Stadio Engineering Technical Assistant

Stadio Engineering Technical Assistant

Job description

STADIO Higher Education is inviting applications for the position of:
Engineering Technical Assistant – 1-year Fixed Term

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Laboratory Setup and Maintenance

• Prepare laboratory spaces and ensure all tools, equipment, and materials are ready before practical sessions.

• Regularly inspect, maintain, and calibrate laboratory equipment to ensure optimal performance and compliance with safety standards.

• Monitor the condition of laboratory infrastructure and report faults, damages, or hazards to the Academic Manager or Facilities Manager.

• Ensure that laboratories are kept clean, organised, and compliant with health and safety regulations.

Equipment Management
Keep an accurate inventory of all laboratory tools, components, consumables, and equipment.

• Oversee the proper storage, labelling, and handling of technical equipment and materials.

• Track the use of consumables and initiate timely restocking to prevent shortages.

• Assist with procurement processes for new tools, components, and equipment, including research and liaison with suppliers.

Student Support and Supervision

• Support students during practical sessions by guiding the proper and safe use of tools and equipment.

• Supervise students in the workshop/laboratory to ensure adherence to health and safety protocols.

• Provide technical assistance to students in setting up and troubleshooting practical tasks.

• Offer informal mentoring and support for student projects and practical assessments, where appropriate.

Academic Staff Support

• Assist lecturers in the preparation, setup, and execution of practical demonstrations and assessments.

• Collaborate with academic staff to design or improve practical and projects.

• Provide feedback to lecturers regarding equipment performance, student difficulties, or suggestions for improved practical delivery.

• Maintain records of practical sessions, including attendance, incidents, and equipment usage logs.

Safety and Compliance

• Enforce adherence to safety policies, procedures, and risk assessments in all laboratory and workshop activities.

• Ensure all students and staff follow appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) protocols.

• Participate in regular health and safety audits and assist with incident investigations if required.

• Deliver or support the delivery of safety inductions and training for students and new staff.

Training and Skills Development

• Receive regular training to stay updated on the operation of new technologies and tools relevant to Mechatronic and Renewable Energy Engineering.

• Facilitate peer or student training in the use of selected laboratory equipment, software tools, and safety procedures.

• Attend professional development activities and workshops related to technical education and support.

Systems and Software Support

• Support students and staff in the setup and operation of laboratory-related software or computer-aided tools.

• Assist in maintaining and updating software required for simulations, diagnostics, or data collection during practical tasks.

• Liaise with IT and academic staff to troubleshoot software or hardware issues encountered in practical sessions.

Contribution to Curriculum Delivery

• Assist in aligning laboratory activities with curriculum outcomes by ensuring that practical work complements theoretical learning.

• Provide input during curriculum or module development regarding resource availability, equipment capabilities, and logistics.

• Participate in module reviews by providing feedback on student performance and laboratory effectiveness.

Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate records related to laboratory activities, including equipment maintenance logs, student usage, and technical faults.

• Contribute to the development and updating of lab manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and technical guidelines.

• Assist with the setup and logistics of events such as open days, exhibitions, or student showcases involving engineering demonstrations.

General Duties

• Perform any reasonable task related to the support of laboratory teaching and learning as assigned by the Academic Manager.

• Act as a liaison between academic departments and operations or facilities teams when required.

• Support broader initiatives related to engineering education, community engagement, or outreach programmes where technical expertise is required.

Knowledge and skills
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisation, administration, time management, and coordination skills with the ability to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines.
• High level of computer proficiency with good knowledge of modern Information Technology infrastructure and online learning platforms.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to cope with change.
• Willingness to work on Saturdays as required.
• Passionate facilitator and leader.
• Compassion for students with diverse needs and skill levels

Qualifications
• Minimum NQF 4 qualification in Electrical or Mechatronic Engineering