Mechanical System Specialist

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 76,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university is seeking a Mechanical System Specialist to design and fabricate scientific apparatus, ensuring adherence to safety procedures. This position requires a college diploma, extensive experience in precision machining, and proficiency in CAD/CAM tools. The successful candidate will work in a collaborative environment, providing support to faculty and students while fostering safety standards and innovative practices.

Qualifications

• Eight years of extensive experience with precision machining and fabrication.
• Experience using digital measuring systems and CNC manufacturing systems.
• Demonstrated advanced skills with various machine shop tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and fabricate custom lab apparatus and tools.
• Create and review CAM programs for manufacturing.
• Ensure adherence to safety procedures and standards.

Skills

Precision machining

CNC machining

Advanced machining tools

Materials selection

Safety training

Education

College Diploma (2 years)

Apprenticeship in machining

Tools

AutoCAD

TurboCAD

Mastercam

Job description

Date Posted: 11/25/2025
Req ID: 46174
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Dept of Physics
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00014459

Description:

About us

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs. We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

Your opportunity

The Department of Physics at the University of Toronto is an important part of a dynamic academic community offering programs and courses to undergraduate and graduate students. We provide a comprehensive set of fundamental tools that can be brought to bear on many problems across a variety of fields. With world class laboratories and outstanding faculty, teaching and research fosters an in depth understanding of an extremely diverse array of systems. Situated in the heart of downtown, our department is affiliated with various departments, institutes, and research organizations, providing a broad network for our staff and students. Reporting to the Main Workshop Supervisor, the Mechanical System Specialist designs, constructs, tests, modifies and repairs complex scientific apparatus and equipment in a mechanical workshop setting. The incumbent also assists research and teaching staff with mechanical design, materials selection and the selection of manufacturing methodologies related to the manufacture of scientific apparatus.

The incumbent is required to work onsite in the workshop (located in downtown Toronto) 5 days (Mondays to Fridays) per week.

Your responsibilities will include

• Designing, modifying and fabricating custom lab apparatus, tools and jigs
• Creating and reviewing CAM programs and tool paths for manufacturing
• Determining technical requirements for fabrication projects
• Verifying the accuracy of design requirements
• Analyzing and recommending suitable materials and methods of approaching fabrication and/or lab work
• Checking to ensure equipment is in working order
• Keeping well-informed on current technologies, best practices and industry standards
• Providing safety training and ensuring adherence to safety procedures and standards

Essential Qualifications

• College Diploma (2 years), plus apprenticeship in machining (a certificate of qualification as a General Machinist, Tool & Die Maker, Machine Tool Builder and Integrator, etc.), including the use of CNC machines and CAD/CAM methods or an acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Eight years or more of extensive experience with precision machining and fabrication, with at least 3 of the years using CAD/CAM including AutoCad or TurboCad and Mastercam.
• Experience using digital measuring systems and CNC manufacturing systems
• Demonstrated advanced skills with a variety of different machine shop tools such as milling machines, lathes, saws, drills, grinders, welding and cutting equipment etc.
• Skilled user of CAM tools (Mastercam), digital measuring systems and CNC manufacturing systems.
• Basic CAD skills

Assets (Nonessential)

• Welding skills, especially with stainless steel, titanium, copper
• Experience in a research and development or academic environment, or equivalent.
• Experience in working with students and faculty members in a postsecondary setting is a strong asset.

To be successful in this role you will be

• Adaptable
• Meticulous
• Possess a positive attitude
• Resourceful
• Team player

Closing Date: 12/03/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: USW Pay Band 11 -- $76,577. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $97,928. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission. The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].