Machine Shop Supervisor, McDonald Observatory

University of Texas at Austin

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The McDonald Observatory Machine Shop Supervisor is responsible for overseeing scheduling, operations, maintenance, and employee supervision for the Observatory’s machine shop. Knowledge of programming and operating computer numerical control (CNC) machines, as well as manual machines and precision measuring tools, is required to produce high-quality, precision-machined parts while upholding safety and quality standards. Secondary responsibilities include obtaining tools and materials, communicating project progress, advising the shop’s customers on fabrication-related issues, and assisting with other tasks as needed. This position is based on the UT Austin 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. UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes: 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage. Retirement contributions: 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. Assists the McDonald Observatory's engineering group with tasks related to the design and fabrication of instruments, and assists the Astronomy Department with instructional telescopes, classrooms, and other tasks. Supervises the machine shop, coordinating and developing schedules and workflow to ensure appropriate progress on mechanical engineering projects.

Requirements

Technical or Vocational School
At least 10 years of precision machining, mechanical, electrical, or electronic trade experience, including construction and maintenance of sophisticated equipment.
At least 2 years of supervisory experience managing employees, workflow scheduling, and supplies to complete tasks.
At least 3 years of experience operating standard manual machine shop tools, particularly mills, lathes, precision grinders, and drill presses.
At least 3 years of experience maintaining and repairing machine shop equipment and tooling.
Understanding CNC machine tool programming and G-code; working knowledge of MasterCAM software to program CNC machine tools from 3D CAD solid models.
Working knowledge of Solidworks and/or Inventor CAD software.
Ability to use precision measuring tools and techniques to hold and verify tight tolerances on high-quality, precision parts.
Demonstrated record-keeping skills, use of spreadsheets, and project-tracking logs.
Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Communicate clearly, correctly, and professionally in written text, such as emails and work documents.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple deadlines.
Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and serve as an integral member of a project team.
Demonstrable good judgment.
Demonstrated planning, decision-making, and critical-thinking skills.
Regular and punctual attendance.
Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license.
The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence.
If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

Nice To Haves

Over three years of experience as a machine shop supervisor.
Journeyman machinist experience.
Over three years of experience operating standard manual machine shop tools, particularly mills, lathes, precision grinders, and drill presses.
Experience setting up and operating CNC mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines.
Experience programming CNC machine tools using MasterCAM from 3D solid CAD models.
Ability to read, understand, and edit G-code files.
Three years of experience with SolidWorks and Inventor CAD software.
Five years of experience maintaining and repairing machine shop machines and tooling.

Responsibilities

Supervises and coordinates daily operations of the engineering machine shop to ensure appropriate day-to-day progress on the mechanical engineering aspects of projects.
Communicates project progress, issues affecting progress and the shop, and responds to inquiries clearly and concisely.
Locate and purchase services, parts, tools, and materials from outside vendors and contractors.
Required to drive a UT vehicle to drop off and pick up parts and materials at off-campus locations.
Provide labor and material cost estimate input for proposed mechanical engineering projects.
Operate machine tools for part fabrication as needed; maintain organized, up-to-date mechanical drawing files.
Coordinate machine tool repair and maintenance.
Assist the Astronomy Department with the repair and maintenance of dome and telescope equipment, departmental classrooms, and facilities.
Maintain vehicle logs.
Perform other duties as required to support business operations.