Mechanician/Machinist - College of Science

The Mechanician/Machinist will provide instructional and research support for departments in the College of Science. This position maintains, repairs, fabricates, and installs various types of equipment, instruments, and furnishings; assists with the design of equipment and accessories used in research and development of new laboratory experiments; authors shop safety policies as well as standards of practice for specific equipment; and instructs students, staff, and faculty on the safe use of cutting and machining tools in the College of Science Machine Shop, Geosciences Thin Section Laboratory, the Prices Fork Research Center Rock Crushing Facility, and others; and procures materials and equipment as needed.

A successful Machinist:
Prioritizes safety procedures and policies for all machining procedures. The Mechanician/Machinist position takes the lead and ensures that all safety guidelines set forth by Virginia Tech Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Department and the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH) Program are followed by all present in the shop.

Recognizes the need for clear communication, ongoing collaboration and enjoys being part of a diverse team of staff, students, faculty, and vendors. This position works with a variety of staff, students, and faculty across multiple departments in the College of Science. The ability to instruct and support these stakeholders is a key to success in this position.

Is comfortable with computer work and the maintenance of documentation procedures. As the lead in this new position, computer skills are important to ensure that the record keeping is up to date for inventory, billing and accounting, equipment, safety training and the job log.

Is able to analyze information, problem-solve and implement effective solutions. This position is a strategic partner for the college and driving solutions will ensure that the operation is efficient and effective for all staff, faculty, and students.

Is energized by a dynamic environment. This position is new for the college and the successful candidate will thrive in an environment where meeting deadlines while multi-tasking is crucial to success.

Demonstrated skills in machining procedures.
Associate degree in a related field, or equivalent training and/or experience as a mechanician, machinist, or in manufacturing technology.
Able to use Google Workspace applications (i.e. Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Gmail) for communicating and collaborating with customers while documenting inventory, equipment, and jobs.
Experience with ordering materials, invoicing and general record keeping.
Able to safely move and handle items weighing up to 75 pounds.

Extensive machine shop experience.
Knowledge of computer numerical controlled (CNC) milling machines and/or lathes.
Familiarity with 3D printing machines and types of 3D printing materials.
Hands-on experience training machine operators.
Experience in other crafts such as welding (i.e. TIG, MIG, or Stick), brazing, and sheet metal work.
Demonstrated ability to multi-task with a changing environment and adapt to changing situations.

Materials Submission

A completed application will include a resume, cover letter and a list of three professional references with their preferred contact information. 

4

Regular

Commensurate with experience

Monday, January 30, 2023

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.