ME Shop Graduate Lab Assistant AY26-27

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Rosemont (PA); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

Villanova University in Rosemont, PA seeks a ME Shop Graduate Lab Assistant AY26-27 to support machining activities, set up and operate machine tools, and assist with prototype fabrication.

You will work 20 hours per week, under the ME Shop Manager, performing precision machining, safe tool handling, and supervision of students in the machine shop.

Experience with lathes, milling machines, CNC setup and basic drawings is helpful; work-study preferred but open to all students.

Qualifications

• Experience with machining operations and use of shop tools.
• Ability to read basic drawings or prints.
• Willingness to work in a student-focused, learning environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with the full cycle of manufacturing high‑quality prototypes.
• Design and fabricate prototypes/parts using titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, and more.
• Maintain order and appearance of the ME Machine shop and supervise users.
• Operate lathes, milling machines, grinders, drills, and CNC equipment.
• Set up and adjust CNC and other tooling for precise tolerances.

Skills

Machining

CNC

Fabrication

Tool handling

Tools

CNC machines

Lathes & milling

Job description

ME Shop Graduate Lab Assistant AY26-27

Posting Details

Position Information Posting Number: 20260364V Position Title: ME Shop Graduate Lab Assistant AY26-27 Posting Type Student Hours/week: 20 hours per week Eligibility: Work study preferred but open to all students Semester 2026-2027 Academic Year Location Drosdick Hall Detailed Work Schedule M-F as assigned Number of positions: 2 Department: 205-Mechanical Engineering Contact Name: Jane Ni Contact Phone/Extension: 6105194981 Position Summary Information Job Description Summary: Description
Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and
instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools
or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics,
mathematics, metal properties, layout and machining procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist students of all levels with the full cycle of manufacturing highquality prototypes, precision parts
• Work collaboratively with engineering research and development team to
  design and fabricate high-quality prototypes/ precision parts out of
  titanium, stainless steel, low carbon steel, aluminum, and other materials
  as needed
• Provide guidance and direction to consumers in the ME Machine shop
• Maintain order and appearance of the ME Machine shop
• Maintain ME Machine shop equipment, tools, consumables
• Teach and supervise students of all levels in ME Machine shop, complete
  shop training for new users
• Reports to ME Shop Manager
• Perform a variety of machining operations to extremely close tolerances
  using lathes, milling machines, grinders, drill presses, highly specialized
  tools, and other shop equipment with minimum supervision
• Work from drawings, prints, rough sketches, and verbal instructions;
  fabricate and construct a variety of shapes composed of steel, brass,
  aluminum, stainless steel, and other exotic materials
• Set-up, adjust, and operate computerized numerically controlled
  equipment ( CNC ) and use software to generate tool paths for parts
  fabrication in multiple axes. Certificate required once onboarded
• Design, develop, and construct intricate tools, jigs, fixtures, and special
  gauges for the fabrication of standard and experimental parts
• Plan, layout and perform machine tool and bench operations using
  unusual and diƯicult set-ups and machining methods
• Visualize a finished job, make necessary mathematical calculations and
  determine allowances for deflection and distortion
• Perform highly-skilled fitting and assembly operations to extremely close
  tolerances
• Work closely with engineers in developing new, unusual or untried designs
  and methods; where design information is minimal or nonexistent
• Inspect own work, detect errors in drawings, operations and defects in
  parts or materials and report to shop supervisor
• Perform and execute welding using oxygen, acetylene, electric, TIG , MIG ,
  etc. Operate plasma cutter.
• Set, align, and weld intricate parts and units in accordance to exacting
  specifications; lay a smooth bead, obtain proper fusion and penetration
• Perform finishing operations such as grinding, buƯing, polishing,
  hardening, coating, etc.
• Receive shipments and equipment, bring equipment to desired locations.
• Responsibilities as directed by Mechanical Engineering Lab Manager

Requirements

Requirements: Additional Information: Physical Demands Summary: Wage Rate: $18.00/hour Posting Detail Information Closing Date (11:59pm ET): Open Until Filled Yes