Machine Shop Supervisor

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

Job summary

The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences and Education (CLASSE) seeks a skilled Machine Shop Supervisor to lead the Clark Hall Machine Shop in Ithaca, NY. You will mentor machinists, manage projects, and collaborate with researchers to fabricate precision components.

This role emphasizes safe operations, CAD/CAM expertise (Autodesk), and the ability to translate complex requirements into manufacturable parts while balancing shop priorities and budget considerations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical technology or related field, or equivalent
• 3-5 years on-the-job experience in a machine tool trade
• Experience supervising technical staff
• Knowledge of various machining equipment including manual and CNC milling/lathes, and CNC programming
• Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD/CAM software (Autodesk)
• Ability to apply machining/fabrication techniques
• Thorough understanding of metals/materials and their characteristics
• Strong customer service focus with good interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
• Understanding of cultural differences

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of highly skilled research machinists
• Mentor apprentice machinists and provide training and technical guidance
• Coordinate shop workflow, assign priorities, and allocate resources effectively
• Ensure rigorous safety standards, university policies, and local regulations
• Evaluate incoming projects, establish timelines, and recommend materials and processes
• Manage the student instructional shop and conduct training programs or supervise training staff
• Collaborate with researchers to design complex, custom components and systems
• Oversee maintenance and repair or replacement of equipment, procure shop materials, and evaluate facility performance
• Ensure staff stay up to date on required safety training and certifications

Skills

Mechanical basics

Team leadership

CAD/CAM (Autodesk)

Machining knowledge

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical technology or related field

Tools

Manual milling

CNC milling

CNC programming

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.

What We Need

Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

• 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

And, while not required, any of the following would be very 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

Contact Name

Kathy McKee

Contact Email

[e-mail]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges

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Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline

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