Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To design, engineer, prototype, test and troubleshoot electronic and multimedia hardware/software components (e.g. sophisticated microprocessor applications, programmable logic control systems and programmable multimedia/lighting features) and custom printed circuit boards for one of a kind interactive applications/special effects for exhibits. To fabricate, install, service and repair electronic/multimedia exhibit components and electromechanical equipment such as lasers, colour televisions, computers, video disc players, VCRs, audio equipment, etc.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. 50% Conceptualizes, designs and engineers electronic and multimedia hardware components (80%), programmable lighting and microcomputer logic control systems for VCRs, Laser Discs, etc. (20%) including computer network interface to produce custom synchronized electronic/multimedia exhibit components for special effects visualized by non-technical project team members such as Exhibit Developers (scientific content) and Designers (aesthetics) by:
- independently determining requirements for exhibit electronic/multimedia components, establishing electronic subsystem design parameters, overall function requirements and modes of operation (cooling, electronic discharge, protection from power line interruptions)
- researching technical manuals, consulting electronic manufacturers and suppliers, attending trade shows/seminars, etc. on hardware, software and equipment developments to provide alternatives for the development of original and/or custom applications,
- developing original electronic designs and engineering plans (or revamping/adapting previous designs) including electronic design and drafting of custom analog and digital circuits, microprocessor and software programming, PLC hardware, computer hardware and software design taking into account configurations and interrelationships between computers and electronic/multimedia equipment;
- assessing capabilities/limitations computer hardware subsystems (e.g. processors, fixed and floppy disk drives, memory, modems and network interface cards), computer operating systems (e.g. Microsoft Windows NT, Windows 95, Macintosh 7.X), computer network technologies and electronic/multimedia equipment in terms of intended functionality, reliability over time with repeated use, serviceability including likelihood of future obsolescence of equipment or component parts, etc.
- experimenting with microprocessors, related hardware and ancillary equipment e.g. data terminals, serial communications, EPROM programmers, etc., applying knowledge of their application and programming to control exhibits and related systems e.g. Z80 microprocessor and its peripherals;
- using sophisticated programming languages for microprocessors including ANSI C and Visual Basic programming languages and for programmable logic controllers including Parallax Basic Stamp2SX controller firmware, OMRON PLC, Director 7 Macromedia Multimedia;
- using specialized software application work tools such as Protel CAD electronic circuit board design layout software, Sound forge and Sonic Foundry for programming multimedia audio and the Internet, AV1, MPEG and Wav for file programming and editing, Visio Professional drawing package and Microsoft Office, Win NT, MAC OS for network interface
- solving technical and circuitry problems where no commercially available solutions exist e.g. Digital Video Disk (DVD), lasers;
- creating prototypes and establishing test criteria for original electronic/multimedia components, custom controllers and circuitry to verify functionality and safety of design/engineering plans such as Flexibility, Step-up and Endurance Tests, 3-D SEM, Video Central Monitoring System, Chimpanzee Key Board, Attribution Error, etc. and using specialty electronic/electrical testing equipment ohmeter, voltmeter, oscilloscope, generators, spectrum analyzer, etc.
- ensuring designs meet electronic engineering standards, Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Ontario Electrical Code and Ontario Hydro requirements for approval/certification
- evaluating systems/equipment under consideration for lease, purchase or fabrication; estimating electronic project costs including materials, equipment, production time and labour costs;
- producing technical specifications for procurement of electronic/multimedia components
- negotiating for and engaging services of external manufacturers/suppliers for proprietary subsystems e.g. Z80 card and for printed circuit board, ensuring product meets technical specifications
- creating formal design/engineering technical manual on electronic/multimedia subsystems and circuitry including exhibit description, design diagrams and engineering working drawings, component layout and electronic circuitry specifications, work orders, requisitions, list of suppliers, programming information on disk, notes for on-site exhibit maintenance and for future reproduction, renewal/update of OSC exhibits
- troubleshooting exhibit operating problems on-site and leased/sold to other museums, organizations; determining causes of exhibit breakdown based on observed system behaviour (or eliciting observations for off-site exhibits), providing authoritative advice e.g. effects of substitution of other electronic components, parts or equipment
- as senior technologist, providing assistance and advice to Electronics and Multimedia Technicians

2. 40% Fabricates, installs, tests, repairs electronic/multimedia subsystems for exhibits by:
- Collaborating with other production/fabrication shops to assemble and wire final electronic/multimedia subsystems and (e.g. Electrical, Woodshop, Metal Shop, Graphics Production, etc.)
- Installing equipment on-site and, as required, at locations that have leased or purchased Centre exhibits
- testing, servicing and repairing a wide range of electronic and electromechanical equipment including lasers, colour televisions, VCRs, projectors, computers, video disks, audio and video tapes, disk players, programmable logic controllers (PLC), etc., repairing on-site or removing equipment to repair in shop or at warranty repair shops manipulate hand tools on small parts of intricate equipment, to operate soldering and de-soldering equipment e.g. propane and electric as well as basic machine shop equipment e.g. band saw, drill press to prototype multimedia electronic casings
- repairing incorrect function and/or equipment by appropriate method with reference to the technical manual developed for the exhibit, manufacturers manuals, etc.
- checking faults in exhibits related to computer control and operation, reading computer printout to detect possible errors in computer memory
- reporting major malfunctions requiring large expenditures and/or exhibit downtime to Group Leader
- performing ongoing preventative maintenance as scheduled (e.g. cleans, adjusts replaces equipment/parts as required)
- maintaining in proper operating condition test equipment, personal tools (meters, power supplies and oscilloscopes) and gear shared by the group (sound level meter, NTSC TV signal generator, Huntron Tracker, circuit tester, IC tester, etc.)
- conforming to safety standards and requirements of the department e.g. wearing protective clothing and footware, using safety devices and observing safe operations of equipment.

3. 10 % Performs other related duties as required of assigned

Staffing and Licensing :

Certified Electronics Technologist

Knowledge :

Extensive knowledge and experience of electronic theory and practice to design, engineer, prototype, test, build and troubleshoot electronic hardware and software components (programmable logic controls systems (PLC), programmable lighting and custom circuitry for one of a kind, interactive applications/special effects for exhibits. Extensive current knowledge of developments in electronic and multimedia components and equipment market for design/engineering of custom applications, to source, provide technical specifications for the procurement of specialized equipment and devices, software, tools, parts and materials e.g. Solid state radio. Theoretical and practical knowledge of capabilities/limitations computer hardware subsystems including microprocessors (and related hardware and ancillary equipment such as data terminal, serial communication, EPRON programmers), fixed and floppy disk drives, memory, modems and network interface cards in terms of their relative suitability for use in proposed exhibits and to update/renew exhibits that are already on display. Theoretical and practical knowledge of computer operating systems and a wide variety of programming languages for microprocessors and programmable logic controllers (PLCs) including Director 7 Macromedia Multimedia, ANSI C programming language, Parallax Basic Stamp2SX controller firmware, OMRON PLC, Z80-IPC, Z180 Dynamic C for PK series microprocessor control, GSX Genius (DMX controller), Electrosonic ESTA II (MPEG layer 2 digital audio programming), Electrosonic BSC III digital audio, Kodak EKTAPRO P-COM Protocol language, Phillips RC-5 control protocol, S-control/ Control A-1 Sony A/V control protocol, Motorola 68HC11 micro processor assemble language, Visual Basic Microsoft programming language, LEGO Mindstorms software, TECHNOVISION 1 and 2 controllers configuration, QCOM GEM3 greenhouse configuration. Specialized knowledge of software application work tools including Protel CAD circuit board design layout software, Sound forge and Sonic Foundry programming for multimedia audio and Internet, AVI, MPEG and Wav file programming and editing, Visio Professional drawing package, Microsoft Office 97, Win95/98NT, MAC OS. Knowledge of dedicated audio visual control systems, projectors, lenses, photographic slide mounting materials/techniques. Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act, electronic engineering standards, Canadian Standards Association (CSA), Ontario Electrical Code and Ontario Hydro requirements for approval/certification to ensure personal safety and protect visitors/ individuals interacting with the exhibit e.g. techniques for safely isolating metal electrodes from hazardous voltage levels, grounding requirements, etc. Practical knowledge of pneumatics and hydraulics to repair electronic controls that interact with these systems.

Skills :

nterpersonal and analytical skills required to clarify/interpret desired electronic and multimedia effects from general descriptions (primarily oral, although sometimes written and graphic information) on exhibit design parameters and requirements specified by Exhibit Developers/Designers. Problem solving skills to design, engineer, prototype and test original electronic and multimedia exhibit components, troubleshoot exhibit electronic and multimedia operations problems (both on-site and for International Marketing customers who have leased/purchased exhibitry from the Ontario Science Centre). Organisational skills to determine own work sequences to meet dates on critical paths for concurrent projects. Dexterity required to manipulate hand tools on small parts of intricate equipment, to operate soldering and de-soldering equipment e.g. propane and electric as well as basic machine shop equipment e.g. band saw, drill press to prototype multimedia electronic casings. Writing skills to produce technical specifications for component parts for suppliers and technical manual for the exhibit including formal documentation such as exhibit description, design diagrams and engineering working drawings, component layout and electronic circuitry specifications, work orders, requisitions, list of suppliers, programming information on disk, notes, diagrams, etc. on custom designed electronic subsystems for exhibit maintenance, renewal and as an archive for purpose of exhibit reproduction.

Freedom of Action :

Independence, as a technological/engineering specialist, in determining the most effective solutions for electronic and multimedia exhibit components to achieve desired effects and, at the same time, achieve maximum performance. Independence exists in researching, designing, engineering, experimenting, prototyping, testing original electronic and multimedia components and custom circuitry, programming electronic digital components e.g. controls and devices to synchronize multiple effects including lighting, sound and visuals, taking into account network interfaces, selecting equipment and components parts based on performance e.g. reliability, durability, etc. Independence also required in troubleshooting operating problems (especially for clients who have leased/purchased exhibits) eliciting information/observations about the exhibit functionality to diagnose problem, providing expert guidance on service and repair, implications associated with the substitution of component parts, etc.