Full Time, Academic Year, Laboratory Instructional Assistant Manufacturing Process Lab

The Lab Instructor Assistant (LIA) supports the delivery of hands-on manufacturing processes laboratory instruction for the TECN 131 (Manufacturing Processes I) and TECN 132 (Manufacturing Processes II) courses. These courses introduce and advance student skills in operating machine tools (lathes, mills, drill presses, surface grinders, and saws) in a supervised lab environment. The LIA works in close coordination with faculty to help set up, monitor, and maintain the lab, assist students during projects, enforce safe practices, and ensure the lab is properly maintained and ready for instruction. The LIA will be responsible for, but not limited to:

Key Responsibilities / Duties

• Assist with the set-up of lab exercises, including preparing machine tools, fixtures, raw materials, work-holding, measuring instruments, tooling and consumables prior to each lab session.
• Monitor student projects during lab sessions: support students in safe operation of manual machine tools (lathe, mill, drill press, surface grinder, and saws) and for advanced lab work (fixture/tool design) in TECN 131.
• Work with instructors to ensure each student adheres to proper machining procedures, machine safety protocols, and lab house-keeping standards.
• Perform routine inspection of lab equipment and tooling for proper condition; report or perform minor maintenance and coordinate major repairs with faculty/maintenance.
• Inventory and maintain supplies of tooling, consumables, measuring instrumentation, raw stock, work-holding devices, and safety gear; assist in ordering as needed.
• Assist with lab clean-up, organization of lab space between sessions, maintaining a tidy and safe environment.
• Serve as a student resource during open lab times: answer questions, provide guidance on machine set-up, reading blueprints/technical drawings, measuring tolerances, and ensuring students stay on schedule.
• Collaborate with the instructors in lab preparation meetings (pre-lab planning, project setup) as required.
• Help enforce lab policies, safety rules, and machine-use protocols; participate in required safety training.
• Assist in documenting lab equipment status, student usage logs, and any issues for instructor review.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's degree in mechanical engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, or a closely related field or an equivalent of industry experience. Highly qualified current students may also be considered.
• Availability for flexible weekday hours. Some daytime and some evening hours are required (which may include evenings or open‐lab hours).
• Familiarity with reading mechanical/industrial blueprints, metrology (use of calipers, micrometers, indicators), and basic machinist practices (turning, milling, drilling, grinding).
• Commitment to maintaining a safe laboratory environment, including enforcing safety policies, PPE, and proper machine operation.
• Hands-on skill with manual lathes, vertical mills, drill presses, surface grinders, saws, and power tools and comfort in a busy lab environment.
• Ability to coach students clearly and patiently during Manufacturing Processes activities.
• Ability to learn course content quickly and assist the instructor in delivering competent instruction during Manufacturing Processes courses.
• Basic computer skills, including Windows, file management, email, and office software.
• Ability to read technical instructions, schematics, and simple mechanical drawings.
• Works well independently and on a team, with clear communication and solid organization.
• Able to stand for extended periods and move equipment as needed, up to 40 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with manual machines such as vertical mills, lathes, drill presses, surface grinders, and saws.
• Experience assisting in or tutoring manufacturing processes (manual machining and metrology) or related courses in an educational lab environment.
• Familiarity with mechanical tools and methods, dial indicators, dial calipers, vernier micrometers, depth micrometer, scales, blueprint reading, and hand tools.
• Demonstrated ability to develop or support lab exercise documentation, checklists, or student aids.

Starting from $34,800 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and established pay practices.

Includes a comprehensive benefits package with medical, dental, and vision coverage; participation in state pension programs or alternative retirement plans; tuition assistance; generous paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays); and access to onsite childcare, free parking and fitness facilities.

The application file should include: cover letter, current resume, Professional Statement (if applicable); unofficial transcripts (official transcripts will be required upon employment) and contact information for 3-4 professional references. Incomplete files will not be considered. Candidate selected will be subject to appropriate background checks before hire.

About LCCC:

Established in 1963, Lorain County Community College is the first community college in Ohio with a permanent campus. For six decades, LCCC has served the diverse needs of greater Lorain County region by providing affordable access to higher education and now serves approximately 13,000 students each year in certificate, associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs.

Since 1963, one in four Lorain County residents have taken classes at LCCC and more than 43,000 have earned a degree. LCCC was recently ranked in the top 10% of most affordable colleges in the nation and more than 90% of LCCC graduates live and work in Northeast Ohio. 45% of Lorain County's high school graduates earn college credits through LCCC's high school dual enrollment programs. LCCC also partners with more than 700 employers and offers 170 industry-recognized credentials to better prepare the workforce for the future.

LCCC is a dynamic, student-centered college intentionally designed to support individuals with balancing multiple roles on their path to college completion. 85% of LCCC students work while attending college, with majority working at least half-time. The average age of LCCC's students is 24, and many bring life experiences that include caring for dependents, serving in the military, or completing some prior college. Over 80% of LCCC students received financial assistance through grants and scholarships, and LCCC has been nationally recognized for holistic, fully integrated services and commitment to student success.

Lorain County Community College seeks to hire and employ locally whenever possible. Employees should reside in Ohio, where they can be responsive to on-campus work requirements, and within a reasonable commuting distance of their work location.