Machine Shop Supervisor

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); On-site; USD 77,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Retirement contributions

Tuition assistance

Paid holidays

Job summary

Cornell University’s CLASSE seeks a Machine Shop Supervisor to lead the Clark Hall Machine Shop in Ithaca, NY. You will manage machinists, mentor apprentices, and guide project workflows while ensuring safety and compliance with university policies.

You’ll collaborate with researchers to design and manufacture precision components, estimate materials, and oversee shop operations and maintenance. A strong customer-service orientation is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical technology or related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant training and on-the-job experience
• 3-5 years’ on-the-job experience in a machine tool trade
• Experience managing or supervising others, especially technical staff
• Knowledge and previous utilization of a wide variety of machining equipment, including manual milling and lathes, computer-driven milling and lathes, and numerically controlled machine programming
• Demonstrated proficiency in 2D/3D CAD/CAM software (this shop uses Autodesk products)
• Ability to use and apply machining/fabrication techniques
• Thorough understanding of a broad range of metals/materials and their characteristics
• Strong customer service focus with good interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences

Responsibilities

• Managing a team of highly skilled research machinists
• Mentoring apprentice machinists and providing training and technical guidance
• Coordinating shop workflow, assigning priorities, and allocating resources effectively
• Ensuring rigorous compliance with safety standards, university policies, and local regulations
• Evaluating incoming projects, establishing timelines, and recommending appropriate materials and manufacturing processes
• Managing the student instructional shop and conducting training programs or supervising training staff
• Collaborating with researchers to design complex, custom components and systems and producing precision components
• Overseeing maintenance and repair or replacement of equipment, procuring shop materials, and evaluating facility performance
• Ensuring staff remain up to date on required safety training and certifications

Skills

Team leadership

Machining

CAD/CAM experience

Customer service

Education

Bachelor’s degree in mechanical technology or related field

Tools

Autodesk CAD/CAM

Manual & CNC milling and lathes

Job description

The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences & Education(CLASSE) seeks a machining professional with supervisory experience to manage the Clark Hall Machine Shop on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. The Machine Shop Supervisor will manage a team of machinists and will direct the operations of our professional and student machine shops. Well qualified candidates will possess strong technical skills in metal manufacturing and CAD (computer-aided design), have a strong customer service orientation, and be equally adept with the business side of shop management.

The Opportunity

As Machine Shop Supervisor, you will oversee operations and provide strategic leadership to support and advance the shop’s mission. The Clark Hall Machine Shop is a self-sustaining (re-charge) operation that provides service to the Cornell community and a limited external community (both academic and professional). The machine shop supports research and educational work of Cornell students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty and staff as well as external collaborators (academic and professional).

On any given day, you might work with a past or future Nobel laureate to translate their equipment needs into manufacturable parts and CAD models. Or you might teach Cornell students how to safely build parts for their research projects. Or you could develop cost estimates for fabricating the prototype of a new invention.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing a team of highly skilled research machinists
• Mentoring apprentice machinists and providing training and technical guidance
• Coordinating shop workflow, assigning priorities, and allocating resources effectively
• Ensuring rigorous compliance with safety standards, university policies, and local regulations
• Evaluating incoming projects, establishing timelines, and recommending appropriate materials and manufacturing processes
• Managing the student instructional shop and conducting training programs or supervising training staff
• Collaborating with researchers to design complex, custom components and systems and producing precision components
• Overseeing maintenance and repair or replacement of equipment, procuring shop materials, and evaluating facility performance
• Ensuring staff remain up to date on required safety training and certifications

About CLASSE

The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences and Education (CLASSE) is a fast-paced, dynamic workplace where scientists, professors, post-docs, researchers, engineers, support specialists, and technicians work hand-in-hand to develop, test, and implement scientific equipment and research procedures.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical technology or related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant training and on-the-job experience
• 3-5 years’ on-the-job experience in a machine tool trade
• Experience managing or supervising others, especially technical staff
• Knowledge and previous utilization of a wide variety of machining equipment, including manual milling and lathes, computer-driven milling and lathes, and numerically controlled machine programming
• Demonstrated proficiency in 2D/3D CAD/CAM software (this shop uses Autodesk products)
• Ability to use and apply machining/fabrication techniques
• Thorough understanding of a broad range of metals/materials and their characteristics
• Strong customer service focus with good interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences

Additional Helpful

• Experience in an academic machine shop
• Certified 4-year Tool and Die Maker apprenticeship with supplemental education program
• 6+ years’ experience with machine tools
• CNC and welding training

Rewards and Benefits

• This position is located in Ithaca, New York, on the campus of Cornell University. Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell.
• Cornell’s impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell.

Working Environment

Machine shops are inherently dangerous and require strict adherence to safety procedures. The machines pose hazards as do the various welding operations. There are chemicals and some materials that require special handling and controls while machining.

University Job Title

Tech Svcs Supv II

Job Family

Academic Support

Level

F

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Range

$76,874.00 - $89,340.00

Remote Option Availability

Onsite

Company

Endowed

Cornellwelcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “… any person … any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.