Instructional Lab Engineer - CAD & Prototyping

The Instructional Lab Engineer - CAD & Prototyping serves the Integrated Teaching and Learning (ITL) Program and Laboratory in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS). This position provides functional, operational, and instructional support to engineering students, staff, and faculty across all levels and disciplines. The Instructional Lab Engineer offers expert guidance in computer-aided design (CAD), design for manufacturing (DFM), 3D scanning, and a broad range of prototyping technologies and resources. They support the development, maintenance, and continual improvement of laboratory capabilities, ensuring that tools, workflows, and instructional practices reflect current technologies and are informed by evidence-based engineering education practices.

The Instructional Lab Engineer also mentors the ITL Program’s team of 25 student employees, equipping them to deliver high-impact, skill-building workshops, facility tours, and responsive project support that enable student success in project-based engineering courses.

The position may be hired at either the Engineer or Senior Engineer level depending on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate. Duties and expectations outlined in this description represent a continuum of responsibility, with Senior Engineers expected to operate with greater autonomy, leadership, and strategic influence.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be produced within three (3) days of hire.

Technical Leadership—Computer Aided Design (CAD) & Prototyping

Applies to Both Engineer and Senior Engineer:

• Leads the CAD, design for manufacturing (DFM), and prototyping ecosystem by designing and facilitating hands-on learning experiences using industry-standard design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape).
• Develops and teaches skill-building workshop content, enabling students to progress from initial concepts to manufacturable designs.
• Provides technical guidance to students and faculty, delivering both scheduled and on-demand mentorship. Collaborates with the ITLP team to evaluate and integrate emerging technologies, software platforms, and fabrication processes to ensure resources remain aligned with the evolving needs and priorities of CEAS.

Applies to Senior Engineer:

• Independently evaluates and integrates emerging technologies, software platforms, fabrication processes and pedagogies that advance the CAD and prototyping ecosystem, contributing to strategic planning and cross-unit collaboration.
• Provides expert consultation on complex or novel design and manufacturing challenges.

Student Staff Instructional Leadership – Technical Training, Management, & Mentorship

Applies to Both Engineer and Senior Engineer:

• Collaborates with the ITLP Operations and Administration team to provide technical mentorship and pedagogical preparation to a team of 25 undergraduate engineering student employees, ensuring the students provide high-quality delivery of skill-building workshops and technical support for prototyping and electronics resources.
• Cultivates a collaborative, service-oriented team culture by co-leading training sessions, coaching student staff, and implementing continuous improvements to enhance technical excellence and student experience.
• Defines and directs student-employee-led technical engineering projects that expand and improve ITLP’s instructional resources, lab capabilities, and curriculum support tools.

Engineering Education Curriculum Development – Faculty Partnership & Innovation

Applies to Both Engineer and Senior Engineer:

• Partners with CEAS faculty and ITLP Engineering Manager to co-design, and develop, and maintain hands-on curriculum, instructional modules, and custom-built tools that integrate CAD, design for manufacturing (DFM), and prototyping practices into courses across multiple engineering disciplines.
• Continuously improves and implements curricular experiences that support active, project-based learning and connect design theory to real-world application.
• Evaluates and refines ITLP design and prototyping activities for their effectiveness in illustrating fundamental engineering concepts and manufacturing considerations in engaging and educationally impactful ways.

Applies to Senior Engineer:

• Co-leads curriculum-development partnerships and innovations efforts with CEAS faculty, helping to identify new opportunities for collaboration, emerging instructional approaches, and increased alignment between ITLP resources and course outcomes.
• Independently drives evaluation, refinement, and expansion of ITLP design and prototyping activities.

Laboratory Management & Optimization: Continuous Improvement and Quality

• Anticipates student needs and course requirements, proactively manages inventory, and optimizes material and equipment availability to ensure seamless delivery of project-based engineering courses and workshops.
• Develops and maintains clear documentation for lab equipment, maintenance procedures, and user guides, improving ease of use, student self-sufficiency, and safe operation of prototyping tools and resources

Other Duties

• Undertakes other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Supports college and campus-level pre-college outreach programming, providing technical expertise and hands-on instruction to engage prospective engineering students.
• Serves as an engineering role model for visitors, making a positive impression and promoting interest in engineering and technology careers.
• Participates in professional development activities and serves on unit, college, or campus committees as applicable.

This position may be hired at the Engineer or Senior Engineer level depending on the successful candidate’s qualifications.

Engineer:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field of study.
• One or more years of applicable experience in a hands-on engineering role or an educational environment.

Senior Engineer:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field of study.
• Three or more years of applicable experience in a hands-on engineering role or an educational environment.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute.

• Proficiency in CAD and prototyping tools, including SolidWorks, Onshape, or a comparable CAD platform, as well as common rapid prototyping processes such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and 3D scanning.
• Strong understanding of design for manufacturing (DFM) principles and the ability to teach concepts such as material selection, tolerance analysis, and fabrication constraints.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver technical instruction, including hands-on workshops, student staff training programs, and one-on-one mentorship.
• Experience mentoring or supervising technical teams, with a focus on developing pedagogical skills, promoting inclusive teaching practices, and supporting professional growth.
• Excellent collaboration skills, with the ability to partner effectively with faculty to co-design curriculum and integrate hands-on prototyping into coursework.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities to oversee multiple concurrent training programs, projects, and lab operations.
• Problem-solving mindset and continuous improvement orientation, with a track record of anticipating student needs, optimizing resources, and implementing new tools or processes.
• Sensitivity to cultural and geographic diversity and ability to work with diverse faculty, staff, and students.

Engineer:

• Two or more years of applicable experience in a hands-on engineering role or an educational environment.

Senior Engineer:

• Four or more years of applicable experience in a hands-on engineering role or an educational environment.