Science Research Development Model​/Tool Maker

Title: Science Research Development Model/Tool Maker

Executive Area: Academic Affairs

College/School/MBU: College of Natural Sciences

Department: Physics

Work Location: Amherst

Schedule: Full time

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Under general supervision of shop foreman, the Scientific Research and Development Model Maker promotes the research and educational mission of the Physics Machine Shop through the design of unique and complex scientific equipment and apparatus used in sponsored research. The position designs and fabricates this equipment using manual and computer-controlled machines and supports the education of research students by instructing them in machining.

• Manufacture parts and fixtures, design and fabricate custom cutters as required, cut and machine raw stock into finished pieces, grind and polish metal surfaces to extremely high precision, and join fabricated materials with welding and brazing.
• Produce mechanical drawings using strong command of trigonometry.
• Handle intricate and complicated requests requiring long‑term planning and focus.
• Assist and instruct faculty and graduate students in the design of research apparatus and advise on choice of appropriate materials for fabrication, including commodity grade aluminum, tungsten, copper, high‑grade platinum, steel, plastics, and machinable ceramics.
• Assist in installation of lab equipment, fabricate supports and other devices to ensure proper calibration and operation, and use woodworking machinery as required.
• Teach students in the Student Machine Shop Course on technical drawing, drafting, use of precision measurement tools, equipment design, and operation of shop machinery.
• Oversee trained students in the operation of tools and machinery for their research projects.
• May be required to manage the machine shop in the absence of the shop foreman.
• Assist in general maintenance of all shop areas and rooms, recommend purchase of tools, metal stock and supplies, maintain major equipment with occasional repairs, and assist in maintaining job logs and stock records.

• Work collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality, and inclusiveness.
• Work in partnership with colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

• Diploma and/or certification of completion from a formal vocational or technical school or qualified apprenticeship program.
• Eight (8) years as a tool maker, tool and die maker, gauge maker, or model maker.
• Complete knowledge of machine shop equipment, related instruments, and tools.
• Extensive familiarity with properties of metals, ceramics, plastics, and other manufactured materials.

• Experience with Solid Works or similar CAD/CAM software and Mastercam.
• Experience with welding.

Direct supervision pertaining to job priority and unusual job requirements will be received from the department shop foreman or designee.

Work is performed in a laboratory setting and may involve exposure to chemicals or infectious diseases. Requires standing for extended periods of time and/or use of protective gear.

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.

Pay Grade: PSSAP Grade 27

Professional Staff Hiring Ranges available from the department.