Fabrication & Research Instrumentation Specialist - Dean's Office - Eberly College of Arts and Sciences

The Dean's Office in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences is currently accepting applications for a Fabrication & Research Instrumentation Specialist.

About the Opportunity

This is a skilled technical position in an advanced precision scientific machine shop and wood shop. The shop's primary mission is to design, construct, assemble and operate scientific instrumentation and apparatus used in research and instructional laboratories for the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. Examples of tasks include interpreting technical drawings, precision machining using various mills and lathes, vacuum pump repair, maintenance of liquid nitrogen fill stations, gas cylinders, maintenance of HE system, exercising a knowledge of a wide variety of metals and other materials, maintaining and caring for shop equipment, purchasing and inventory control of tools and materials. In addition, knowledge and experience with Electronics fabrication would be preferred.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• 13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
• 15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
• 18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
• WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
• 401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
• Wellness programs

What You'll Do

Design & Fabrication

• Produce, modify and archive technical drawings associated with shop projects. Nearly all jobs are one-of-a-kind, and machining skills are needed to interpret drawings and fabrication needs. Advise in design of scientific apparatus for use by students and faculty.
• Advise the faculty on the construction, operation, repair and purchase of various instruments and supplies.
• Fabricate large and small-scale components and finished products, such as, equipment support structures, mounting devices, presentation quality display cases, etc. from a variety of raw materials using band saws, joiners, lathes, mills, radial arm saws, table saws, routers, etc., using verbal and written requests (from often not to scale drawings or from descriptions of function).
• Modify and assemble of existing equipment to supplement or enhance the operation of scientific instruments and systems, requiring the basic physical properties and characteristics of a large variety of materials such as woods, synthetic materials, laminates and Plexiglas.
• Repair handles, hasps, drawers, door, etc. in research and teaching laboratories.
• All jobs are unique and considerable precision detail is required to interpret customer drawings, description, intended use, etc. to determine fabrication needs and produce desired designs and results.

Maintenance & Training

• Maintain shop equipment in working order for advanced service. Maintain and clean shop equipment and work areas. Provide repair service and maintenance on scientific instruments and apparatus located in research laboratories and classrooms.
• Assure supplies are stocked and common repair parts are available.
• Responsible for ensuring shop equipment is properly used, serviced and repaired. Keep self and others working in the shop aware of new materials, machines, tools and techniques as they become available.
• Responsible for adhering to the shop specific chemical hygiene plan, procedures and training.
• Assist in the inventory of chemicals, disposal, distribution and waste collection.
• Dispose of chemicals according to EHS regulations.
• Assist in the purchasing of new equipment, tools, parts and supplies.
• Assist in the purchase, control, movement and dispensing of gasses and cryogenic fluids.
• Maintain operation of HE System.
• Maintain operation of multiple compressors in two buildings.
• Operate and repair basic vacuum systems.
• Training of students and faculty to safely use equipment.

Other duties as assigned

• Make basic repairs/modifications to labs and shops to comply with BRIM inspections (Yearly)
• Assist in delivery of items and moving items after delivery, on occasion, under limited circumstances.
• Hang items in labs and classrooms as requested.

Pay Grade: 15

• Associate degree in industrial design or related field.
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience involving:
  • Machining
  • Woodworking
  • Repairing Vacuum pumps and other Mechanical equipment
  • Tig Welding
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to safely perform a variety of precision tasks using milling machines, lathes, welding equipment, saws, grinders, hand tools, welding (steel and aluminum) etc. and be familiar with the operation of a plasma torch.
• Demonstrated ability to make precision measurements using instruments such as micrometers, Vernier calipers and scales and program and operate
• Computer Numerical Control Mill as well as older model precision machines.
• Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical calculations when designing individual jobs.
• Knowledge of and ability to learn to interpret technical drawings.
• Knowledge of and ability to operate a desktop computer and use computer aided design (CAD/CAM) software.
• Demonstrated ability to operate and repair basic vacuum systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the physical properties of a wide variety of metals, plastics, wood, etc. and must be able to machine them safely.
• Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to set priorities and multitask and work independently.
• Demonstrated knowledge of super-conducting magnets and the materials to use and not use for safety of personnel and magnets

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in welding, design, mechanical systems or machining.
• Experience in electronic design.

• Applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter with their submission.

Physical Demands & Physical Coordination

• Must be able to lift, push, or pull 75 pounds.
• Must be able to operate milling machines, lathes, welding equipment, saws, grinders, and hand tools.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.