Computer Programmer Research Assistant, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre Team
The successful candidate will work on a collaborative team to accomplish various programming tasks, including: programming, testing and troubleshooting of interface software for development of web, cloud, and IoT technology services.
In its sponsored feature “Excellence in Research and Innovation,” The Globe and Mail today included a recent project between Niagara College’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC) and Handling Specialty, a Grimsby-based company that manufactures custom-engineered material handling products for clients worldwide.
The partnership involved WAMIC producing 3D-printed replicas of two large assembly equipment pieces for Handling Specialty for use in showcasing its company’s capabilities at tradeshows — saving in both transportation costs and its carbon footprint.
“An industry partner comes to us, and we establish objectives and deliverables,” says Gordon Maretzki, centre manager at WAMIC. “We have our research leads or our in-house faculty contributing to the project combined with the industry partners, who bring their expertise and resources. The third aspect is that every project includes students from our mechanical, electrical, electronic, engineering and even our computer technology programs.”
Senior Application Specialist, Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre
Reporting to the Centre Manager, the Senior Application Specialist is responsible for providing front-line external technical sales support, as well as internal technical support, for all 3D printing, 3D scanning, 3D design activities, and other technical services and/or applied research activities, as assigned.
Working in collaboration with the Centre Manager, the successful candidate will engage industry in the full spectrum of business development activities for technical services and assist in identifying potential industry partners for applied research projects.
The Senior Application Specialist, Advanced Manufacturing, is directly responsible for conducting product demonstrations and product implementations (processes) involving 3D printing, 3D scanning equipment, as well as other technologies at WAMIC to industry partners, providing rapid response and technical services for a wide variety of customers in many disciplines and industries. The role also includes participating in marketing events and presentations, as well as other technical sales and marketing-related efforts. The candidate must have an acute understanding of current capabilities of our industry partners, the products/services they offer, and the value-added capabilities that WAMIC can complement, as part of their manufacturing process.
The Senior Application Specialist will be directly involved in the execution of technical services and contribute in a hands-on fashion to applied research projects.
Click HERE for the full job posting and to apply. The deadline to apply is Friday, November 13th.
We thank all applicants; however, only those qualifying for an interview will be contacted.
Creativity is often thought of as the cornerstone of engineering.
For artist and mechanical engineering technologist Brock Husak, he is proving engineers are indeed fundamentally creators – both requiring imagination and smarts to develop novel solutions to problems.
During the course of many research projects, this research laboratory technologist at the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC) generates conceptual freehand designs before moving onto a digital CAD drawing format.
“It can be a blessing, but I also have to catch myself trying to get creative with something that does not need to be overly complicated,” he says with a laugh.
In addition to his busy full-time position at Niagara College, Husak burns the midnight oil designing and painting helmets for athletes, from professional motocross racers to Olympic cyclists, using his drawing and airbrush talents.
“This is a way for me to satisfy my burning desire to be creative and make art while also generating some extra money from it.”
Graduating from NC’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program in April 2019, Husak has been with the Research & Innovation division since January 2017, first during his co-op as a research assistant and then as a research associate until this past September, when he assumed his new interim role of research laboratory technologist.
Husak has amassed a wealth of experience in all areas at the research labs at WAMIC, including reverse engineering in conjunction with 3D CAD modelling/printing and rapid prototyping, metrology and machine design, to name just a few.
All this has laid a solid foundation for his current position, where he is responsible for coordinating the technical services and applied research activities and managing the various advanced manufacturing technologies and equipment in the research labs. He also provides mentorship training to the co-op students and graduate research associates.
Husak says he most appreciates the diversity of projects and tasks he’s afforded. “Every day really is a new day here. You’re always doing something new, which is so important to me.”
“When I’m grooving, and in the zone, it’s a feeling like no other – a sense of satisfaction and happiness all at once.”
Likewise, on his list of advantages, he would tell prospective co-op students interested in working at WAMIC, is having the opportunity to learn new skills.
“Sometimes, you’ll be tasked with something you’ve had no experience with, and you’ll slowly understand and work through the challenges,” he explains. “This makes for a smarter you and allows you to build your resume for future endeavours.”
He recalls a successful project he worked on during his senior co-op term for medical technology industry partner Studio 1 Labs. The company invented an intelligent medical bed sheet with fabric sensing and non-invasive technology that wirelessly monitors vital signs for hospital patients and can predict the onset of health decline and emergencies.
R&I’s digital media team helped with the interface software, and Husak developed an electrical component enclosure designed for injection molding – a creative undertaking.
“The project literally went perfect,” he recalls. “I learned some valuable lessons along the way. The client was very happy; our team at WAMIC was happy. So it was a huge success.”
More recently, the Niagara Falls native also played a large role in producing many thousands of face shields at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when PPE was scarce. During the closure of both NC campuses, Husak was one of only a few graduate students in the WAMIC lab assembling the PPE for local health-care workers.
A total of 17,300 face shields were donated to the local Niagara Health System and another 20,000 units going to other essential workers and community members throughout the province.
“It felt rewarding knowing I was helping the community and the brave front-line workers.”
During these challenging times Husak has used his love of art to provide his own sense of inspiration.
“When I’m grooving, and in the zone, it’s a feeling like no other – a sense of satisfaction and happiness all at once.”
Husak draws, paints and does the occasional mural, but most of his time is dedicated to helmet work for his business, Twisted Design. He has had his own art exhibition and even won ‘creator of the year’ at the 2018 Niagara Social Awards, which recognizes the Niagara region’s writers, entrepreneurs and creators.
While he “lives for creativity,” Husak says his need for adrenaline is just as important.
He feeds this passion with motocross, where he races throughout Canada and the United States. It’s a sport he took up as a youngster and has acquired the trophies and more than a few broken bones along the way.
He also satisfies his craving for adrenaline – and exercise – through rock climbing, a discipline that he devotes time to, as many as three times a week.
Anusha Qureshi is a 2020 graduate of Niagara College’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program and was a mechanical research assistant for Research & Innovation’s Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC) for eight months in 2018. Anusha is employed as a technical specialist for Tetra Tech Inc., working as contractor with Ontario Power Generation.
Tell us about where you work:
I was hired by Tetra Tech Inc., an international consulting and engineering firm, as a technical specialist. Tetra Tech provides engineering solutions to clients working on water, environment, infrastructure, resource management, energy, and international development.
Through Tetra Tech, I have been working since August 2020 as a full-time contractor-draftsperson at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) in Bowmanville, Ont. OPG is one of the world’s largest power production companies in North America, and works with hydro, nuclear, biomass, gas and solar as generating sources.
Describe your role and what you like about it:
My job is to draft and modify mechanical/civil engineering drawings using 2D design software. I draft fabrication and construction drawings for Darlington Nuclear plant refurbishment, maintenance and training purposes. The refurbishment drafting includes drawings for concrete, steelwork, fire plan drawings and roadways.
I really enjoy working for a company that is providing for the country every day in the form of electricity and environmental safety. It is a great feeling. When I was in college, I recognized I was a good CAD designer, and I also seemed to enjoy doing it throughout my program. It makes me grateful to think that I have landed a job for something I enjoy doing. I am so grateful for the amazing professors at Niagara College who taught us the software so well that it has become a full-time job that I enjoy doing.
How has your experience with Research & Innovation helped prepare you for your current role?
It is safe to say that my experience at R&I helped me get this job. I am saying this because I got into OPG as a co-op student initially, and I was told on my first day by one of the supervisors that the reason my resume stood out was my experience with 3D design technologies at my previous co-op at Research & Innovation. R&I provided me with the opportunity to put my hands on new technologies such as 3D printers, 3D scanners and laser cutters at an early stage of my program — not only technologies, but at R&I, I developed my project management, writing, presentation, and speaking skills.
A memorable applied research project during your time at R&I?
I had the opportunity to work with OKE Polymer Systems at R&I. The project was to design an aid using their polymer-based material that would help immobile and bed-ridden patients. More than a project, it was an incredible opportunity to work for a good cause. Working on this project was an all-encompassing experience as I worked on so many skills. I worked on my 3D CAD-designing skills, where I learned about mold design function in CAD and became familiar with mold designing in general.
I was also introduced to 3D polyjet printing and print iterations. We did endless trials and errors, where I enhanced my troubleshooting skills and bit by bit improved 3D printing every time I used it to design a different model. At the end of the project, I made a detailed final report, where I demonstrated the report-writing skills I learned in college and also learned new aspects of report writing. I was able to challenge myself throughout this project with so many new skills.
What led you to Niagara College in the first place?
My brother went to Niagara College and took the same program as I did, so I followed in his footsteps. When my brother was a student at NC, and I was in Pakistan, he introduced me to Niagara College. He would also talk about his projects and co-ops and how the professors, career advisors and international advisors had helped him. It was a depiction of how international student-friendly NC is and how innovative the programs are designed.
“I got into OPG as a co-op student initially, and I was told on my first day by one of the supervisors that the reason my resume stood out was my experience with 3D design technologies at my previous co-op at Research & Innovation.”
Most memorable experience at NC?
I had the opportunity to go on the ‘Be World Ready’ trip to Germany with some students and professors from NC’s School of Technology. We were able to visit the factories of Porsche, BMW, and Volkswagen. Wow, I can never put it into words how incredible the trip was. It was amazing to learn how people from similar professions are operating in a different part of the world. With lots of learning, we had endless fun. I would highly recommend current students to take part in at least one Be World Ready trip.
A faculty member who influenced you?
Well, it would be extremely difficult to pick one. I am so grateful for all the professors I had during my program. I have heard horrible stories about professors from friends who went to other colleges or universities before me. I was lucky because I was taught by amazing professors all along.
The most amount of time I have spent in classes were with professor Neil Walker [Mechanical Engineering Technology] and professor Aaron Shatkosky [Mechanical Engineering Technology] because they taught us in almost every semester. I do not remember going to Aaron with a question and coming back without an answer. He was always there to help during class or after. His lectures included a lot of learning, a little bit of humour and delicious cookies.
There were no bad questions in Neil’s class because Neil would answer everything with such expertise that it would reflect his experience. The way Neil addresses every student’s concern in such a huge class is commendable. I was influenced by Neil’s dedication and teaching skills throughout the program. He nailed each and every subject he taught (and they were not easy). He has just figured out the art of teaching.
A mentor at R&I?
It was a pleasure to work with everyone at R&I. I mostly worked with my project lead, Gordon Maretzki [now centre manager, WAMIC]. He was a great mentor to me during my co-op at R&I. Even though it was my first-ever job in the field of engineering, he gave me full responsibility for the projects and kept me challenged throughout. He made it very clear that he trusts every student, which made me strive for solutions without fear of messing up. In one of our final project reports, he wrote a paragraph to recognize my work on the project, which today still encourages me every time I read it.
What advice would you impart to current research students or future alumni?
To future alumni, I would like to say: Do not be afraid of trying out new things. Be experimental with co-ops and new interests. Try everything, and, in the end, you might find what you enjoy doing the most. College is the best place to make mistakes and to learn from them.
To current research students: There are endless opportunities and learning at Research & Innovation. Between projects, try to interact and explore new technologies that they have to offer.
Proudest achievement since graduating?
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, our last semester was completed online. It was new and challenging for all the students and professors. Therefore, I was proud to complete my semester with desirable grades. I worked really hard on the job search and finally got hired during a pandemic.
Interests outside of work?
Now that I have graduated, I have some free time after work, in which I have started to invest in learning some music. I recently started to learn to play the guitar.
If you could have a billboard message seen by many, what would it say?
Never associate happiness with the destination. Be happy and enjoy the journey. The destination would itself become desirable.
Anything else you want to say?
Any guitarist reading this? I would love some free lessons! 😀
Kerber Applied Research Inc. (KAR) is known for helping other companies with their existing electronic projects, providing system engineering, design guidance and creating prototypes from conceptual ideas through finalized products.
However, the Hamilton, Ont.-based KAR also focuses on their own original inventions for various markets. They sought the expertise of the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (WAMIC) for one such prototype for the dental industry.
Vacubright is an innovative dental tool, with LED lighting to increase visibility for dental professionals –providing increased visibility in the oral cavity with a bendable, hand-held device, instead of only using the overhead lamp, used by most dentists and hygienists.
“Our challenge was to have a design 3D printed for testing purposes for dentists and hygienists,” says KAR president Tom Kerber, adding that sterilization of the prototype for the trials was an absolute must, given the requirements of the coronavirus pandemic; there was also a limited quantity of LED devices that could be made during the trial period.
Kerber needed to have 20 sets 3D printed using high temperature, high-quality plastic pieces for his trial with dental professionals.
“I tried to 3D print at my facility with good success with printing low temperature plastics, but multiple failures printing with higher temperature plastics, such as nylon,” explains Kerber. “The plastic needed to pass through the autoclave disinfection dental appliance with no deformation in the disinfection process.”
Kerber then approached Niagara College’s Research & Innovation division to leverage its design capabilities and knowledge of injection molding,says Brock Husak, interim research laboratory technologist with WAMIC. “It turned out to be a tricky project considering the requirement needed to make a part injection molded while maintaining important geometry found in the original model.”
The WAMIC team used CAD-based software to design the device for injection molding, keeping in mind draft angles, wall thickness, ribbing for added strength, and geometry that is moldable, explains Husak.
After a number of testing and design corrections by the research engineers, in the end, the prototype worked flawlessly, says Kerber.
“I retested the parts under the high temperature disinfection process, extending the normal one-hour dissention time to 12 hours and there was no deformity of the plastic,” he says, adding he’s now ready to approach the dentists who have expressed an interest to evaluate the new dental device.
He says both dentists and hygienists have told him this “revolutionary light device will offer more depth of light to see in the oral cavity,” making their job easier.
“It would not have been possible for me to run the initial trials without a very nice-looking plastic part that can withstand the disinfection process,” notes Kerber.
KAR has also worked with the Research & Innovation division’s Business & Commercialization Solutions team to obtain market research about the dental industry, developing a website and research into the best channel for launching their product.
This project was made possible through the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP), which provides up to 20 hours of access to the equipment, facilities, and expertise of a Technology Access Centre (TAC) to solve a specific business or technical challenge.
This is one example of the types of technical services offered by the Walker Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre. To discover other resources and capabilities, visit the website.
