Engineering Associate, Specialized Construction
The Engineering Associate- Specialized Construction, IIHR will contribute to the research mission of IIHR – Hydroscience and Engineering by working with a team as a fabricator on the delivery of short-term moderately complex construction and project tasks. Design, construct, and repair research machinery, equipment, and apparatus (including large-scale research models).
Specific Job Duties and Tasks
- Gather and organize all relevant information to include interpretation of working drawings, sketches, diagrams, and blueprints required to complete the engineering work assignments. May write progress reports and technical documentation.
- Complete short-term engineering assignments in accordance with design specifications and standards. Participate as an engineering project team member. Complete limited scope engineering work to include all general construction methods independently as assigned.
- Provide leadership and direction on project tasks.
- Regularly works around moving mechanical parts and occasionally outside conditions that include inclement weather, heat and humidity. Noise level may be loud at times.
- Complete work, including equipment fabrication and installation, to meet relevant specifications, standards, and regulations.
- May be involved in planning of the construction, fitting, assembling, and disassembling of machines and equipment using shop mathematics, charts, tables, and handbook formulae subject to review by a supervisor.
- Assist with inventory of equipment, instruments, replacement parts, and supplies.
- Analyze a variety of specifications, having knowledge of limits, tolerances and strengths of materials, mechanics, gearing joints, weights and volume.
- Understand and may apply basic engineering principles and the scientific method with regard to carpentry, plumbing, masonry, and welding. Develop materials lists, cut lists. Make decisions related to project assembly and fabrication process.
- Communicate basic engineering concepts with both technical and non-technical faculty, staff, and students to obtain information and specifications relative to the mechanical, electrical, and structural requirements for equipment or models to be built.
- May provide functional supervision for staff and students.
- Assist with estimation of time requirements for construction projects.
- Initiate purchasing requests for supplies and equipment.
To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
About the College of Engineering
The College of Engineering is one of 12 colleges at the University of Iowa, a premier public research university offering internationally recognized programs in disciplines ranging from otolaryngology to fiction writing, printmaking to space science, hydraulic engineering to dance. Iowa draws students from more than 100 countries and all 50 U.S. states.
The College of Engineering is driven by talented faculty, staff, and students who are producing knowledge to address grand challenges around advanced technologies, health sciences, sustainability, energy, and the environment. Our graduates are ethical, globally aware citizens whose work while at the University of Iowa and throughout their careers make the world safer and our use of resources more efficient. As a center of innovation and discovery, the people who make up the College of Engineering are undoubtedly improving quality of life for our Iowa community as well as for people across the United States and around the world. Beyond playing an integral role in the college’s mission, College of Engineering employees are encouraged to have a healthy work-life balance.
Education Requirement
- Bachelor’s degree in a construction related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a construction/trade related field is required.
Required Qualifications
- Knowledge of the principles, methods and techniques used in the construction of moderately complex projects.
- Ability to interpret and follow instructions and specifications such as blueprints, manuals, sketches and work orders.
- Work history demonstrating experience in performing a broad and varied range of assembly tasks with precise attention to detail.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with equipment assembly and disassembly and construction methods.
- Some (at least 1 year) experience relevant to the duties listed in this job description.
- A valid driver’s license and continued compliance with the standards of the University Driving Policy (University of Iowa Operations Manual Part V, Chapter 19).
- Ability to occasionally move construction and research materials and equipment weighing up to 100 pounds in support of model construction, equipment assembly and disassembly, and other research.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desired Qualifications
- 3-5 years’ experience in skilled trades and/or general construction with 6 months – 1 year of supervisory experience.
- Past experience in working with complex situations and ability to make decisions with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated history of seeking out training and instruction for new methods and practices related to skilled trades and/or general construction.
Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For questions, contact Alex Schutman at Alex-Schutman@uiowa.edu
Benefits Highlights
Regular salaried position. Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
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