Simon Fraser University
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Mechatronic Systems Engineering

Mechatronic Systems Engineering / Job Opportunities / TA/TM/Sessional Employment / TA/TM Minimum Requirements

TEACHING ASSISTANT MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Important Notes:

  • The School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering (MSE) may conduct interviews with a short list of candidates.
  • Prior to applying, please thoroughly review the course calendar entry, course outlines, and schedules for comprehensive details about each course.
  • We appreciate the interest of all applicants. However, only successful candidates will be contacted.

General Requirements

  • Must possess a thorough understanding of the course's discipline to effectively interpret and explain course materials.
  • Should demonstrate sufficient written and verbal communication skills to provide support to both students and instructors throughout the semester, whether through in-person interactions or via email correspondence.
  • Must exhibit adept time management and organizational skills, particularly for courses involving labs and tutorials.
  • Should be available for various responsibilities including attending lectures, conducting labs, holding office hours, invigilating and grading midterms and finals, as well as evaluating assignments, quizzes, and projects as needed.
  • For consideration of re-employment, a Teaching Assistant must maintain a satisfactory level of performance, as assessed through TA ratings on course evaluation forms and feedback from course instructors.

Education Requirements

  • Teaching Assistants must have an undergraduate degree in mechatronics engineering, or engineering science,  or an equivalent post-secondary degree from a recognized institution.
  • Applicants must have broad and specific knowledge of the individual course requirements and pre-requisites in order to provide optimum TA support for students and course instructors.
  • An industry experience specific to the course(s) applied for is an asset.

Job Description

  • Conducting weekly laboratory sessions or tutorials throughout the semester, whether mandatory or optional, and ensuring the seamless operation of these sessions by fulfilling all necessary responsibilities for effective instruction. 
  • Providing students with support, guidance, and constructive feedback on their coursework through written or verbal communication, assisting them in their learning journey. 
  • Hosting office hours for designated courses, where Teaching Assistants are expected to assist students in understanding course materials and assignment requirements efficiently.
  • Assisting course instructor in invigilating and grading midterms and finals, as well as evaluating assignments, quizzes, and projects as needed.

 

Application Requirements

  • SFU computing ID/password must be used to login to the  application system.
  • Students must review and understand TA/TM Minimum Requirements for course(s) applied for.
  • Students must submit a current C/V and unofficial transcript at the time of application.
  • Students will be asked to indicate their top 5 course preferences at time of application.

Specific Course Requirements

MSE 100:  Engineering Graphics and Design

  • Must have taken an equivalent course in engineering drawing
  • Basic knowledge of mechanical drafting (creating drawing, tollerencing, etc.)
  • Experience using 3D CAD software (prefer Solidworks experience, however other 3D modeling software such as ProE, Autodesk, UG will be considered

MSE 101W:  Process, Form, and Convention in Professional Genres

  • Appointment to the position requires at least one year of experience or equivalent training in providing academic writing support to students. Examples of relevant experience and training include but are not limited to prior TA positions in which writing support is a significant component of the work, staff positions in writing support, and coursework in English as an Additional Language (EAL) learning or writing support.
  • Must demonstrate above average writing ability, sufficient to asses and critique written work, and capable of providing guidance/instruction in this respect.  Applicants may be asked to provide writing samples or other evidence of writing proficiency.
  • Proficiency with common software packages including Word Processing (e.g. Word), Spreadsheets (e.g. Excel), Presentations (e.g. Powerpoint)

MSE 102:  Applied Science, Technology and Society

  • Proficiency in writing formal reports and papers and be capable of providing guidance/instruction in this respect
  • Basic knowledge of common software packages including Word Processing (e.g. Word), Spreadsheets (e.g. Excel), Presentations (e.g. Powerpoint)
  • Must have good working knowledge and practical experience in engineering design projects (either through courses or work experience)

MSE 110/111:  Mechatronics Design I

  • Must have a good working knowledge of calculation software, Matlab in particular
  • Proficiency in programming for high level, e.g., using C language

MSE 210:  Engineering Measurement and Data Analysis

  • Proficiency in engineering statistics

MSE 211:  Computation Methods for Engineers

  • Good working knowledge of calculation software, Matlab in particular
  • Good working knowledge of  numerical analysis
  • Background in both mechanical and electrical engineering

MSE 220:  Engineering Materials

  • Must have a good working knowledge of calculation software, Matlab in particular
  • Proficiency in programming

MSE 221:  Statics and Strength of Materials

  • Must have equivalent courses in undergraduate studies
  • Excellent analytical and programming skills
  • Demonstrated experiences in the relevant field
  • Must have a good working knowledge of calculation software, Matlab in particular (TrussBeam-2D.)

MSE 222:  Kinematics and Dynamics of Rigid Bodies and Mechanisms

  • Good working knowledge of rigid body dynamics and mechanics
  • Must have a good working knowledge of calculation software, Matlab in particular
  • Interest in applying new teaching methods and actively engaging students

MSE 223:  Introduction to Fluid Mechanics

  • Proficiency in Fluid Mechanics
  • Practical experience in experimentation

MSE 250:  Electric Circuits  

  • Only students with a background in Electrical/Electronic will be considered
  • Familiarity with general safety in the circuit laboratory and comfortable with operating instruments such as oscilloscopes, function generators, power supply, etc.

MSE 251:  Electronic Circuits

  • Proficiency in electrical circuit theory
  • Proficiency in electronic devices: diodes, BJTs, and FETs
  • Must have taken at least one course at the undergrad level on electric circuits (specify on application form)
  • Must have taken at least two courses at the undergrad level on electronic circuits (specify on application form)
  • Good working knowledge of electronic test equipment (oscilloscope, multi-meter, etc)
  • Good working knowledge of circuit simulators, in particular SWCAD (aka LTSpice)
  • Practical experience in circuit design and prototyping is highly desired

MSE 280:  Linear Systems

  • Must have taken formal courses including at least some treatment of the following courses: Linear Systems/Algebra;  and Analog and Digital Signal Processing

MSE 300:  The Business of Engineering I

  • Solid foundations in Engineering Economics
  • Good working knowledge of common software packages including Spreadsheets (e.g. Excel), Word Processing (e.g. Word),  Presentations (e.g. Powerpoint)
  • Must be available to attend tutorial sessions on and as-needed basis

MSE 310:  Electromechanical Sensors and Actuators

  • Basic knowledge of electromechanical sensors and actuators is required
  • Good working knowledge of LabVIEW is required
  • Practical experience

MSE 311:  Introduction to Microelectromechanical Systems

  • Must have passed at least one course on microfabrication
  • Must have passed a course on MEMS design
  • Good knowledge of CoventorWare software is required
  • Prior MEMS design experience is highly desired

MSE 312:  Mechatronics Design II

 

1.  The candidate for the mechanical part of the course must have the following qualifications:

  • Taken undergraduate courses in mechanical design, strength of materials, statics and dynamics
  • Experience in applying finite element methods to mechanical loading, stresses and strains.  Solidworks experience is an asset.
  • Comfortable working with hand tools and machine shop including soldering
  • Experience in TAing a project-based course is an asset

2.  The candidate for the electrical part of the course must have the following qualifications:

  • Experience in design, building, and troubleshooting electronic hardware (PWM circuits, soldering, etc)
  • Good working knowledge in Matlab/Simulink and Real-Time Workshop
  • Taken undergraduate courses in electronics, controls, and embedded systems
  • Experience working with SimScape
  • Experience in TAing a project-based course is an asset

MSE 320:  Machine Design

  • Must have equivalent courses in undergraduate studies
  • Must have practical machine design experience

MSE 321:  Engineering Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer

  • Must have at least one advanced heat transfer and thermodynamic course in graduate studies
  • Must have experience in thermodynamic and heat transfer laboratories

MSE 352:  Digital Logic & Microcontroller

  • Must have one undergraduate course in digital logic/systems
  • Must have one undergraduate course in microcontrollers or microprocessors
  • Industrial experience in digital or embedded systems design is an asset
  • Graduate courses in digital/embedded systems is a bonus
  • Proven experimental skills in digital and embedded systems is a must (for the lab sessions)
  • Papers in reputable journals or conferences (IEEE) is a bonus

MSE 353:  Power Electronics and Electric Machinery

  • Must have one undergraduate course in power electronics or industrial electronics
  • Must have one undergraduate course in electric machines or electrical installations
  • Industrial experience in power electronics design is an asset
  • Graduate courses in electric machines or power electronics is a bonus
  • Proven experimental skills in power electronics and machines is a must
  • Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink is a must

MSE 380:  Systems Modeling and Simulation

  • Good working knowledge of Matlab is required
  • Good understanding of modeling techniques including input/output, state-space, bond graphs, linearization and energy methods across multiple domains (mechanical, electrical, fluid and thermal), e.g. based on taking a previous course in systems modeling

MSE 381:  Feedback Control Systems

  • Grad and undergrad courses in controls is a bonus
  • Must have good knowledge of Matlab and Simulink
  • Having industrial or research related background in the area of control systems is an asset
  • Being familiar with the lab set up is a bonus (e.g., ENSC 380 uses the same setup)

MSE 402:  Engineering Ethics, Law and Professional Practice

  • Must have a high level of proficiency in writing academic papers and be capable of providing guidance / instruction in this respect
  • Must have a good level of proficiency with common software packages including Word Processing (e.g. Word), Spreadsheets (e.g. Excel), Presentations (e.g. Powerpoint)
  • Familiarity with Intellectual Property Law, patent applications would be an asset
  • Knowledge of sustainable design principles would be an asset

 

MSE 405W:   The Business of Engineering II, Entrepreneurship for Engineers

  • Evidence of training/education or experience with entrepreneurship and business
  • Appointment to the position requires at least one year of experience or equivalent training in providing academic writing support to students. Examples of relevant experience and training include but are not limited to prior TA positions in which writing support is a significant component of the work, staff positions in writing support, and coursework in English as an Additional Language (EAL) learning or writing support.
  • Must demonstrate above average writing ability, sufficient to asses and critique written work, and capable of providing guidance/instruction in this respect.  Applicants may be asked to provide writing samples or other evidence of writing proficiency.
  • Proficiency with common software packages including Word Processing (e.g. Word), Spreadsheets (e.g. Excel), Presentations (e.g. Powerpoint)

MSE 410:  Capstone Design Technical Project I

  • Must have a high level of proficiency in writing formal reports / papers and be capable of providing guidance / instruction in this respect
  • Ideally will have taken formal course(s) in graduate level writing, e.g. MSE 803, or equivalent course
  • Must have good working knowledge and practical experience in engineering design projects (either through courses or work experience)

MSE 411:  Capstone Design Technical Project II

  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledge and experience in Mechatronics Design

MSE 412:  Neuromodulation Technologies and Applications in Brain Health

  • Must have prior experience with medical technology instrumentation
  • Advanced knowledge in signal processing
  • Prior work experience within the area of neurotechnology will be ideal

MSE 413:  Machine Learning in Mechatronics

  • Knowledgeable in developing machine learning algorithms including regression, logistic regression, Support Vector Machine (SVM), neural networks, Deep Learning, K-mean
  • Good working knowledge of MATLAB and Python
  • Good working experience in developing algorithms on microcontrollers (Raspberry Pi) 

MSE 420:  Introduction to Biomechanical Engineering

  • Must have good command of dynamics, mechanics and materials
  • Must be highly proficient in Matlab
  • Experience applying mechanical tools and theories to bio applications (courses or research)
  • Available to invigilate midterm exams
  • Able and willing to facilitate an interactive learning experience

MSE 421:  Advanced Vibration

  • Must have taken formal courses including at least some treatment of courses in vibration, and modal analysis and modal testing
  • Familiar with vibration lab equipment and testing

MSE 422:  Fuel Cell Systems

  • Must have a good knowledge of fuel cells and have preferably taken a fuell cells course

MSE 426:  Introduction to Engineering Design Optimization

  • Must have taken formal courses including at least some treatment of courses in optimization
  • Proficiency in Matlab programming
  • Familiar with Matlab Optimization and Global Optimization Toolboxes
  • Familiar with OPTIP

MSE 427:  Finite Element Analysis

  • Well versed with ANSYS software (APDL and Workbench) with demonstrated skills and experience
  • Taken the course before or have equivalent background in finite element analysis 
  • Proficiency in Matlab programming
  • Proficiency in Solid Mechanics 

MSE 428:  Design of Mechanisms

  • Must have passed courses on power electronics and electric machines
  • Must be experienced with simulation in Matlab/Simulink (SimPowerSystems, Control)
  • Good communication and problem solving skills

MSE 429:  Kinematics for Robotic Systems

  • Must have a good working knowledge of engineering design and calculation software,  Matlab in particular (matrix algebra, structures, and graphical animation)
  • Must have good knowledge of kinematics of manipulator systems (serial and parallel architectures)

MSE 450:  Real-Time and Embedded Control Systems

  • Familiar with embedded systems / computer architecture
  • Familiar with microcontroller hardware and firmware design
  • Good working knowledge and experience in programming using C and  Assembly

MSE 452:  Power Conversion in Alternative Energy Systems

  • Must have passed courses on power electronics and electric machines
  • Must be experienced with simulation in Matlab/Simulink (SimPowerSystems, Control)

MSE 480:  Manufacturing Systems

  • Must have taken formal courses including at least some treatment of the following courses: Dynamics, Modelling/simulation, Automatic controls, Robotics
  • Ideally will have taken formal course(s) including at least some treatment of the following topics: Manufacturing systems, Machining processes
  • Must have a good working knowledge of engineering design and calculation software, LabVIEW and Matlab in particular
  • Proficiency in programming for high level and (ideally) embedded systems, e.g. using languages such as C, C++, Python, Java, Forth, Assembly would be an asset

MSE 481:  Industrial Control Systems

  • Must have passed courses (undergraduate or graduate) on industrial control and PLC (Programmable Logic Controller)
  • Practical experience in process industrial control would be useful

MSE 483:  Modern Control Systems

  • Must have taken formal courses including at least some treatment of Linear State Space Control Systems
  • Proficiency in Matlab/Simulink, Control System Toolbox, and multi-domain physical systems (SimScape: electronics, electric, multibody).

MSE 490/491:  Special Topic Course:  Integrated Additive Mechatronic Manufacturing

  • Must have prior experience with 3D printing instrumentation.
  • Advanced knowledge in CAD designing, signal processing, and optimization.
  • Hands-on experience with using electrical measurement tools.
  • Prior work experience within the area of sensors, design and manufacturing will be ideal.

MSE 490/491:  Special Topic Course:  Robust Estimation & Filtering

  • Strong background in control system (preferably in Kalman filtering)
  • Strong Matlab and Simulink skills
  • Background in Robust Control
  • Background in Signal Processing

MSE 490/491:  Special Topic Course:  Electrified Transportation Systems

  • Good working knowledge of Matlab/Simulink
  • Good understanding of power electronics, electric drives, energy storage components, and electromechanical systems is required, e.g. based on taking previous courses in power electronics, electric machinery, and electric drives.

MSE 490/491: Special Topic Course: Ocean Technology and Marine Environment

  • Must have experience with fluid dynamics and have taken undergraduate courses in fluid dynamics
  • Must have some experience or taken undergraduate courses on Control Systems
  • Proficiency with Matlab is required
  • Graduate or undergraduate courses in advanced fluid dynamics, ocean engineering or naval architecture are a bonus

MSE 490/491:  Special Topic Course:  Flight Dynamics and Control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles  

  • Must have extensive knowledge with 3-dimensional rigid body dynamics.
  • Must have ample background in feedback control systems. 
  • Advanced knowledge in Matlab scripting & Simulink.
  • Prior experience with aerodynamics and control of aircraft.

MSE 490/491:  Special Topic Course:   Digital Signal Processing

  • Must have experience in analog and digital signal processing, digital filter design, and MATLAB programming.
  • Good working knowledge in audio engineering, digital signal processing for power  engineering, and embedded system design.

MSE Co-op  

  • Must begin on the first day of the term, no exceptions
  • Good verbal and written communication skills
  • Ideally will have taken formal course(s) in graduate level writing, e.g. MSE 802, or equivalent course.

Duties include:

  • Support Co-op Coordinators in the evaluation of Co-op students’ end of work term assignments (oral presentations, written technical reports, and executive summaries)
  • Attend oral presentations (scheduled within the first month of the semester approximately 8-10 total hours of presentations in 2-hour sessions)
  • Assist Co-op Coordinators in advising undergraduate students on how to write technical reports
  • Respond to working Co-op students’ technical questions about their work term assignments
  • Evaluate all technical reports and executive summaries from the  students’ previous Co-op term in a timely manner
  • Produce statistical reports and analysis on student reports and presentations
  • Regularly meet with and/or report back to Co-op Coordinators with status updates or to discuss student cases or assignment completion