Senior Technical Officer

Overall Role and Context:

#SETUW A standby panel may be formed from which future vacancies for this role may be filled.

Job Overview

This Senior Technical Officer (STO) position is based in the Department of Engineering Technology and will have supervision, co-ordination, direction and administration of all technical staff and services in the Department of Engineering Technology, South East Technological University, Waterford Campus, and will report to the Head of Department.

The STO will be part of a small team of professionals responsible for the development, implementation, configuration and support of undergraduate programmes in the areas of Electronic, Electrical, Automation, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering. The STO will provide technical and service support for all Engineering Technology staff in SETU Waterford Campus. This includes support for classrooms, events, university activities including graduation, and other regional and national events where SETU is present, such as career fairs, promotional events and partner events. The job requires an energetic, enthusiastic person with excellent customer relations management skills as well as a broad-based knowledge of engineering systems and technologies.

The STO role is responsible for liaising with Faculties and Departments in SETU Waterford and other services such as Health and Safety, Finance and Estates. The ability to take initiative, give leadership and work with people is an important aspect of this role.

Key Responsibilities / Duties: The following indicate the principal duties and responsibilities that may be assigned:

• Supervision, co-ordination, direction and administration of all technical staff in the Department of Engineering Technology.

• Passing on work directions from Head of Department as agreed and being responsible for completion of the work.

• Assisting Head of Department with budget control and estimates for annual running and development costs.

• Providing and contributing to reports as required from time to time and attending school or other meetings as required.

• Participate in ongoing training and professional development.

• To participate in all committees/groups of which s/he is a member or to which s/he is assigned.

• Undertake such other appropriate duties as may be assigned from time to time by the university authorities.

• Recording/supervising and administering of attendance in accordance with current university practices.

• Maintaining assets register within the area.

• Writing SOPs and H&S documents for the department and overseeing compliance with quality assurance requirements, e.g. ISO50001.

• Monitoring, testing and recording of condition of safety equipment, class materials to comply with Health and Safety Regulations and other regulations specific to work area, and carrying out safety audits in all areas of operation in cooperation with other grades of staff.

• Arrange for safe disposal of used materials e.g. toner cartridges, fusers, batteries and other materials containing toxic, hazardous and volatile materials.

• Assist with budget management, specifying equipment and consumable materials requirements, and coordination of purchasing.

• To comply with all standing orders and financial procedures, including competitive tendering and payment certification, including service level agreements.

• Advising on and specifying requirements for new and updated laboratories, workstations, workshops, etc.

• Preparing and updating technical instruction manuals as required.

• Managing/administration of computer/information technology and visual aids facilities.

• Installing and testing of software, making software available to appropriate users, ensuring anti-virus software is installed and kept up to date, network management where appropriate.

• Provide technical support for the managing/administration of computer networks, systems, information technology and visual aids facilities.

• Organise, prepare and set up for practical classes, demonstrations, assessments, practical examinations, project and research work in laboratory and other areas.

• Ensure that laboratories, materials and equipment are kept clean, tidy and in good order.

• To be present, as required, at each laboratory or workshop class, including night classes if necessary, for the entire duration of the class to provide technical assistance as required, to provide demonstrations, etc.

• Provide technical assistance to lecturers and students on the safe operation and use of equipment and materials.

• Repairing, maintaining, securing and storing of laboratory/computer equipment, and consumable materials.

• Designing, modifying, building, testing, installation of equipment/hardware as appropriate, for teaching and research needs.

• Assist in consulting with suppliers of equipment and consumable materials and assist in obtaining technical specifications, quotations and ordering new equipment and consumable materials.

• Setting up requisitions for materials and equipment.

• Taking delivery of new equipment and consumable materials and commissioning of new equipment.

• Periodic assistance with major system and infrastructural projects within the department.

• To promote good health and safety practices ensuring that contractors know and adhere to the university safety policy and act as the Departmental Safety Rep.

• Responsible for compiling health and safety audits and ensuring compliance with the implementation of other health and safety regulations as they pertain to the technical function.

• Develop and maintain drawing registers, safety files, operating and maintenance manuals, service contracts and other records.

• Maintain records of materials and plant and other records as necessary to ensure best value procedures and accountability.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Academic Qualifications

• A Level 9 Master’s degree in relevant field of Automation, Electronic, Electrical, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering.

Experience

• At least 5 years post-qualification experience in a relevant environment and at an appropriate level.

Specific Knowledge and Skills

• Specialist technical knowledge in designated disciplines of Automation, Electronic, Electrical, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering.

• Ability to deal with complex problems including advanced planning and organisational skills.

• Integration of health and safety plans to ensure all areas meet the organisation’s requirements.

I.T. Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite including Word, Excel & PowerPoint.

• Excellent IT skills.

• Proficiency in specialist engineering software programmes such as SolidWorks and LabVIEW.

Specific Personal Qualities

• Excellent communication & people skills.

• Self-motivated and proactive.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Skills necessary to supervise, co-ordinate and direct technical staff.

• Good organisational and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to take initiative, give leadership and work with people.

Salary

The gross salary scale applicable to the post of Senior Technical Officer is €68,426 – €81,056 per annum as at 01/03/2025.