Mechanical Engineering Lab Machining & Prototyping Assistant

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY; Rosemont (PA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Villanova University is seeking a ME Lab Assistant AY26-27 to set up and operate machine tools for precision parts. The role involves assisting students, fabricating parts in various materials, and maintaining the ME Machine shop in Drosdick Hall. Work is 5–10 hours per week under the ME Shop Manager, with opportunities to guide and train student users.

Open to all students; work-study preferred. Compensation is $15.00 per hour. Position is open until filled for the 2026-2027 semester.

Qualifications

• Shop training.

Responsibilities

• Reports to ME Shop Manager.
• Assist students with the full cycle of manufacturing high-quality prototypes and precision parts.
• Work with the engineering R&D team to design and fabricate prototypes/parts in various materials.
• Guide and direct users in the ME Machine shop.
• Maintain order and appearance of the ME Machine shop.
• Maintain shop equipment, tools, and consumables.
• Teach and supervise students in the ME Machine shop and train new users.
• Perform machining operations to tight tolerances on lathes, mills, grinders, and presses.
• Work from drawings and verbal instructions to fabricate parts from steel, aluminum, and other materials.
• Plan and perform tool and bench operations with complex setups.
• Calculate tolerances and fit parts precisely.
• Collaborate with engineers on new designs with minimal information.
• Inspect own work and report issues to the shop supervisor.
• Perform MIG welding and set up welds with proper fusion.
• Finish parts through grinding, buffing, polishing, etc.
• Receive shipments and bring equipment to locations.
• Follow directions from the Mechanical Engineering Lab Manager.

Job description

Villanova University is seeking a ME Lab Assistant AY26-27 to set up and operate machine tools for precision parts. The role involves assisting students, fabricating parts in various materials, and maintaining the ME Machine shop in Drosdick Hall. Work is 5–10 hours per week under the ME Shop Manager, with opportunities to guide and train student users.

Open to all students; work-study preferred. Compensation is $15.00 per hour. Position is open until filled for the 2026-2027 semester.