements guidelines to support the functions of the unit.

E. QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The items below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience required or preferred. This position requires the ability to effectively establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within a diverse multicultural environment.

1. Knowledge

• Knowledge of software-controlled electromechanical devices and systems in support of functional operation, maintenance, and development/execution of safety protocols.
• Knowledge of software and embedded development tools, prototyping tools and processes, laboratory equipment, etc.
• Knowledge of safety principles and protocols; ability to learn applicable Environmental Health and Safety regulations.

2. Skills

• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated computer/software skills relating to engineering design and equipment operation, to include 3D printers, laser cutters, hand and power tools, 2.5D and table top CNC, etc.
• Demonstrated embedded system design, programming and test skills.

3. Abilities

• Ability to multitask, initiate and prioritize work, and exercise sound judgement.
• Ability to supervise diverse laboratory users and student employees.
• Ability to use tools and shop equipment
• Commitment to understand and support Santa Clara University’s distinctive Jesuit education vision and willingness to model institutional values of competence, conscience, and compassion, in pursuit of its mission and goals.

4. Education

• B.S degree preferred, in natural science, engineering, or related field and laboratory experience. Practical experience may serve as an equivalent preparation.

5. Years of Experience

• One or more years of total experience in industrial internship settings is desired and/or one or more years of experience developing software and embedded systems for robotic applications.

F. PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended, the California Fair Employment & Housing Act, and all other applicable laws, SCU provides reasonable accommodations for qualified persons with disabilities. A qualified individual is a person who meets skill, experience, education, or other requirements of the position, and who can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Considerable time is spent at a desk using a computer terminal.
• Required to operate shop tools and equipment.
• Required to travel to other buildings on the campus.
• May be required to attend conference and training sessions within Bay Area or in- or out-of-state locations.
• May be required to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• May be required to stand or walk for long periods of time
• May be required to occasionally travel to outside customers, vendors or suppliers.
• May be required to work in field environments to include rugged terrain, around water and on watercraft, etc.
• May be required to occasionally work earlier or later than normal.

G. WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Work in a typical office environment and shop setting with equipment.
• Work in an indoor office environment with windows.
• Offices with equipment noise.
• Offices with frequent interruptions.
• Laboratory environment containing machine noise, dirt, occasional fumes.
• Field environment to include marine and agricultural environments, processing facilities, etc.

_ Telecommute _

Santa Clara University is registered to do business in the following states: California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, and Illinois. Employees approved to telecommute are required to perform their work within one of these states.

_ EEO Statement _

Santa Clara University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy or related conditions, reproductive health decision making, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. For a complete copy of Santa Clara University’s equal opportunity and nondiscrimination policies, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX website at https://www.scu.edu/title-ix/. To view the Santa Clara University report, please visit the Campus Safety Services website. To request a paper copy please call Campus Safety at [phone]. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.

_ Americans with Disabilities Act _

Consistent with its obligations under the law, Santa Clara University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants who wish to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources ADA Team at [e-mail] or by phone at [phone]. Please note : This contact information is intended for accommodation requests only. Resumes or inquiries about application status sent to this inbox will not be reviewed or forwarded. For resumes or questions regarding application status, please contact [e-mail].