Mechanical Instrument Technician

Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement. 

We are one of Canada's outstanding comprehensive universities, where excellence and innovation thrive  Brock has been recognized as a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara for seven consecutive years. We have been ranked #3 as Canada's Best Employers and top 10 as one of Canada's Best Employers for Diversity. For 2025, Brock has been proudly recognized as one of Canada's Top Employers for Company Culture, ranked seventh by Forbes in partnership with Statista. At Brock, you will find a welcoming, inclusive community and an exciting range of meaningful career opportunities.  

Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock.

About the Role: 

Reporting to the Manager, Machine Shop, the Mechanical Instrument Technician is a Tradesperson who custom designs and builds research and teaching apparatus, or any other applicable request using specialized industrial equipment and practices. The incumbent performs preventative maintenance, troubleshooting and repairs to laboratory equipment used on campus (that would not fall under building maintenance). Located within the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, this is an academic support role that also provides services to the entire University's operational needs. The Mechanical Instrument Technician provides expertise in many complex functions and disciplines, while working within a collaborative and independent work environment.   

The Mechanical Instrument Technician will:  

• Consult with faculty, students and staff to discuss their work request, and determine and plan project for the material selection, sizes, tolerances, and other considerations; 
• Research and meet technical parameters, safety regulations and environmental related issues of the project's finality; 
• Create and interpret drawings to confirm designs by hand or with the use of CAD software; 
• Plan and execute manufacturing operations, including precision machining to tight tolerances using manual and CNC equipment, CNC programming and setup, metal and plastic fabrication, and welding of similar and dissimilar materials for structural and pressure applications; 
• Build and construct items using wood, plastics and composites, and finish coatings and painting using paint booth and spray equipment; 
• Create, design and modify prototypes to produce the desired results of equipment; 
• Perform routine preventive maintenance including daily, weekly, and monthly inspections of numerous scientific apparatus and instruments within the labs; 
• Respond to equipment alarms, faults, breakdowns, and troubleshoot and diagnose equipment breakdowns, at times alongside Electronics Shop personnel; 
• Dismantle complicated mechanisms and clean, inspect, and repair parts; 
• Perform heavy lifts/rigging and moving all incoming and outgoing lab equipment; 
• Setup and commissioning of new and used equipment, including incoming utility connections; 
• Configure and facilitate design and functionality of lab spaces with new or existing faculty and students for equipment/furniture needs, space maximization and safety; 
• Participate in facilitating research initiatives in collaboration with faculty members and external business partners, Universities and other research centers; 
• Ensure and participate in maintaining the workshop spaces, equipment and safety. 

Key Skills and Experience: 

• Trade Certificate of Qualification as a General Machinist or Tool and Die Maker; 
• Certificate of Apprenticeship and 429A or 430A Red Seal certification; 
• Experience in a first-class machine shop, including designing and reading blueprints, knowledge of research and teaching apparatus, and basic knowledge of sciences; 
• High mechanical aptitude and understanding of simple machines, metallurgy, bearing design, vacuum practices and scientific terminology; 
• Ability to work in an environment with frequent periods of continuous physical effort including walking, standing, stooping, climbing, and lifting material or equipment, some of which is heavy or awkward; 
• Ability to work in an environment where there is frequent exposure to factors such as heavy machinery, fumes, chemicals and toxic materials, biologicals, temperature variations/ extremes humidity requiring Personal Protective Gear, such as steel toed shoes, safety glasses, gloves and hearing protection; 
• Strong knowledge of safety precautions against exposure to nuclear, x-radiation, ultraviolet-infrared reflection, electric arcing and working with chemicals; 
• Ability to comprehend design and construction procedures set by manager; 
• Computer skills and ability to use of specialized computer software to create blueprint drawings, such as Gibbs CAM, CAD software, Autodesk/Autocad; 
• Ability to constantly learn about the equipment, changes in technology, emerging products, and best practices in the field; 
• Ability to comprehend laboratory practices, chemicals and methods, WHMISLe and lab safety; 
• Competent as an industrial millwright, welding and soldering, fabricating and fitting, woodworking, and/or sheet metal fabrication skills; 
• Strong customer service skills, the ability to discern customer needs, and the ability to communicate effectively with all contacts; 
• Ability to train others on how to use equipment and complicated machining tasks; 
• Ability to understand the project request and offer ideas and solutions; 
• Ability to troubleshoot machines and systems, and effectively perform service repairs; 
• Ability to multitask several ongoing jobs and prioritize work to provide high levels of precision and quality service; and 
• Excellent attention to detail, judgement, and independent thinking skills. 

Preferred or Asset Skills:  

• Understanding of electrical (AC/DC current), sensors, motors and drives, and circuitry; 
• Certified in use and installation of compressed gases and regulators; 
• Certified in advanced vacuum practices; 
• Certified in bearing design; 
• Radiation training, lab safety certificate; and 
• First Aid and CPR. 

Salary and Total Rewards:  

• Job Grade M, Salary Scale ($73,245-$118,776); 
• Target Hiring Range: $73,245-$78,300;  
• This is a permanent position that includes:   
• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage. 
• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan. 
• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays. 
• Professional Development: Eligibility for the Brock Tuition Waiver Program. 

*The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range. 

We are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where possible as outlined in our Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. As a student-centered organization, all employees are required to work on campus as needed.

Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region. Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups.

We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Please contact   if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure your participation needs are met.

Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process.

We appreciate all applications received. Candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.

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