Director For Active Learning, Mechanical Engineering

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 7+ years of related experience (e.g. professional Mechanical Engineering design and manufacturing experience and/or experience as a Mechanical Engineering instructor within an academic setting.)
• Supervisory experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Strong organizational skills, creativity, self-motivation.
• Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Ability and willingness to tackle and juggle multiple projects with frequent interruptions.
• Experience generating professional engineering documentation, lab procedures, protocols and reports.
• A demonstrated track record of mentoring, teaching and/or training in Mechanical Engineering.
• Advanced ability to provide student instruction in the form of 1:1 teaching sessions, lectures for different courses and design projects.

Computer Skills:

• Expertise in CAD programs such as Solidworks, AutoCAD, or Creo.
• Expertise in MasterCAM or other computer aided manufacturing software.
• Proficiency of COMSOL or another FEA package.
• Proficiency of LabVIEW.
• Proficiency of MatLAB.

Additional Skills:

• Expertise in the use of basic shop tools such as band saws, drill presses, etc.
• Expertise in the use of manual and CNC mills and lathes.
• Expertise in the use of laser cutters and 3D printers and other digital fabrication methods.
• Ability to create safety protocols and SOPs for the previously mentioned equipment.

Additional Information

• Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.
• The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences does not provide visa sponsorship for staff positions.
• This role will be based full-time on campus at our Science & Engineering Complex (SEC) in Allston, MA, and may require working outside of a typical 9am-5pm schedule to accommodate business needs.
• The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Position Description
Strategic Vision, Programming and Content Development:

• Partner and collaborate with SEAS faculty to design, create, develop and implement new laboratory activities and custom apparatus for all concentrations.
• Provide regular and ongoing executive updates and unit summaries to the Assistant Dean.
• Develop semester-based unit vision and end-of-the-semester executive reports to the Assistant Dean.
• Provide guest lectures, as needed, on Mechanical Engineering and manufacturing engineering topics.
• Oversee and manage the operation and daily activities of the rapid prototyping teaching facilities, standard students machine shop, as well as a variety of computer-controlled machine tools and digital fabrication spaces.
• Provide support and assistance with the development of new lab activities in other disciplines as needed. Foster a strong interdisciplinary partnership with other unit directors and managers.

Student Support:

• Train students and course teaching fellows on the use and application of good design and manufacturing practices. Assist students with fabrication activities.
• Develop, supervise and instruct technical hands-on workshops on manual and rapid fabrication techniques and proper testing during the fall semester as well as for special programs and summer activities.
• Advise undergraduate students on senior design projects and provide support as a freshman academic advisor.

Safety, Equipment and Shared Resources:

• Maintain a safe and healthy lab working environment. Partner with Harvard Environmental Health and Safety department (EH&S) to develop, organize and deliver safety trainings and orientations for graduate and undergraduate students. Ensure that safe working policies and procedures are implemented and followed within the Mechanical Engineering lab, during and after regular lab operation hours. Attend monthly safety committee meetings and consult with Harvard Environmental Health & Safety experts (EH&S) to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations and OSHA standards.
• Responsible for the maintenance and updates of existing lab equipment. Interface with vendors to ensure ongoing maintenance/servicing of unit resources.
• Work with Assistant Dean and Makerspace Director to create standard operating procedures for the use of shared spaces, equipment, and resources. Frequently interact with Makerspace Director to ensure effective communications that support the needs of SEAS students, faculty and other users.

Financial Management:

• Manage the daily unit spending while ensuring optimized unit inventories.
• Develop annual unit budget and capital equipment planning. Provide input on new acquisitions and purchases.
• Compile detailed spending reports and share with the Assistant Dean on a semester basis.

Staff Management:

• Manage and supervise the Mechanical Engineering team in the Active Learning Labs. Assign work, support skill and career development, provide regular and ongoing performance feedback, handle performance issues, participate in problem resolution, and conduct performance reviews.
• Manage part time unit interns and undergraduate lab monitors.
• Work closely with SEAS human resources on staff recruitment, employee relations, policies, and other human resources related issues.
• Develop team and unit-based growth strategies.

EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Physical Requirements
May participate in physical tasks which may include occasional lifting, handling and carrying up to 50 pounds; climbing ladders and step stools; pushing/pulling; bending, squatting, and reaching overhead.
Working Conditions
The work is performed on-site, Monday through Friday, during regular lab hours. Work is performed in an environment where at times the noise level may be moderate to high. Safety personal protection equipment (PPM) is provided.
Job Summary
The Director for Active Learning, Mechanical Engineering provides leadership for and manages the daily operations of the Mechanical Engineering Lab, one of several Active Learning Labs (ALL) at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS). The Director is a member of the ALL leadership team and reports directly to the Assistant Dean for Teaching and Learning. The Director manages a team of professional mechanical engineers who carry out daily activities that enable the ALL to provide world-class instruction and support for SEAS undergraduate and graduate students. Courses supported by the director and team consist of an array of interdisciplinary fields, including, but not limited to, Mechanical Engineering, bioengineering, environmental engineering, electrical engineering, and general education.
As the Director, you will work closely with SEAS faculty to develop and execute machining and fabrication curriculum, course support, training, and workshops, and will be responsible for staff and resource management. You will serve as a key point of contact for lab-related outreach and engagement activities, and you will interact with students, researchers, staff, and external vendors. This position regularly engages with the Makerspace Director, the Director for Design and Fabrication Instruction, other team members in the Active Learning Labs, instructional labs and other spaces that support student activities.
The Director for Active Learning, Mechanical Engineering serves an important role in fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment within SEAS. We welcome applications from candidates who demonstrate passion for instructing and working with students; training, coaching, mentoring, and sharing their knowledge and expertise in design, fabrication and machining; all within a safe and supportive environment. In alignment with our core values, we seek candidates who actively engage in supporting diversity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
SEAS Commitment to Diversity
SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Some of our core values include respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
Benefits
We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Work Format Details
This position is based primarily on-campus, in Massachusetts. This may include in-person during emergency situations (if applicable). Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
About Us
The Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences serves as the connector and integrator of Harvard's teaching and research efforts in engineering, applied sciences, and technology. Our core tenets are: educating broad-minded students; interdisciplinary research; integration across disciplines; and balancing theory, experimentation and practice to create an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Through collaboration with researchers from all parts of Harvard, other universities, and industry, we bring discovery and innovation directly to bear on improving human life and society. For more information about us, please visit www.seas.harvard.edu.
SEAS Commitment to Diversity
SEAS is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment. Some of our core values include respect for all, serving the greater good, and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.