Part-time Electronics Labs Assistant X2

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Key Performance Areas
Key performance areas include, but are not limited to:

• Prepare, set up, and maintain laboratory equipment, workstations, and practical facilities to ensure that laboratories are ready and functional for scheduled teaching and learning activities.
• Assist with the development, upgrading, modification, and adaptation of laboratory setups to support practical experimentation, demonstrations, student projects, and new curriculum requirements where applicable.
• Maintain, inspect, test, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and electronic systems, identifying faults and assisting with repairs or escalating complex technical issues where necessary.
• Ensure the proper upkeep, cleanliness, organisation, and general functionality of laboratory facilities, including workstations, tools, equipment, and storage areas.
• Assist students during practical sessions and project-based learning activities, providing appropriate technical guidance on the use of laboratory equipment, electronic components, software, and prototyping tools.
• Support lecturers and academic staff during practical classes, demonstrations, experiments, and laboratorybased teaching activities.
• Assist lecturers during practical assessments and evaluation sessions, including preparation of equipment and workstations, verification of practical setups, and ensuring that the required resources are available.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of equipment usage, faults, damages, repairs, maintenance activities, consumables, and other relevant laboratory activities.
• Maintain appropriate records of practical experiments and assessments, including equipment/setup requirements, student practical activities, and assessment-related documentation where required.
• Monitor laboratory equipment, tools, components, and consumables, identifying shortages or replacement requirements and assisting with stock control and procurement processes.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety procedures, including the safe use, storage, and handling of electronic equipment, tools, electrical equipment, soldering equipment, chemicals, and other laboratory resources.
• Assist with the maintenance and safe operation of prototyping and manufacturing equipment, where available, including 3D printers, CNC machines, and related equipment.
• Assist with the installation, configuration, updating, and basic troubleshooting of laboratory computers and relevant engineering software used for practical teaching and student projects.
• Support the implementation of new practical experiments, projects, and laboratory activities as directed by the relevant academic department.
• Provide technical support during laboratory activities and respond proactively to equipment or facility-related issues to minimise disruption to teaching and learning.
• Perform other laboratory-related technical duties as reasonably required by the department, consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

APPLICATION CRITERIA:
Qualification

• Advanced Diploma / BTech in Electrical Engineering: Electronics Engineering, or an equivalent qualification.
• BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or an equivalent qualification.

Experience

• A minimum of one (1) year of experience as a technician or laboratory assistant in an institution of higher education, or two (2) years of relevant professional industrial technical experience.
• Experience in conducting practical laboratory sessions with students.
• Previous tutorial experience will be an advantage.
• Demonstrated evidence of successful teamwork and collaboration.
• Practical experience in electronics, basic circuit design, and electronic circuit assembly.
• Practical understanding of PCB development, schematic capture, PCB layout, and etching processes.
• Hands-on experience in soldering, drilling, component placement, wiring, testing, and assembling electronic circuits.
• Experience in Arduino-based project development and prototyping will be an advantage.

Software Proficiency
Working knowledge of:

• Circuit simulation software, with SiMetrix experience preferred.
• Microsoft Excel, including data processing, calculations, plotting, and basic data analysis.
• KiCad for schematic capture and PCB layout/design.
• Arduino IDE for basic to intermediate microcontroller programming.
• Basic programming knowledge, preferably C/C++.
• Ability to install, configure, troubleshoot, maintain, and update relevant laboratory software and computer systems.

Technical Skills and Competencies

• Strong foundational knowledge of electronics and basic circuit design.
• Competency in Arduino-based project development, prototyping, and troubleshooting.
• Basic understanding of embedded systems and microcontroller-based applications.
• Familiarity with PCB schematic capture, PCB layout, fabrication, and etching processes.
• Practical competence in soldering, drilling, wiring, component assembly, and electronic circuit testing.
• Ability to perform basic fault-finding and troubleshooting of electronic circuits and laboratory equipment.
• Ability to maintain soldering stations, laboratory tools, safety equipment, and electronic consumables.
• Familiarity with laboratory safety protocols, safe handling of electronic equipment, tools, chemicals, and electrical equipment.
• Ability to monitor laboratory equipment and report faults or maintenance requirements.
• Ability to manage stock levels and coordinate or assist with the procurement of electronic components, tools, equipment, and consumables.
• Ability to assist with the preparation, setup, and maintenance of practical laboratory sessions.
• Ability to support students during practical activities and provide basic technical guidance.

General Skills and Competencies

• High level of discipline, reliability, and professional conduct.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including report writing.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work collegially and effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Proactive approach to maintaining laboratory functionality and readiness.
• Strong safety-conscious attitude and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for assigned tasks.

Please email applications to recruitment3@vut.ac.za and quote the post reference and post description in the subject line