Research Machinist

Florida Atlantic University; United States; On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental and Vision

Life Insurance

Flexible Spending plans

EAP

Job summary

Florida Atlantic University\u2019s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in Fort Pierce, FL, seeks a Research Machinist to provide specialized machining and fabrication support for oceanographic research. You will work on CNC and manual machining, prototype development, and collaborate with engineers and scientists to design, build, and test advanced equipment.

The role includes project planning, scheduling, preventive maintenance, and ensuring safe shop operations, with a typical Monday riday

Qualifications

• Completion of an approved machinist apprenticeship program or equivalent education.
• Five years of CNC milling/lathe experience including programming, setup, and operation.
• Ability to read blueprints and mechanical drawings; CAD proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Program, set up, and operate CNC milling and turning equipment; collaborate with engineers and scientists.
• Plan, build, and test oceanographic equipment; provide manufacturing input on early designs.
• Maintain safe shop operations and perform preventive maintenance and repairs.

Skills

CNC programming

CNC machining

Blueprint reading

CAD software

Communication skills

Flexibility

Education

Machinist apprenticeship or equivalent

Tools

CAD/CAM software

Milling/Lathe CNC machines

Job description

Position Summary

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Research Machinist in Harbor Branch Fort Pierce, FL. FAU Harbor Branch, located in Ft. Pierce, is a research institute focusing on marine science and oceanography with over 200 scientists, staff and students that work and study at the site. The Research Machinist provides specialized machining and fabrication support for oceanographic research at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute.

Responsible for CNC and manual machining, prototype development, and collaboration with engineers and scientists to design, build, and test advanced oceanographic equipment, while supporting project planning, maintenance, and safe shop operations.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Machining Operations and Equipment: Responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC milling and turning equipment using CAD/CAM software, as well as operating manual machinery. Collaborates with FAU HBOI engineers, scientists, and clients to develop, manufacture, and test advanced oceanographic equipment and instrumentation. Contributes manufacturing insights and technical guidance to refine early-stage design concepts. Provides manufacturing advice to researchers designing proof-of-concept prototypes.
• Coordinating and planning: Performs tasks related to planning, building, and testing oceanographic equipment, and makes independent decisions on fabrication when necessary. Prepares manufacturing time estimates for project scheduling and procurement. Creates and maintains production schedules.
• Preventive maintenance and Repairs: Performs preventative equipment maintenance and coordinates required repairs. Maintains a safe, clean work environment in compliance with FAU HBOI health and safety regulations. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

FAU Benefits and Perks

• Excellent benefit packages including Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and much more.
• State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans.
• State employees Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Sick Leave Pool Program.
• Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President’s discretion).
• Paid Community Engagement Volunteer Service Day.
• Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty – Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment.
• For in-unit faculty, the EESP program may be extended to spouses and dependent children (eligibility rules apply).

For details on FAU's amazing offers visit us at https://www.fau.edu/hr/benefits/index.php

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Minimum Qualifications

Completion of an approved machinist apprenticeship program; or a high school diploma and five years of appropriate experience including CNC Machine programing of mill and lathe, setup and operation of CNC mill and lathe, and manual mill and lathe experience required. Appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Must have valid Florida Driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Basic knowledge of machining plastics and aluminum.
• Ability to read and interpret design blueprints and mechanical drawings.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and managers.
• Must be able to work flexible schedule as determined by supervisor.
• Generate designs and blueprints using CAD software.
• Program and operate CNC machining equipment.

Salary

$28.00-$32.00 per hour

College or Department

HBOI: Engineering Services

Location

Harbor Branch (HBOI)

Work Days and Hours

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM -5:00 PM

Application Deadline

2026-11-03

Special Instructions to Applicant

This recruitment has been reopened; all previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply. This position may close without prior notice.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

Applicants may claim Veterans’ Preference on their application. The applicant claiming preference is responsible for providing required documentation at the time of making an application in Workday for a vacant position, or prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement. If an applicant qualifies for Veterans’ Preference and the SP position, they are shown preference by the guarantee of an interview. Veterans’ Preference does not guarantee a job.

For additional information, please visit https://www.fau.edu/jobs/resources/veterans/.

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

Resume Cover Letter

OFFICIAL SEALED TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED

Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS REQUIRED

Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (level I and level II), motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol, and drug screening check.

REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATIONS

Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email at [e-mail].

Florida Atlantic University is Where Tomorrow Begins

Florida Atlantic University is a nationally recognized Carnegie R1 research institution and one of only 13 universities nationwide to also hold Carnegie designations for Opportunity and Community Engagement, Florida Atlantic is advancing discovery, driving economic growth, and preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly changing world. As South Florida's Hometown University, Florida Atlantic serves as a destination for learning, culture, athletics, and community engagement. Through NCAA Division I athletics, world-class performing arts and cultural events, public lectures, gallery exhibitions, environmental education programs, and one of the nation's largest Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, Florida Atlantic welcomes thousands of residents, visitors, and learners to its campuses each year. From inspiring environmental education programs to providing enriching experiences for retirees, professionals, families, and sports fans, Florida Atlantic is deeply connected to the communities it serves. Through these experiences and partnerships, the university helps strengthen the region's cultural vitality, workforce, economy and quality of life.

For more information, visit www.fau.edu.

Florida Atlantic University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination.

If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the recruitment process, please contact Florida Atlantic’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email to [e-mail].