Senior Mechanical Engineer for Active Learning

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences?

At the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), we work within and beyond the disciplines of engineering and foundational science to address the most pressing issues of our time. Through teaching and collaborative research, SEAS discovers, designs, and creates novel technologies and approaches to societal challenges – in service to the world, the nation, and our community. We collaborate across academic areas at SEAS and the larger university, and with colleagues in academia, industry, government and public service organizations beyond Harvard. By joining SEAS, you will be part of an inclusive community of dedicated problem-solvers who hold themselves – and one another – to the highest academic and professional standards. To learn more about us, please visit https://seas.harvard.edu/.

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Senior Mechanical Engineer for Active Learning supports hands-on learning activities focused on mechanical engineering within the Active Learning Labs in the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). The Senior Mechanical Engineer works closely with SEAS faculty, the ME lab director, and teaching staff to develop and implement current and new lab activities for undergraduate and some graduate level courses. Additionally, the senior engineer oversees daily operations and trains students and teaching fellows in laboratory, design, and manufacturing best practices and provides technical mentorship for students around fabrication and design. Reporting to the Director for Active Learning, Mechanical Engineering, you will be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated team that supports SEAS’ educational mission. The candidate should have a passion for working with and advising individual students and teams.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Course and Teaching Support:

• Provide lab instruction and support, as well as technical mentorship to students and staff.
• Lead development of course-based support resources and demonstrations.
• Support/lead the development and instruction of technical hands-on workshops and activities 
• Support course-related hardware development (ie 3D printers, scanners, etc.)
• As a subject matter expert, assist and collaborate with faculty and teaching staff on the design, development, and implementation of new lab activities and end-of-the-semester design competitions. 
• Support active learning components of SEAS courses both for the undergraduate degrees and the graduate programs (MDE, MSMBA). Serve as primary point of contact during the semester.
• Set up, test, maintain and prepare lab equipment and tools prior to upcoming lab experiments and course activities. Assist with troubleshooting and debugging student work during lab experiments and activities.
• Support senior undergraduate students with their thesis design projects. 
• Instruct and assist students with the use of lab/shop equipment such as laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC mills and lathes, and shop tools.
• Provide technical support for engineering software such as SolidWorks and/or Fusion360.
• Create and organize course documentation and use best practices for maintaining and archiving team institutional knowledge.

Mentoring/Advising:

• Mentor and advise students with their capstone design projects as needed.
• Advise students on professional development and pathways within the field of mechanical engineering.
• Advise and collaborate with students engaged with extracurricular activities.
• Mentor team members, temporary staff, and student employees.

Lab Safety and Maintenance:

• Lead course-based and super-user safety trainings in the ME lab for students, course teaching fellows and assistants, and other users of the Active Learning Labs spaces. 
• Monitor laboratory safety compliance and ensure adherence to University policies, procedures, and applicable legal rules and regulations; escalate violations to internal leadership when necessary.
• Assist the designated unit Lab Safety Officer by supporting the evaluation, maintenance, and monitoring of general safety practices, and by contributing to annual reviews and updates of Harvard’s Chemical Hygiene Plan, PPE assessments, and annual safety inspections.
• Keep up-to-date on safety protocols. Attend safety trainings and participate in safety meetings in conjunction with Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), SEAS Science Operations, and as recommended by the lab director.
• Develop and update processes and workflows that improve safety and compliance; assist with the preparation of training manuals, standard operating procedures, and safety guidelines for all lab equipment and processes.
• Maintain and improve the Active Learning Labs mechanical engineering facilities, including shop spaces, lab spaces, and flexible design spaces. Help maintain organization and cleanliness of the ME labs and instructional CAM shop.
• Manage course specific resource purchasing each semester and associated documentation. Place orders for course consumables and components for design projects. 

Additional Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Assist the unit director in activities related to the development and implementation of new courses. 
• Provide regular updates and summaries of work to the director.
• Support seasonal academic and outreach opportunities.
• Lead tours and related events in the ME space.
• Participate in onboarding of new staff. 
• May direct the work of student employees and teaching fellows.
• Foster strong partnerships with members of SEAS and the broader Harvard community.

Working Conditions:

This is a full-time, on-campus position. The capacity to adjust to a flexible work schedule is critical. Some of the lab activities organized and managed by this position may occur outside of a typical Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm work schedule, or during weekends. The Senior Mechanical Engineer must be willing and able to be on site to supervise these activities.

Physical Requirements:

The work is performed in the Active Learning Labs and in an office environment, which may be loud at times. Protective equipment is provided. This position requires the ability to participate in moving and setup of equipment and supplies (up to 50lbs). 

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• Minimum of three years of related work experience beyond college degree is required. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• An advanced degree, such as an MS in mechanical engineering is a plus.
• Strong hands-on experience in operating, troubleshooting, and maintaining computer-aided machining (CAM) and rapid prototyping tools such as 3D printers, 3-axis mills, and laser cutters. Professional hands-on experience with power tools and machine shop equipment. Prior experience with hands-on skills, teaching, tutoring/mentoring. 
• Competence in computer-aided design/manufacturing methods/material selection.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of students, teaching fellows, teaching staff, and faculty is essential. 
• Strong organizational skills, creativity in problem solving, and high self-motivation are key to performing effectively in this position. Must be able to perform effectively as part of a team and in a highly self-directed environment while balancing multiple projects.
• Broad interest in and excitement for fabrication projects - a passion for making and building. Strong desire to learn, tailor, and teach skills as needed for effective course support.
• Strong awareness of lab safety regulations, proper implementation of personal protective equipment, as well as the ability to train students on the safe use of power tools and fabrication devices.
• Demonstrated competence in generating and delivering straightforward technical documentation such as lab procedures, protocols, and reports. 
• Experience with data acquisition hardware and a working level of data analysis tools is helpful.
• Basic working knowledge of electrical engineering concepts and hands-on experience with electromechanical devices including motors, microcontrollers, sensors, and basic circuits is preferred.

Additional Information

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 standard hours per week. See Working Conditions section for more information.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity and Education
• Other Information:
  • Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position. 

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.