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.