Engineering Machinist

Biola University; La Mirada (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Biola University in La Mirada, CA seeks an Engineering Machinist to support lab operations and safety within the Physics and Engineering Program. The role trains faculty and students in equipment use, maintains and calibrates machinery, and coordinates software installation with IT.

Responsibilities include managing the engineering garage, ordering parts, ensuring OSHA-compliant safety practices, and assisting with design and fabrication for academic projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum education: engineering degree or engineering technology with relevant experience.
• Experience with lab safety and equipment operation is preferred.
• Ability to train and supervise students and faculty in equipment use.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operation of the engineering garage/machine shop.
• Maintain and repair equipment including 3D printers and CNC machines.
• Train faculty, adjuncts, and students in equipment operation and safety.
• Coordinate with IT for software installation and testing.
• Procure service contracts and manage inventory.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols per OSHA requirements.

Skills

Equipment operation

Training and supervision

Safety compliance

Inventory management

Purchasing

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or associate degree in engineering technology

Tools

3D printers

CNC routers

Milling machines

Lathes

MIG/TIG welders

Laser cutter

Power tools

Job description

The Engineering Machinist (EM) assists the SSTH Director of Lab Operations and Safety Specialist with lab safety, ordering, and inventory. The EM supports the chair and faculty members of the Physics and Engineering Program by training faculty and students in equipment operations and maintaining/repairing/testing/calibrating equipment, and coordinating with IT on equipment-specific software installation and testing.Alignment with Theological Positions

Alignment with Theological Positions: The person who fills this position must be someone who personally agrees with Biola’s Articles of Faith and Statement of Biblical Principles and who is supportive of the positions taken by Biola as contained in its Eschatology Teaching Position.As such, this person may not speak against or act in a manner inconsistent with these positions during the course of their employment at Biola.

Department

Physics and Engineering Program in the Division of Technology under the School of Science, Technology, and Health

Primary Supervisor: Program Chair of Physics and Engineering

Secondary Supervisor: SSTH Director of Lab Operations and Safety Specialist

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or associate degree in engineering technology with 2 years of previous engineering lab technician, machine shop technician, or closely related experience

Work Requirements

• Exempt (01), full-time – 40 hours/week, 12 months per year
• This position requires personal attendance at Biola’s campus in La Mirada, California
• Equipment Operations, Maintenance, and Repair: Oversee the daily operational requirements of the engineering garage. Proactively maintain the commonly used engineering equipment, including but not limited to 3D printers, CNC routers, milling machines, lathes, MIG/TIG welders, laser cutter, and power tools. Perform minor repairs in-house and outsource major repairs to manufacturers or third-party contractors. Investigate and recommend alternatives for obsolete models. Perform CNC programming and machinery setup.
• Training and Supervision: Train faculty, adjunct faculty, part-time student employees, and students in the proper operation of equipment. Supervise all users of the engineering garage/machine shop.
• Service Agreement: Acquire service contracts for engineering equipment as needed for the machine shop.
• Lab Safety: Assist the SSTH Director of Lab Operations and Safety Specialist in developing and enforcing safety protocols for the engineering labs and engineering garage/machine shop. Stay current with OSHA compliance and regulations in the disposal of hazardous materials.
• Faculty and Student Support: Assist students and faculty with engineering design and fabrication for academic projects. Organize equipment, supplies, safety glasses, etc. on a daily basis.
• Purchasing: Order Engineering Machine Shop equipment, supplies, and software.
• Update ordering software with expense and purchase information
• Inventory Management: Maintain inventory of engineering equipment and supplies.
• Installation and Testing: Perform installation/testing/calibration of new equipment.
• Coordination with IT: Work closely with IT staff to ensure the installation and testing of equipment-specific software.
• Additional Duties: As assigned by theProgram Chair of Physics and Engineering and the SSTH Director of Lab Operations and Safety Specialist.
• Meet with the Program Chair and Director of Lab Operations on a regular basis.

Required Skills/Qualifications

• Must retain California State certifications for necessary equipment and safety compliance or work towards obtaining the necessary certifications within 1 year.
• Familiarity with commonly used machine shop equipment and tools
• Proficiency in modern additive manufacturing/3D printing
• Excellent trouble-shooting and problem-solving skills
• Competent in oral and written communication
• Being resourceful and adaptable when faced with challenges
• Manage multiple responsibilities without compromising quality