CNC Machinist & Programmer, McDonald Observatory Full-time

CNC Machinist & Programmer, McDonald Observatory

The McDonald Observatory CNC Machinist & Programmer is responsible for producing quality precision machined parts for astronomical instruments by programming, setting up, and operating a computer numerical control (CNC) machine while maintaining excellence and safety standards. Programming with MasterCAM (required) on CNC vertical mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines. Experience with 3D surfacing.

This position is located in Austin on the UT Campus. The observatory fosters an environment that emphasizes personal responsibility, continuous improvement, teamwork, innovation, and safety. Applicants selected for interviews are encouraged to bring samples of their work and may be requested to perform MasterCAM skills.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage.
• Retirement contributions; options are: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Paid holidays.
• Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Purpose

To perform highly skilled and technical supervisory work fabricating precision parts from drawings and solid models by programming, setting up, and operating CNC vertical milling machine, CNC lathe, and CNC wire EDM. Use manual machine tools and all other machine shop-related equipment as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Fabricate high-quality, high-precision parts efficiently and on time using CAM programming and by setting up and operating CNC milling machines, lathes, and wire EDM. Use personal judgment and initiative to match the machining process, layout, and setup to the job, including designing and building fixtures and jigs when necessary. Performs other duties as required to meet the business needs.
• Use manual milling machines, lathes, and similar equipment to fabricate parts.
• Assist researchers and design personnel in planning instrument design and construction, drawing on practical knowledge from shop experience.
• Maintain general use of perishable tools and instruct students and others using the machine shop as needed. Stay current on new manufacturing methods, practices, and tools. Instruct students and others using the shop as needed.
• Assemble, modify, repair, and maintain instruments and equipment, including mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines, for the Observatory, the shop, and the Astronomy Department.

Required Qualifications

• High school graduation or GED, supplemented by or including a vocational machine shop and other technical courses such as mathematics, physics, and blueprint reading.
• Professional level of MasterCAM software to program CNC machines, ability to set up and operate CNC machines, and using PC computers to run programs and save files.
• Four years skilled construction and maintenance of equipment, or as an instrument maker or machinist beyond the apprentice level.
• Advanced knowledge of choosing and loading the correct cutting tools, tool paths and adjusting machine settings to the desired product specification.
• Advanced knowledge using a lathe, milling machines, drill press, micrometers, and other precision measuring devices.
• Good working knowledge of trigonometry, geometry, and basic math.
• Follows instructions when selecting appropriate tooling and fixtures.
• Ability to work independently, work under pressure, accept supervision, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without day-to-day supervision, and effectively communicate with supervisors, co-workers, and customers.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Motivated and shows willingness to learn.
• Willingness to teach others machining skills if necessary.
• Demonstrates a strong mechanical aptitude.
• Regular and punctual attendance.
• Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience as an instrument maker, machinist, or tool and die maker.
• Five or more years of experience programming and operating CNC mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines (specifically, Hurco, HAAS, and Fanuc WEDM), and planning, laying out and setting up tooling, jigs, and fixtures to fabricate single-part or multi-part jobs.
• Five or more years of experience using MasterCAM software to program CNC machines.
• Knowledge of solid modeling software (specifically, Inventor and SolidWorks), MasterCAM tool libraries, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Technical courses such as machine tool programming and blueprint reading.

Salary Range

$60,000 + depending on experience and qualifications

Working Conditions

• Usual machine, scientific, or engineering shop conditions, such as sitting, walking, standing, squatting, stooping, and reaching
• Work under supervision
• Maintains a safe work environment
• Follows established procedures as well as quality and safety standards
• May be required to work multiple machines simultaneously
• Exposure to a variety of experimental laboratory shop conditions
• Handles deadlines and overlapping projects
• May work around chemicals and chemical fumes
• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards
• May work around standard office conditions
• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation and use of a computer
• May work around bio-hazards
• May work around hazardous chemicals and cryogenic liquids
• Use of manual dexterity
• Climbing of stairs
• Heavy lifting and moving
• Working with heavy machinery
• Use of approved safety equipment if required

Work Shift

• Monday to Friday
• 8-hour shift plus lunch break

Required Materials

• Letter of interest
• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor