Science Research Development Model/Tool Maker

UMass Amherst•Amherst, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision of the shop foreman, the Scientific Research and Development Model Maker promotes the research and educational mission of the Physics Machine Shop by the design of unique and complex scientific equipment and apparatus used in sponsored research. This position designs and fabricates this equipment using manual and computer-controlled machines and supports the education of research students by instructing them in the field of machining.

Requirements

Diploma and/or certification of completion from a formal vocational or technical school or qualified apprenticeship program.
Eight (8) years as a tool maker, tool and die maker, gauge maker or model maker.
Complete knowledge of machine shop equipment, related instruments and tools.
Extensive familiarity with properties of metals, ceramics, plastics and other manufactured materials.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD/CAM software and Mastercam.
Experience with welding.

Responsibilities

Manufactures parts and fixtures.
Designs and fabricates custom cutters as required to complete the process.
Cuts and machines raw stock into finished pieces, grinds and polishes metal surfaces to extremely high precision and joins fabricated materials with a variety of techniques, including welding and brazing.
Produces mechanical drawings using a strong command of trigonometry.
Handles intricate and complicated requests requiring long term planning and focus.
Assists and instructs faculty and graduate students in the design of research apparatus and advises on choice of appropriate materials for fabrication.
Assists in the installation of lab equipment, fabricating supports and other devices to ensure proper calibration and operation.
Makes use of woodworking machinery as required.
Teaches students in the Student Machine Shop Course on technical drawing, drafting, use of precision measurement tools, equipment design, and the operation of the shop machinery.
Oversees trained students in the operation of the tools and machinery for their research projects.
May be required to manage machine shop in the absence of shop foreman.
Assists in general maintenance of all shop areas and rooms.
Recommends purchase of tools, metal stock and supplies.
Maintains in good condition major equipment with occasional repairs.
Assists in maintaining job logs and stock records.
Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, equality and inclusiveness.
Works in partnership with colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) community and across the campus to support the Dean’s strategic priorities.
Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.