Machine Shop Senior Specialist, Missouri Institute for Defense & Energy

Hiring Department

Missouri Institute of Defense and Energy (MIDE) in the Office of Strategic Innovation (OSIN) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

Job Description

The Machine Shop seeks a Senior Specialist to serve as a team lead and help with design and machining of prototypes for University research. The Machine Shop supports campus staff, faculty, students, and the campus research enterprise by advising, designing, and producing highly specified parts. This role serves as a point of escalation for other Machine Shop personnel and advises and co-leads Machine Shop processes and best practices.

Responsibilities include:

• Program, set up, and operate CNC (Computer Numerical Control) mills, including 3-axis and 5-axis machines, to produce high-precision components
• Interpret engineering drawings, CAD (Computerized Aided Design) models, and technical specifications to manufacture complex parts
• Assist in the design and refinement of parts and fixtures to improve manufacturability and efficiency
• Collaborate with faculty, engineers, and students to translate concepts and research requirements into manufacturable designs and finished components
• Evaluate existing designs and provide recommendations for improved performance, cost-effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing
• Provide day-to-day guidance and technical support to shop users, student workers, and junior staff
• Serve as point of escalation for complex technical troubleshooting for other Machine Shop engineers.
• Manage work order schedules to support time sensitive requests and long-duration requests.
• Assist with inventory and raw material tracking. Serve as day-to-day lead for all Machine Shop team members following established safety, compliance, and heavy machinery protocols
• Other duties as assigned

NOTE: This position is 100% grant funded and contingent on continued grant funding.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
• Ability to gain and maintain US security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• NIMS (National Institute for Metalworking Skills Certified)
• Mastercam Software: Multiaxis certification, Lathe Certification, Core Certification
• Haas Basic Certified
• Strongly prefer degree in Applied Science in Machine Tool Technology, CNC Computer Numerical Control Machining, or Manufacturing Technology
• Strongly prefer 5+ years of machining experience, including programing, setup, and operation of 5-axis Haas, Hurco, and Prototrak products
• Strongly prefer 2+ years experience working within a university or research-focused environment to produce unique prototypes designed by Staff Engineers, Faculty, and Students
• Strongly prefer Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA)