Machinist-Instrument Maker Level III

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 73,000 - 91,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition assistance

Job summary

UCAR in Boulder, CO seeks an experienced Machinist-Instrument Maker Level III to perform high-precision machining for research instruments and prototypes. You will plan, program, set up, operate, and troubleshoot CNC and manual equipment, and collaborate with scientists and engineers to drive manufacturability and quality.

The role requires advanced CAM programming, fixture design, and mentoring of shop personnel.

Qualifications

• Completion of a relevant machine trade program or equivalent experience.
• Six+ years of high-precision machine trade experience.
• Advanced skills in machining, fixtures, GD&T, tolerances and materials.

Responsibilities

• Plan, program, set up, operate and troubleshoot CNC and manual machines for complex instruments.
• Perform advanced CAM programming, optimize tooling, feeds, speeds, and fixturing.
• Collaborate with scientists, engineers and staff to design manufacturable solutions.
• Review drawings and CAD models for manufacturability and tolerances.
• Provide guidance to shop personnel and lead designated projects; ensure safety and quality.

Skills

Machinist trades

CNC programming

CNC/CAM programming

GD&T

Inspection & metrology

GibbsCAM

Multi-axis setup

Education

Machine trade vocational program

6+ years high precision machining

Tools

GibbsCAM

CAD review

Inspection equipment

Job description

Position Type:Term - 6 months or more (Fixed Term)Visa Sponsored Job:NoRelocation Assistance Eligible:NoHiring Range:73,140.00 USD - 91,430.00 USD*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.Application Closes at 12:00am MST on:2026-10-19About the RoleUCAR is excited to announce the job opening for the Machinist-Instrument Maker Level III role. This position serves as an advanced Machinist- Instrument Maker within Design and Fabrication Services (DFS). Receives broad direction to plan and perform complex high-precision machining and fabrication for research and prototype instruments using advanced knowledge of machining, materials, CNC programming, inspection, and fabrication methods. Collaborates with scientists, engineers, designers, and technical staff to develop manufacturable solutions, contributes at the design level, provides technical guidance to other shop personnel as needed, and may serve as project leader on designated fabrication projects.EOL is NSF NCAR’s observational enterprise, serving as a vital hub for scientific discovery and technological innovation in the atmospheric and Earth sciences. The majority of NSF’s Lower Atmosphere Observing Facilities (LAOF), part of the NSF Facilities for Atmospheric Research and Education (FARE) Program, are managed and operated by EOL. Through deployment of these assets, paired with a program for innovation in instrument development, signal processing, and discovery science, EOL provides US researchers with comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that have significant global implications for understanding our planet’s atmospheric systems. The NSF NCAR Gulfstream V and C-130 aircraft serve as airborne laboratories equipped with advanced instrumentation capable of capturing data across diverse spatial and geographical contexts. On the ground, in-situ and remote sensing instrumentation probe surface and boundary layer dynamics and enable thermodynamic profiling through flexible, state-of-the-art backbone measurement capabilities and science. Through comprehensive archival and stewardship services, EOL ensures that scientific data from NSF-funded and other field campaigns are not only preserved and analyzed but also shared widely. Design and fabrication services enable engineers and scientists to work together to develop, create and deploy innovative instrumentation and sampling approaches to address emerging research challenges.Job DescriptionApplication Deadline:This job will be posted for two weeks from the posting dateRequired application materials: (preferably in PDF Format)Please Input the ones you need:ResumeQuestionnaireBackground Checks: Conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.Work Location: Foothills Lab Location in Boulder, CO. Regardless of flexible work arrangements, UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories.What You Will DoHere is a brief summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.Key Responsibilities:Plans, programs, sets up, operates, and troubleshoots CNC and manual machine tools and other fabrication equipment to produce complex, high-precision research instruments, prototypes, and components. Performs advanced CNC/CAM programming for multi-axis machining centers; develops work holding, jigs, and fixtures; selects materials, tooling, feeds, speeds, and fabrication sequences; and uses precision inspection equipment to verify conformance to drawings, tolerances, and quality requirements.Collaborates with scientists, engineers, designers, technicians, and other instrument makers on instrument design and development. Reviews CAD models, engineering drawings, specifications, sketches, and verbal requirements; evaluates manufacturability; recommends design or process changes.Provides technical guidance and mentoring to less-experienced shop personnel. May act as project leader on designated shop projects by coordinating fabrication activities, communicating status and technical issues, supporting schedule and cost estimates, and helping ensure completed work meets project requirements. Recommends tooling, equipment, and process improvements and performs all work in accordance with applicable shop and OSHA safety requirements. Copy over from PD and edit down to 5-10, concise bullet points.Who We'd Love To Join Our TeamSuccessful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:Education and Experience (Required):Completion of a relevant machine trade vocational program, and at least six years of high precision machine trade experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Required):Advanced skill in the Machinist and Instrument Maker trades, including the fabrication of complex, close-tolerance research and prototype components.Advanced skill in the set-up and operation of all machine shop equipment, tools and machines used in research/ prototype instrument makingExtensive knowledge of technical fabrication needs and develops innovative solutions to difficult fabrication problems and complex design issues.Proficient in evaluating CAD models, engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), informal sketches, specifications, verbal instructions, tolerances, materials, tooling, and fabrication requirements and determines appropriate machining and fabrication approaches.Extensive knowledge of machining, fixturing, inspection, and fabrication processes to improve precision, reliability, efficiency, and machine utilization.Extensive knowledge of fabrication techniques, process planning, work holding, fixturing, cutting tools, feeds and speeds, and efficient machining sequences.Extensive knowledge of CNC machine operation and advanced CAM/CNC programming, including use of GibbsCAM. Knowledge of metals, plastics, composites, and other engineering materials, including their properties, machinability, and selection for fabrication requirements.Demonstrated oral and written communication skills for communicating fabrication approaches, technical issues, project status, and recommendations.Ability to organize and coordinate designated fabrication projects, prioritize assigned work, and manage work within established schedule, cost, scope, and quality requirements.Knowledge of OSHA regulations, machine-shop safety practices, and safe operation of manufacturing equipment and tooling.Preferred QualificationsSalary Range $71,708 - $89,636*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, skills relevant to the role.*Application RequirementsQuestionnaire, Resume/CVFor full consideration, all application materials must be submitted by 12am (MST) at the start of the application deadline. These should highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of this position. We recognize that no candidate will meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you believe your background has prepared you for success in this role, we encourage you to apply.Supplemental questionnaires are often requested in lieu of a cover letter, where you address critical skills needed for the position. Your answers will be read and weighed equally to your resume and should provide specific, detailed, and informative responses based on your direct and previous work experiences.Background checks and/or federal screenings are conducted for candidates selected for hire.Benefits OverviewUCAR offers a comprehensive benefits package: health insurance, dental, retirement plan, leave plans, tuition assistance, and employee assistance programs:Medical, Dental, Vision, and Short & Long Term Disability InsuranceGenerous retirement plan - UCAR contributes of 10% of base salaryTime Off PlansMinimum 20 days of annual PTO10 paid holidays12 weeks of paid parental leaveFAMLI LeaveTuition Assistance ProgramPublic Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employerUCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all individuals. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, age, sex, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Applicants are not required to provide age-related information (like date of birth or graduation dates) in initial submissions.For sponsored positions: UCAR can sponsor individuals for H-1B status only if they are already in the U.S. in H-1B status or another visa status that allows them to change to H-1B status within the U.S. UCAR is unable to sponsor new H-1B visas for individuals who are outside the U.S. and need to obtain H-1B status through Consular Processing.While UCAR does not prohibit the use of AI tools in job applications, we strongly recommend that applicants submit primarily original work.All roles require compliance with U.S. export control regulations and work location requirements. All hybrid staff are expected to work on-site approximately 3 days per week.