"Scientific Instrument Maker, Machinist"

Scientific Instrument Maker, Machinist

Company: University of Oklahoma

Job Location: Oklahoma-Norman-Norman Campus

Category: Laboratory and Research

Type: Full-Time

Job Number: 260130

Organization: Physics & Astronomy

Schedule: Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Work Type: Onsite

Salary Range: Targeted salary: $23.48 hourly, based upon experience

Benefits Provided: Yes

Required Attachments: Resume, Cover Letter

Job Description

The Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences is looking for a Scientific Instrument Maker, Machinist, to join our team. The Scientific Instrument Maker, Machinist position provides support in the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics and Astronomy, including faculty, staff and students.

The Instrument and Electronics shop (IES) is the main resource for making custom research equipment, research instruments, and other precision machined parts for the Homer L. Dodge Department of Physics & Astronomy, The Center for Quantum Research and Technology, federally funded grants, and the wider University community. The IES enables cutting-edge experimental research that depends on original apparatus and instrument fabrication. The IES contributes significantly to all research programs housed in both Nielsen and Lin Hall(s), in addition to supporting the educational goals of the department as a whole. The IES also provides services for several other Departments at OU including: chemistry, biology, geology, meteorology, petroleum engineering, computer engineering, materials science, weather science, radar science, among others. This makes the Physics & Astronomy IES a truly University wide resource that supports the research programs and strategic goals of several OU colleges. In addition, the IES also tenders outside work and has fabricated equipment for Laboratories at Los Alamos, Fermilab, the LHC at CERN, as well as others worldwide. The role will recommend appropriate engineering materials and on a regular basis skillfully works a wide variety of materials including brass, aluminum, copper, tool steel, stainless steel, graphite, composites, and plastics. It will create and document mechanical drawings using Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software. It will instruct, supervise, and train student groups when scheduled. It will attend meetings compiling detailed information specific to the instrumentation and fabrication of precision parts and complex equipment. It will perform various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Job Requirements

Required Education and Experience: Associate degree, AND:

• 30 months experience in instrumentation analysis and maintenance.

Equivalency/Substitution: Will accept 24 months of related experience in lieu of the Associate degree for a total of 54 months of related experience.

Skills:

• Basic math and computer skills
• Read and understand complex written materials such as blueprints, metrics, or technical manuals
• Detail oriented for accuracy of machine output
• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects and deadlines
• Able to communicate well and build rapport quickly with students, faculty and staff
• Able to work well with interdepartmental teams and initiatives
• Work with CNC and Manual machines
• Utilize or be capable of learning our CAD and CAM environments, Solidworks and MasterCAM
• Finalize designs with students, faculty and staff
• Ability to identify materials and machining approaches for each project

Certifications: none

Working Conditions:

• Physical: Ability to engage in repetitive motion. Lift 50 lbs. Stand for extended periods of time.
• Environmental: Exposure to occasional loud noise. Willingness to wear earplugs, safety goggles, and other protective clothing.

Departmental Preferences:

• Proficiency in CAD a plus.
• CAD and CAM (Drafting and Design) Certification
• Machinist school + 24 months if no certification

Supervision: Guide, support and instruct Graduate Research Assistants in the proper safety protocols and use of various equipment.

Special Instructions: If you are selected as a final candidate for this position, you will be subject to The University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Tuberculosis Testing policy. To view the policy, visit https://hr.ou.edu/Policies-Handbooks/TB-Testing.

Job Posting: Feb 27, 2026

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