Machinist
Listed on 2026-02-16
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Manufacturing / Production
Manufacturing Engineer, Machine Operator
The Mechanical Engineering Department at Northern Arizona University aims to hire a machinist who will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining a variety of machine tools—including lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and CNC equipment—to fabricate precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. This position requires reading and interpreting blueprints, sketches, and CAD files to determine specifications, planning the sequence of operations, and ensuring parts meet exacting tolerances and quality standards.
A successful candidate will demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, and familiarity with both manual and CNC machining operations. Effective communication skills and a commitment to safety protocols are essential in this educational environment.
The Department aims to hire a machinist who will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining machine tools to fabricate precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. This position requires reading and interpreting blueprints, sketches, and CAD files to determine specifications, planning the sequence of operations, and ensuring parts meet exacting tolerances and quality standards.
Responsibilities Include- Machine one-off prototypes and low-volume parts on manual mills/lathes and on CNC equipment (mills, lathes, EDM, plasma cutter).
- Weld project components using GMAW, SMAW, and GTAW processes; perform basic oxy/propane cutting or heating operations.
- Interpret and verify engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD models; suggest material choices, tolerances, and machining or welding strategies.
- Collaborate with student teams to review designs for manufacturability; recommend modifications during early test iterations.
- Maintain detailed job logs, inspection reports, and fabrication notes to support continuous improvement and repeatability.
- Assist faculty with fabrication of classroom demonstrations, test rigs, and research hardware.
- Set up, calibrate, and perform preventive maintenance on all Machine Shop equipment (manual, CNC, welding, EDM, and plasma systems).
- Monitor tooling condition; select, order, and inventory cutting tools, welding consumables, gases, and safety supplies.
- Document maintenance actions and machine status in shop records.
- Enforce ME Machine Shop safety rules; deliver safety orientations covering machining, welding, torch work, and CNC plasma/EDM operations.
- Provide hands-on instruction in basic and advanced machining techniques; coach students through Capstone part fabrication.
- Supervise students during open-shop hours, ensuring correct PPE use and safe machine practices.
- Model a culture of continuous improvement and professional conduct in a teaching shop environment.
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