Engineering Machinist

Biola University, Inc.; La Mirada (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Biola University, Inc. in La Mirada, CA seeks an Engineering Machinist to support the Physics and Engineering Program.

The role maintains, calibrates and repairs lab equipment, trains users, and coordinates with IT on software installations, while ensuring safety and compliance. The ideal candidate has a engineering degree or engineering technology training with hands-on shop experience, strong problem-solving and communication skills, and the ability to work independently in a busy academic

Qualifications

• Must retain California State certifications or work toward obtaining within 1 year.
• Famili arity with commonly used machine shop equipment and tools.
• Proficiency in modern additive manufacturing/3D printing.
• Excellent troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Competent in oral and written communication.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and work independently.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the engineering garage and equipment maintenance.
• Train faculty, adjunct faculty, and students in equipment operation.
• Coordinate with IT on software installations for equipment.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols for labs and shop.
• Assist with design and fabrication for academic projects.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Communication

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Associate degree in engineering technology

Tools

Machine shop equipment

3D printing

Job description

Engineering Machinist

Position 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

The person who fills this position must personally agree with Biola’s Articles of Faith and Statement of Biblical Principles and be 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.

Supervisor

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.

Essential Duties

• 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, and 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 troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills.
• Competent in oral and written communication.
• Being resourceful and adaptable when faced with challenges.
• Manage multiple responsibilities without compromising quality.
• Work independently and cooperatively.
• Attention to detail.

Hiring Range

$72,000-75,000 annual