Technical Specialist IV
Classification & Regular Hours
Hours per Week: 40
Level: P
About Western
Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.
About Us
The Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) is one of four departments in the Faculty of Engineering. Faculty and staff in the department support and foster the educational and research pursuits of undergraduate and graduate engineering students, while providing the best student experience.
Responsibilities
The Technical Specialist plays a critical role in supporting teaching, research, and innovation within the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering by ensuring the effective operation of instructional laboratories and providing advanced technical expertise.The role is responsible for maintaining fully operational lab environments, including the installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and repair of complex equipment and systems used in undergraduate and graduate programming. In addition, the role designs, develops, and fabricates specialized electronic and mechanical equipment to support academic and research initiatives. Acting as a key technical resource, the Technical Specialist provides expert consultation and hands-on support to faculty, staff, and students on a wide range of projects involving hardware, software, and integrated systems. The role requires the ability to interpret project needs, recommend solutions, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.The position also supports fabrication services (e.g., PCB manufacturing, 3D printing, and laser cutting), contributes to outreach and student engagement activities, and provides guidance to student groups and design teams.Through these activities, the role helps enable a high-quality learning and research environment and supports innovation across the Faculty of Engineering.
Qualifications
Education:
- 3 year Electronics Engineering Technology Diploma or equivalent required
Experience:
- 4 years of relevant experience in an electronics engineering or technical laboratory environment, supporting equipment design, maintenance, and/or fabrication
- Demonstrated experience with microcontroller programming and embedded systems, along with strong knowledge of computer and microcontroller hardware configuration, integration, and troubleshooting
- Proven experience using CAD software (e.g., for circuit design, PCB layout, or mechanical design) to support equipment development and fabrication
- Experience supporting faculty, staff and students in an academic environment preferred
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of programming languages (e.g., Assembly, C/C++, Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, VHDL/Verilog, ladder logic, structured text) and hardware platforms (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, PLC, ESP32, PIC Micro, STM32)
- Strong understanding of computer systems, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and computerized data acquisition and control systems, including both hardware and software integration and troubleshooting
- Advanced experience with electronic test and measurement equipment including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers, signal generators, and data acquisition systems
- Working knowledge of Electrical Safety Authority (ESA/CSA) codes and standards, with the ability to apply these requirements in equipment design and laboratory environments
- Strong proficiency with electronics CAD tools for circuit design, PCB layout, and related applications (e.g. Altium Designer, Eagle PCB Design)
- Expert-level soldering skills, including precision hand soldering of fine-pitch surface mount components
- Experience using design, fabrication, and technical tools to support development and modification of electronic and mechanical systems
- Advanced proficiency with computer software applications, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access), Adobe tools, web design platforms, and databases
- Familiarity with virtualized environments (e.g. Oracle VirtualBox, VMWare), networked systems, and emerging technologies, including virtualization tools and AI-based platforms (Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Amazon Web Services)
- Familiarity with learning management systems such as OWL Brightspace at Western University for online learning
- Strong analytical and mathematical skills, with the ability to diagnose complex technical issues, evaluate options, and implement effective solutions
- Demonstrated problem-solving ability in dynamic environments, including developing innovative approaches and continuous improvements to processes, equipment, and systems
- Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment
- Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical information to a range of stakeholders
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality work
- Adaptable, flexible, and resourceful, with the ability to respond to changing priorities and emerging requirements
- Demonstrated commitment to maintaining current knowledge of technologies and advancements through ongoing professional development
Union Statement
Western welcomes applications from all qualified individuals; however, it is the university's policy to give first consideration to all qualified UWOSA applicants.
Western Values Diversity
The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.
Please Note:
This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
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