Tool & Die / Machinist

Purdue University; West Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Purdue University in West Lafayette is seeking a Precision Machinist to support teaching and research through fabrication of precision components. You will work with faculty, researchers, and staff on custom projects, applying both traditional and CNC machining to meet strict tolerances.

The role emphasizes collaboration, problem-solving, and implementing new machining technologies to improve quality and efficiency in a busy university shop environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with shop math and trigonometry.
• Familiarity with CAD or computer-based design software is required.
• Experience with both manual and CNC equipment (programming and operation) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage machine shop workflow, prioritize requests, and coordinate project timelines.
• Maintain shop equipment, monitor inventory levels, and track usage/materials billing.
• Collaborate with customers to develop solutions for research and instructional needs.
• Recommend materials, fabrication methods, and machining approaches to meet objectives.
• Plan fabrication processes from calculations and layouts to material procurement and production.
• Produce precision components using CNC and traditional methods while maintaining tolerances.

Skills

Machining processes

CNC milling/turning

3D CAD modeling

Manual milling/grinding

Communication

Project coordination

Education

High School degree / HSE

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Precision Machinist
Department of Chemistry / Purdue University -West Lafayette Indiana

The Department of Chenmistry is seeking a skilled Precision Machinist who enjoys combining technical expertise, problem-solving, and collaboration to support innovative teaching and research initiatives. This position offers the opportunity to work on a wide variety of custom projects, partnering with faculty, researchers, and staff to transform specialized concepts into precision-engineered components and equipment.

What You'll Do
In this role, you will oversee daily machine shop operations while supporting the design, fabrication, and modification of specialized mechanical components and assemblies.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing machine shop workflow, prioritizing requests, and coordinating project timelines
• Maintaining shop equipment, monitoring inventory levels, completing usage and material billing, and ensuring accurate recordkeeping
• Collaborating with customers to develop solutions for unique research and instructional needs
• Recommending materials, fabrication methods, and machining approaches to achieve project objectives
• Planning complete fabrication processes, including calculations, layouts, drawings, material procurement, and production
• Producing precision components using both traditional machining methods and CNC equipment while maintaining specified tolerances
• Troubleshooting complex fabrication challenges and identifying practical, effective solutions
• Researching and implementing new technologies, equipment, and machining techniques to improve quality, efficiency, and shop capabilities
• Supporting a safe, organized, and productive shop environment

Why Join Us?
This position provides the opportunity to contribute directly to the teaching, research, and innovation mission of the Department of Chemistry. The work is highly varied, offering new challenges and opportunities to apply advanced machining skills while supporting projects that advance discovery and learning. You'll join a collaborative environment where technical expertise is valued and where your craftsmanship helps turn ideas into reality.

What We're Looking For

Education and Experience Required:

• High School Degree or High School Equivalency (HSE)
• A minimum of four (4) years of machining or experience in the design and fabrication of complex parts and assemblies, utilizing mills, lathes, grinders, and other machining equipment required
• Experience using standard shop math / trigonometry, CAD or other computer-based design software, and both manual and CNC equipment (programming and operation) required

Preferred:

• Welding experience

Skills Required:

• Thorough knowledge of machining techniques/processes, and operation of lathes, mills, grinders, saws, drill presses, etc. used in fabricating complex precision parts
• Knowledge of physical and machining properties of a wide variety of metals and plastics including: stainless steels, aluminum, PEEK, Teflon and nylon
• Skilled in tight tolerance precision machining and attentive to details
• Proficient in the use of 3D software to design parts and program CNC lathes / mills
• Capable of meeting goals and deadlines while working on multiple projects
• Good verbal and written communication, time management, and organizational skills with a positive, creative attitude
• Ability to:
  • work independently towards project completion
  • use independent judgement when analyzing mechanical/machining problems and developing machining solutions
  • work with faculty, staff, and students of various cultural backgrounds to design mechanical parts or modify existing equipment based on their mechanical drawings, rough sketches, or oral/written instruction

Additional Information:

• Purdue University will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
• A background check will be required for employment in this position
• FLSA: Non-Exempt (Eligible for Overtime)
• Retirement Eligibility: Non-exempt Defined Contribution Plan
• Benefit Statement: Purdue University offers a substantialBenefit Package including medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous paid time off package for sick and vacation days

Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.