Research Engineering Instrument Maker IV, Steward Observatory
University of Arizona
A complete application in a minute
Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.
Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
The University of Arizona’s Steward Observatory invites applications for the role of Research Engineering Instrument Maker IV.
You will fabricate, assemble, and test components for space- and ground-based telescope instrumentation, working with faculty, engineers, and students to deliver robust parts.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalency required.
- Minimum of 7 years' experience with CAD/CAM software and operation of manual and CNC machines.
- U.S. citizenship required for federal contract.
Responsibilities
- Fabricates components using conventional and CNC lathes, milling machines, and drill presses with precision measurement.
- Develops/sets up equipment and tests new or experimental equipment; analyzes performance and reliability.
- Fabricates jigs/fixtures and performs complex inspections on parts using calipers, micrometers, and height gauges.
- Generates toolpaths using CAM software and interfaces with customers for design details.
- Prepares job estimates and maintains cost records; advises on cost-reduction opportunities.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Research Engineering Instrument Maker IV, Steward Observatory
Posting Number req27299
Department Steward Observatory
Department Website Link https://astro.arizona.edu
Location Tucson Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Steward Observatory is both a century-old observatory on the University of Arizona campus and one of the University’s oldest research units. Founded in 1918, the Observatory brings together students, staff, faculty, engineers, and technicians to explore the universe and share discoveries through world-class research, education, and outreach. With more than 180 professionals supporting advanced facilities, laboratories, and observatories, Steward Observatory offers a collaborative environment where technical expertise plays a critical role in advancing ground- and space-based astronomy.
The University of Arizona's Steward Observatory invites you to apply for the role of Research Engineering Instrument Maker IV. In this role, you will work with faculty, engineers, and students to fabricate, assemble, and test components for space- and ground-based telescope instrumentation. You must be familiar with all forms of mechanical assembly techniques and methods to fabricate parts, including CNC and manual machining, grinding, drilling, tapping and other techniques used to produce functional and reliable parts. You should also possess a wealth of experience in the use of materials, including ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, and polymers, in mechanical assemblies.
This position supports a federal contract which requires that the selected candidate be a U.S. citizen (non-U.S. citizens or dual citizens cannot be considered for this position).
- Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
- Fabricates a wide variety of components through the setup and operation of conventional and CNC lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and similar equipment, carefully gauging work using precision measuring instruments.
- Develops or directs the setup of equipment and the appropriate testing of new or experimental equipment; analyzes performance and reliability.
- Fabricates jigs and fixtures as required and performs complex mechanical inspections on completed parts using calipers, micrometers, dial indicators, height gauges, and other inspection devices.
- Interfaces with customers to obtain design details and generates toolpaths using CAM software.
- Prepares estimates for projected jobs and maintains various cost records. Provides information to customers to identify opportunities for reducing project costs.
- Knowledge of mechanical inspection techniques, including the proper use and maintenance of mechanical inspection equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret shop drawings and adapt and modify sketches and blueprints based on applicable properties and mathematical calculations.
- Ability to stand up to eight hours, climb stairs and ladders, and lift and carry heavy objects up to fifty-five pounds.
- Ability to work in an environment with standard machine shop odors, fumes and noise are commonplace.
- Ability to work around materials that require the use of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and to understand the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) specific to those materials.
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
- High school diploma or high school diploma equivalency is required.
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, including experience with CAD and CAM software and the operation of manual and CNC machines, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
- This position supports a federal contract which requires that the selected candidate be a U.S. citizen (non-U.S. citizens or dual citizens cannot be considered for this position).
- Experience working with manual machines and HAAS CNC mill.
- Experience using HSMWorks and SolidWorks.
- Experience working with G-code and M-code and generating toolpaths using CAM software.
- Experience producing precision optics.
Non-Exempt
Full Time
40
1.0
Fiscal
Research
Yes - Full Benefits
$28.56 - $35.70
hourly rate
8
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
OC4
Research Engineering
Research
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
1
10/26/2026
Mario Rascon
R&D Engineering Manager III
mhr@arizona.edu
10/15/2026
Yes
Resume and Cover Letter
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.
'/%3e%3cpath%20d='M101.744%2012.4726L102.894%2016.1947L99.0021%2013.2201L101.744%2012.4726ZM105.3%208.40937H100.488L99.0026%203.59473L97.5116%208.41047L92.7%208.40385L96.5965%2011.3834L95.1055%2016.1942L99.0021%2013.2196L101.408%2011.3834L105.3%208.40992V8.40937Z'%20fill='white'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='paint0_linear_5593_1381'%20x1='90'%20y1='9.44471'%20x2='99'%20y2='9.44471'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%2300AD70'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='0.998594'%20stop-color='%2300B67A'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='1'%20stop-color='%23DCDCE6'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e){kind=small}
