Control Instructor - Department of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The incumbent will support the department’s academic and operational functions through the following key areas:

Instruction and Practical Sessions:

• Deliver comprehensive instruction to Electronic and Computer Engineering students before and during practical sessions. 
• Assess practical and project performance to ensure academic standards. 
• Guide and mentor final-year project students. 
• Maintain thorough knowledge of practical module content each semester. 
• Contribute to improving laboratory facilities to enhance learning.
• Order development sets and software tools aligned with lecture specifications. 
• Assist with setup, execution, and teardown of practical sessions for smooth delivery. 
• Plan and coordinate practical demonstration events such as the annual Robot Race Day.

Support and Maintenance:

• Assist with all aspects of computer-based practicals, ensuring effective infrastructure and instruction. 
• Support students outside scheduled sessions by addressing their questions. 
• Perform regular maintenance and checks to keep computers and networking equipment functional.

Curriculum Development and Industry Alignment:

• Plan and deliver Information Technology Practice modules for all undergraduate students. 
• Maintain Cisco Networking Academy Certification through relevant courses. 
• Ensure practicals and projects align with academic and industry standards.
• Incorporate hands-on learning and industry-relevant simulations to prepare students for their careers.

Operational Laboratory Management:

• Maintain Networking Laboratories (A, B, Cisco, Project 2) and CAEC with functional equipment and enforce safety protocols with ongoing student training. 
• Install, upgrade, clean, and maintain lab computers and peripherals. 
• Manage inventory, storage, and lending of assets with accurate records. 
• Oversee asset life cycle from acquisition to disposal and stay updated on technical advancements to keep laboratories current.

Departmental Support:

• Manage the Impro access control system to regulate lab access and retrieve student attendance reports. 
• Monitor laboratories via CCTV, handling security systems and footage analysis as needed. 
• Provide flexible support for various departmental ad hoc tasks.
• Work effectively with lecturers, assistants, laboratory staff, and departmental personnel to ensure seamless laboratory operations and curriculum integration.
• Maintain clear communication channels with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers and administrators, to foster efficient problem resolution and department function.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant BTech, BSc. Eng, or BEng in Computer Engineering from a recognized institution.
• Minimum 3 years’ relevant experience in a similar role.
• Valid driver’s license (Code B or EB).
• Experience in managing and maintaining similar engineering laboratories (University or Technical University level).
• Experience with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in research and teaching labs.

Added Advantages and Preferences

• Postgraduate qualification such as MTech or MEng in Computer Engineering.
• Five (5) or more years’ experience in a similar environment.
• CCNA and/or CCNP instructor training.
• Knowledge of FPGAs, VHDL, DSP programming, and assembler language.
• Training in the OHS Act and first aid certification.
• Experience managing university engineering laboratories.
• Skills in fabricating and assembling PCB components.
• Strong judgment, communication, problem-solving, and assertiveness skills.