Master Machinist, College of Engineering Student Machine Shop

PAY GRADE: 2N

CONTEXT OF THE JOB:

Serve as the in-house expert for advanced manufacturing practices in the College of Engineering Student Machine Shop. These practices include, but are not limited to, CNC programming and operation (2 & 3-axis), CAD/CAM processing, welding, and high power laser cutting. The Master Machinist will work closely with faculty members to design and integrate and deliver training for advanced manufacturing practices into engineering courses, student competition teams, and core laboratory and design experiences for students. This individual will directly support engineering students at all levels on intra and extra-curricular experiences that relate to advanced machining practices; and they will coordinate closely with co-machinists, faculty, and student teaching assistants to coordinate safety, equipment, and material needs for student use of the shop at all skill levels. The Master Machinist will also be called upon, at times, to work closely with faculty and administration for strategic planning, renovations, and continual shop improvement projects in support of the educational programs in the college. A high level of independent judgment and collaboration skills are required.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Act as a resource for students and faculty, specific to advanced manufacturing practices. This includes support for both intra-curricular (course related) and extra-curricular (student organization) activities.
• ­Provide advice and technical resource material on machining techniques, tools, materials and design. This will involve teaching students directly in small group and, sometimes, larger class settings.
• Work closely with faculty to design, continually refine, and implement hands-on coursework centered on advanced manufacturing practices.
• With support from fellow machinist(s) and faculty, manage the efficient use of the instructional machine shop, including equipment and material inventories, safety protocols, and workflow issues.
• Be an active member of the leadership team that oversees student fabrication and laboratory spaces. This may include some level of strategic planning in partnership with fellow staff and faculty.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED with more than five but preferably closer to ten years of machine shop experience; completion of standard trades school, additional technical training programs and/or journeyman status.
• Additional training in the sciences or basic engineering is preferred.
• Technical aptitude and comprehensive knowledge of machine tools, shop math, precision measuring instruments, working properties of metals and plastics, and machine shop and stockroom operations.
• Ability to perform design engineering and work independently from sketches, drawings, or verbal instructions.
• Competency in CNC machine programming and operation, with a preference for Mazak and Prototrak machine experience.
• Fluency with CAD software, e.g., AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
• CAD/CAM processing and manufacturing experience, including MasterCAM.
• The following additional skills are desirable: (a) welding and sheet metal fabrication; (b) tool and die making.
• Experience as a teacher or trainer is desirable.
• Ability to organize, assign and direct the work of others.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact well with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office products such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is necessary.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:
Frequently required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• With or without assistance, must be able to routinely lift up to 50 pounds. In certain positions, employment is dependent upon passing a University-specified medical evaluation related to the use of respiratory protection equipment.
• A modified workday time schedule may be required.