More jobs:
Machinist & Fabrication Specialist
Job in
Spokane, Spokane County, Washington, 99251, USA
Listed on 2026-06-05
Listing for:
Whitworth University
Full Time, Part Time
position Listed on 2026-06-05
Job specializations:
-
Design & Architecture
Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description & How to Apply Below
Location : Whitworth University Campus
Job Type: Full-Time Staff
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Engineering and Physics
Opening Date: 06/02/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
FTE: .92
Whitworth University is a residential campus shaped by learning, curiosity, and community life. This role is based on campus and requires consistent, in-person engagement.
Position Summary
The Machinist & Fabrication Specialist supports experiential learning within Whitworth University's Engineering & Physics Department by operating, maintaining, and advancing the department's machining capabilities. This position partners with faculty, staff, and students to fabricate prototypes, support engineering projects, and provide hands-on training in machining and manufacturing techniques.
The successful candidate combines machining expertise with a passion for teaching and mentoring students. Unlike a traditional production machining environment, this role focuses on custom fabrication, prototyping, student learning, and the development of safe and effective shop practices.
Core Responsibilities
Student Learning and Shop Instruction | 35%
- Train and mentor students in machining, fabrication, and safe shop practices.
- Develop and deliver shop orientation and equipment training programs.
- Monitor student work to ensure adherence to safety standards and operating procedures.
- Build a culture of curiosity, craftsmanship, and continuous learning.
- Fabricate custom components and prototypes for student, faculty, and departmental projects.
- Support engineering design projects through machining, troubleshooting, and fabrication expertise.
- Assist students in translating designs into manufacturable components.
- Collaborate with faculty to identify fabrication solutions that support curricular goals.
- Operate CNC and manual machining equipment, including mills, lathes, saws, and related fabrication tools.
- Program, set up, and optimize CNC machining operations.
- Perform preventative maintenance and basic repairs on shop equipment.
- Develop and maintain shop procedures, safety documentation, and operating standards.
- Coordinate major repairs and service needs with Facilities and external vendors.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe fabrication environment.
- Manage inventory of materials, tooling, and consumable supplies.
- Assist with purchasing and budgeting for equipment, materials, and shop improvements.
- Other responsibilities as assigned.
- Proven experience operating CNC machining equipment and manual machine tools.
- Experience interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications.
- Knowledge of machining methods, tooling selection, work holding, and fabrication processes.
- Ability to troubleshoot equipment and solve complex fabrication challenges.
- Working knowledge of Washington State and Federal Health and Safety Standards.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning.
- A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church.
- Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
- Commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment.
- Associate degree, technical certification, apprenticeship completion, or equivalent professional experience in machining, manufacturing, fabrication, or a related field.
- Experience programming CNC equipment using CAD/CAM software.
- Experience with Solid Works, Fusion 360, Mastercam, or similar design and manufacturing software.
- Experience training, teaching, mentoring, or supervising students or apprentices.
- Experience in higher education, technical education, makerspaces, or research environments.
Schedule
.92 FTE | 12 Months | 40 hours per week, August to May. 20 hours per week in June and July.
Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students…
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