Part-Time Mechatronics Technology Instructor – Continuous Learning Pool – Vancouver, WA – Join arenaflex’s Cutting-Edge Automation Education Team

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a forward‑thinking institution dedicated to shaping the next generation of industrial automation professionals. Situated in the vibrant Pacific Northwest, arenaflex blends rigorous technical training with a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Our mission is to empower students from every cultural, socioeconomic, and academic background to become confident, skilled mechatronics technicians who can thrive in today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape. As a hub for industry‑college collaboration, arenaflex partners with local manufacturers, robotics firms, and community organizations to ensure that our curriculum remains relevant, hands‑on, and aligned with real‑world demands.

Why This Role Matters

The Part‑Time Mechatronics Technology Instructor will be a cornerstone of our Continuous Learning Pool, delivering dynamic classroom instruction and immersive laboratory experiences. This position is more than a teaching job—it is an opportunity to mentor diverse learners, innovate pedagogical approaches, and build lasting bridges between academia and industry. If you are passionate about industrial automation, love working with students from varied backgrounds, and thrive in collaborative environments, arenaflex offers a platform where your expertise can make a tangible impact.

Key Responsibilities

General Faculty Duties

• Design and deliver engaging lectures on fundamental DC & AC electricity, electrical power distribution, three‑phase motor control, fluid power, mechanical drive systems, and programmable logic controller (PLC) interfacing.
• Lead hands‑on lab sessions that demonstrate industrial robotics, test and measurement instrumentation, and real‑time troubleshooting of automation equipment.
• Employ active‑learning strategies—such as problem‑based learning, peer instruction, and live simulations—to foster deep conceptual understanding and practical skill development.
• Continuously refine teaching techniques by incorporating emerging educational technologies, industry trends, and feedback from students and peers.
• Maintain professional‑technical certifications required for the discipline and stay current with industry standards (e.g., IEC, NFPA, ISO).
• Participate in curriculum development, program assessment, and accreditation activities to ensure the Mechatronics Technology program meets regional and national benchmarks.
• Collaborate with fellow instructors, advisory board members, and local business partners to create unique learning opportunities, such as guest‑speaker series, site visits, and capstone projects.
• Foster an inclusive classroom environment that respects and celebrates cultural, socioeconomic, and academic diversity.
• Uphold and promote arenaflex’s mission, values, and commitment to student success, retention, and lifelong learning.

Service and Community Engagement

• Contribute to departmental and college‑wide service initiatives as assigned, supporting strategic goals related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Engage with community partners to develop apprenticeship pipelines, mentorship programs, and workforce development workshops.
• Serve as a mentor for student clubs, robotics teams, and industry‑focused extracurricular activities.

Essential Qualifications

• Associate degree in Manufacturing, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field and a minimum of two (2) years of relevant industry experience, or five (5) years of industry experience in lieu of the degree.
• Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following core areas:
  • Industrial three‑phase electric motor control systems – installation, troubleshooting, and repair.
  • Mechanical power transmission systems – installation, troubleshooting, and repair.
  • Fluid power (hydraulic & pneumatic) systems – installation, troubleshooting, and repair.
  • Robotic control systems – interfacing, installation, troubleshooting, and repair.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to learners of varying skill levels.
• Commitment to inclusive teaching practices and the ability to work effectively with students from diverse backgrounds.
• Professional‑technical certification(s) relevant to the mechatronics discipline (e.g., Certified Automation Professional, PLC Programmer Certification) or a clear plan to obtain them within the first year of employment.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience teaching or training in a post‑secondary setting, community college, or vocational institute.
• Familiarity with industry‑standard software such as LabVIEW, AutoCAD Electrical, SolidWorks, and PLC programming environments (Rockwell, Siemens, etc.).
• Track record of securing industry partnerships, grant funding, or collaborative research projects.
• Knowledge of current trends in Industry 4.0, IoT‑enabled automation, and smart manufacturing.
• Demonstrated ability to develop curriculum materials, assessment rubrics, and competency‑based learning outcomes.
• Certification or training in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) pedagogy.

Career Growth & Professional Development

arenaflex invests heavily in the professional growth of its faculty. As a part‑time instructor, you will have access to:

• Paid professional‑development workshops, conferences, and certification courses related to automation, robotics, and teaching excellence.
• Mentorship programs that pair you with senior faculty members and industry experts.
• Opportunities to lead or co‑lead grant‑writing initiatives that can fund new labs, equipment upgrades, or research projects.
• Pathways to transition into full‑time faculty roles, program leadership, or curriculum design positions based on performance and institutional needs.
• Participation in arenaflex’s Employee Resource Groups, Social Justice Leadership Institute, and Cross‑Institution Faculty of Color Mentorship program, fostering a supportive network for underrepresented faculty.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

While the position is part‑time, arenaflex offers a competitive hourly rate that reflects the specialized nature of the role. Current rates are:

• Lecture hourly rate: $85.48
• Lab hourly rate: $73.01

Additional benefits include:

• Access to campus health and wellness resources (gym, counseling services, and wellness workshops).
• Eligibility for tuition remission on graduate courses offered through arenaflex or partner institutions.
• Flexible scheduling to accommodate industry projects, research, or personal commitments.
• Professional liability coverage and access to state‑of‑the‑art lab facilities.
• Inclusion in arenaflex’s comprehensive employee assistance program, providing support for financial, legal, and personal matters.

Work Environment & Culture

arenaflex prides itself on a collaborative, student‑centered culture where innovation and respect go hand‑in‑hand. Faculty members enjoy:

• A vibrant campus community located in Vancouver, WA, with easy access to major manufacturing hubs and technology parks.
• A supportive administration that values faculty input on curriculum, policy, and strategic direction.
• Regular faculty gatherings, interdisciplinary workshops, and social events that foster collegiality.
• Commitment to a smoke‑free, drug‑free environment that prioritizes safety and well‑being.
• Robust resources for accommodating faculty and students with disabilities, in compliance with the ADA and Federal Rehabilitation Act.

Application Process

Required Materials

• Complete the arenaflex Online Application, including the names of three professional references.
• Cover letter that outlines your teaching philosophy, relevant industry experience, and why you are drawn to the mechatronics program at arenaflex.
• Current résumé highlighting technical expertise, certifications, and any prior teaching or training roles.
• Unofficial copies of all transcripts, certifications, and any relevant licensure.
• Responses to supplemental questions provided within the online application portal.

Submission Details

All application materials must be submitted electronically through the arenaflex career portal. For assistance or accommodations related to the application process, please contact arenaflex Human Resources at (360) 992‑2105 or via video phone at (360) 991‑0901.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; positions will be filled as program needs arise. The recruitment announcement will remain active year‑round.

Background Checks & Employment Conditions

All candidates will undergo a background check, including criminal history review. Successful applicants must also provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States. In accordance with Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and the State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), a Vocational Certification plan must be established prior to the first day of classes. Ongoing compliance with these regulations is a condition of continued employment.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusion Statement

arenaflex is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from individuals of all protected classes, including but not limited to race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, and religious affiliation. Our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) provides resources, training, and mentorship to support the academic, personal, and professional growth of every faculty member.

Join arenaflex Today

If you are ready to inspire the next wave of mechatronics talent, bring real‑world automation expertise into the classroom, and grow your own career within a supportive, innovative environment, we invite you to apply. Become part of arenaflex’s mission to transform lives through technical education and to shape the future of industrial automation.

Apply Now