Machinist, Clark Hall Machine Shop

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 44,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University’s CLASSE seeks three machinists to join its fabrication team on the Ithaca campus. You will fabricate and assemble parts for cutting-edge research, work with a variety of tools, and coordinate with researchers, students, and staff to meet project goals.

The role emphasizes safety, precise measurement, CAD/CAM programming, and mentoring others, with opportunities to develop new techniques and support multiple ongoing projects in a collaborative academic environment.

Qualifications

• Trade, vocational, or technical school and 4-6 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Experience safely, efficiently, and effectively operating a wide range of professional machine tools and shop equipment (manual and computer‑controlled)
• Demonstrated attention to fine details, ability to read engineering drawings and follow critical procedures and instructions
• Basic computer proficiency, skills and aptitude (comfortable working with common software applications)
• Capable of adapting to the changing needs of a research environment
• Ability to receive directions and to communicate effectively in the shop and across all research groups
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively within a collaborative team environment
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

Responsibilities

• Fabricating high-precision components and repair parts using a wide variety of materials, tools, and conventional and specialized machine shop equipment
• Using CAD/CAM systems, 3D models, precision measurement equipment, drawings and sketches to develop accurate components and assemblies
• Programming and operating computer numerically‑controlled (CNC) machine tool equipment
• Advising and supporting researchers, engineers, and technical staff in the design, fabrication, assembly, and repair of sophisticated research equipment, systems, and custom components
• Assisting with the design of complex and unique components and systems, including evaluating appropriate materials, tooling, and manufacturing methods
• Designing and constructing machine tool setups, assembly systems, and specialized tooling for research projects
• Collaborating effectively with researchers and technical personnel through clear communications and responsive customer service
• Sharing technical expertise by instructing others (staff and students) in machining techniques, equipment operation, new technologies, and specialized areas of expertise
• Adhering strictly to safety procedures and using caution and special controls when handling chemicals and other potentially hazardous materials
• Maintaining safety certifications required by Environment Health & Safety and OSHA

Skills

Machining operations

CNC programming

Reading drawings

CAD/CAM systems

Safety procedures

Communication in shop

Education

Trade or technical school

Tools

CNC machines

3D CAD software

Precision measuring tools

Job description

The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences & Education (CLASSE) seeks three machinists to join its professional machining and fabrication team that spans multiple shops on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. Our machinists interact regularly and closely with technical staff, students, researchers, scientists, and faculty to create solutions to technical research needs, often producing unique parts and assemblies that help advance the university’s research mission. Team members also frequently collaborate and share their knowledge and expertise with each other and with Cornell students.

One Machinist position is available in the Clark Hall Machine Shop. This is a self-sustaining (re-charge) operation that supports research and educational work of Cornell students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty and staff as well as external collaborators (academic and professional). (See also our Machinist openings in the Newman Machine Shop – WDR-00061947.)

If you have strong skills in fundamental machine tool operations (manual and computer-controlled), enjoy variety in your work, are keen on safety, and like to continuously learn, this may be the position for you.

The Role

As a Machinist, you will work in the Clark Hall Machine Shop as part of a team fabricating and developing parts and assemblies for Cornell research programs. With projects originating from different units in CLASSE and across campus, you typically will have multiple jobs on your bench at a time in various stages of design, fabrication or assembly.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Fabricating high-precision components and repair parts using a wide variety of materials, tools, and conventional and specialized machine shop equipment
• Using CAD/CAM systems, 3D models, precision measurement equipment, drawings and sketches to develop accurate components and assemblies
• Programming and operating computer numerically‑controlled (CNC) machine tool equipment
• Advising and supporting researchers, engineers, and technical staff in the design, fabrication, assembly, and repair of sophisticated research equipment, systems, and custom components
• Assisting with the design of complex and unique components and systems, including evaluating appropriate materials, tooling, and manufacturing methods
• Designing and constructing machine tool setups, assembly systems, and specialized tooling for research projects
• Collaborating effectively with researchers and technical personnel through clear communications and responsive customer service
• Sharing technical expertise by instructing others (staff and students) in machining techniques, equipment operation, new technologies, and specialized areas of expertise
• Adhering strictly to safety procedures and using caution and special controls when handling chemicals and other potentially hazardous materials
• Maintaining safety certifications required by Environment Health & Safety and OSHA

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.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

When evaluating your candidacy, we will look for the following:

• Trade, vocational, or technical school and 4-6 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Experience safely, efficiently, and effectively operating a wide range of professional machine tools and shop equipment (manual and computer‑controlled)
• Demonstrated attention to fine details, ability to read engineering drawings and follow critical procedures and instructions
• Basic computer proficiency, skills and aptitude (comfortable working with common software applications)
• Capable of adapting to the changing needs of a research environment
• Ability to receive directions and to communicate effectively in the shop and across all research groups
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively within a collaborative team environment
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members

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

• Professional/accredited machinist or tool maker certifications or credentials
• Experience in a Research & Development or academic shop or facility
• 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. 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. 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. 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: Equipment Tech V

Job Family: Technical

Level: E

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Pay Range: $31.60 - $36.72

Remote Option Availability: Onsite

Company: Endowed

Contact Name: Kathy McKee

Contact Email: [e-mail]

Job Titles and Pay Ranges

Non-Union Positions

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

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes 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 seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage 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.

2026-10-20