Machine Shop Supervisor, McDonald Observatory

University of Texas at Austin

United States

On-site

USD 72,000 - 88,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan (TRS)

Paid vacation & sick time

Paid holidays

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin's McDonald Observatory seeks a Machine Shop Supervisor to oversee the observatory's shop operations, schedule workflows, and supervise staff. You will work with CNC and manual machines, maintain precision, and ensure safety and quality while supporting instrument fabrication and telescope-related tasks.

Based on UT Austin campus, this role emphasizes continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability.

Qualifications

At least 10 years of precision machining, mechanical, electrical, or electronic trade experience.
Minimum 2 years of supervisory experience managing employees and workflow.
3+ years operating manual machine shop tools (mills, lathes, grinders, drill presses).
3+ years maintaining machine shop equipment and tooling.
Understanding CNC programming and G-code; working knowledge of MasterCAM.
Proficiency with SolidWorks and/or Inventor CAD software.
Ability to hold tight tolerances with precision measuring tools.
Strong documentation, scheduling, and project-tracking skills.
Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.

Responsibilities

Supervise daily operations of the machine shop and track progress.
Coordinate procurement of tools, parts, and materials; drive UT vehicle as needed.
Provide labor and material cost estimates for projects.
Operate machine tools and maintain organized drawings.
Coordinate repair and maintenance of machine tools.
Assist with dome and telescope equipment repairs and classroom support.

Skills

Machining

Supervisory experience

CNC programming

SolidWorks

Inventor CAD

G-code understanding

MasterCAM

Precision measurement

Communication

Organization

Education

Technical or Vocational School

Tools

MasterCAM

SolidWorks

Inventor

CNC machines

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Machine Shop Supervisor, McDonald Observatory

Hiring Department

McDonald Observatory

Position Open To

All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date

Immediately

Position Duration

Expected to Continue

Location

UT MAIN CAMPUS

Job Details

The McDonald Observatory Machine Shop Supervisor is responsible for overseeing scheduling, operations, maintenance, and employee supervision for the Observatory’s machine shop. Knowledge of programming and operating computer numerical control (CNC) machines, as well as manual machines and precision measuring tools, is required to produce high-quality, precision-machined parts while upholding safety and quality standards. Secondary responsibilities include obtaining tools and materials, communicating project progress, advising the shop’s customers on fabrication-related issues, and assisting with other tasks as needed.

This position is based on the UT Austin campus. The observatory fosters an environment that emphasizes personal responsibility, continuous improvement, teamwork, innovation, and safety. Applicants selected for interviews are encouraged to bring samples of their work.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

100% employer-paid basic medical coverage.
Retirement contributions: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
Paid vacation and sick time.
Paid holidays.
Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Purpose

Assists the McDonald Observatory’s engineering group with tasks related to the design and fabrication of instruments, and assists the Astronomy Department with instructional telescopes, classrooms, and other tasks. Supervises the machine shop, coordinating and developing schedules and workflow to ensure appropriate progress on mechanical engineering projects.

Responsibilities

Supervises and coordinates daily operations of the engineering machine shop to ensure appropriate day-to-day progress on the mechanical engineering aspects of projects. Communicates project progress, issues affecting progress and the shop, and responds to inquiries clearly and concisely.
Locate and purchase services, parts, tools, and materials from outside vendors and contractors. Required to drive a UT vehicle to drop off and pick up parts and materials at off-campus locations. Provide labor and material cost estimate input for proposed mechanical engineering projects.
Operate machine tools for part fabrication as needed; maintain organized, up-to-date mechanical drawing files.
Coordinate machine tool repair and maintenance.
Assist the Astronomy Department with the repair and maintenance of dome and telescope equipment, departmental classrooms, and facilities. Maintain vehicle logs. Perform other duties as required to support business operations.

Required Qualifications

Technical or Vocational School
At least 10 years of precision machining, mechanical, electrical, or electronic trade experience, including construction and maintenance of sophisticated equipment.
At least 2 years of supervisory experience managing employees, workflow scheduling, and supplies to complete tasks.
At least 3 years of experience operating standard manual machine shop tools, particularly mills, lathes, precision grinders, and drill presses.
At least 3 years of experience maintaining and repairing machine shop equipment and tooling.
Understanding CNC machine tool programming and G-code; working knowledge of MasterCAM software to program CNC machine tools from 3D CAD solid models.
Working knowledge of Solidworks and/or Inventor CAD software.
Ability to use precision measuring tools and techniques to hold and verify tight tolerances on high-quality, precision parts.
Demonstrated record-keeping skills, use of spreadsheets, and project-tracking logs.
Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Communicate clearly, correctly, and professionally in written text, such as emails and work documents.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to handle multiple deadlines.
Ability to be adaptable, work independently, and serve as an integral member of a project team.
Demonstrable good judgment.
Demonstrated planning, decision-making, and critical-thinking skills.
Regular and punctual attendance.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Over three years of experience as a machine shop supervisor.
Journeyman machinist experience.
Over three years of experience operating standard manual machine shop tools, particularly mills, lathes, precision grinders, and drill presses.
Experience setting up and operating CNC mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines.
Experience programming CNC machine tools using MasterCAM from 3D solid CAD models.
Ability to read, understand, and edit G-code files. Three years of experience with SolidWorks and Inventor CAD software.
Five years of experience maintaining and repairing machine shop machines and tooling.

Driving Required

This job requires a class “C” operator’s driver’s license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver’s license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

Salary Range

$80,000 + depending on experience and qualifications

Working Conditions

Usual machine, scientific, or engineering shop conditions, such as sitting, walking, standing, squatting, stooping, and reaching
Maintains a safe work environment
Follows established procedures as well as quality and safety standards
May be required to work multiple machines simultaneously
May work near high voltage and near rotating and reciprocating equipment.
Exposure to a variety of experimental laboratory shop conditions
Handles deadlines and overlapping projects
May work around chemicals and chemical fumes
May work around electrical and mechanical hazards
May work around standard office conditions
Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation and use of a computer
May work around bio-hazards
May work around hazardous chemicals and cryogenic liquids
Use of manual dexterity
Climbing of stairs
Heavy lifting and moving
Working with heavy machinery
Use of approved safety equipment if required

Work Shift

Generally, M-F, 8-hour shift, plus lunch break
May be required to work outside shift hours based on project deadlines
Occasional travel may be required to McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus)

Required Materials

Letter of interest
Resume/CV
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: