Experimental Machinist

The Experimental Machinist provides technical and operational support for undergraduate instructional laboratories within the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (AME). The position supports machining, fabrication, and prototyping activities associated with laboratory instruction and senior design projects to ensure safe, efficient, and effective delivery of hands-on engineering education.

The role serves as a primary technical resource for instructional machine shop operations, partnering with the Instructional Laboratory Manager, faculty, and students to fabricate components, maintain equipment readiness, and support instructional activities across AME laboratory courses. Responsibilities are aligned with instructional program needs and may evolve as curriculum, projects, or departmental priorities change.

Current facilities include two instructional laboratories, one supply room, and one instructional machine shop supporting undergraduate coursework and capstone projects.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Machining and Fabrication Support (40%)

• Set up, adjust, and operate a variety of precision machine tools and shop equipment.
• Fabricate complex or one-of-a-kind parts, tools, mechanisms, or apparatus for instructional and senior design projects.
• Develop fabrication specifications and determine sequences of manufacturing operations based on drawings, sketches, or verbal instructions.
• Select materials, perform layout work, and machine components to required tolerances.

Instructional and Technical Support (25%)

• Collaborate with faculty, the Instructional Laboratory Manager, and students to analyze design requirements, materials, and fabrication approaches.
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on assistance to students working on instructional and capstone projects.
• Support instructional activities within undergraduate AME laboratory courses or successor courses as program needs evolve.

Equipment and Shop Operations (20%)

• Maintain machine shop equipment and perform routine adjustments or minor repairs to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Monitor inventory of shop supplies and materials and coordinate procurement needs with departmental leadership.
• Maintain organization and operational readiness of machining and fabrication spaces.

Safety and Training (10%)

• Provide machine shop safety instruction and operational training to students and faculty.
• Ensure compliance with university safety policies, laboratory procedures, and equipment usage standards.
• Support maintenance of safety documentation and training records.

Coordination and Special Projects (5%)

• Support laboratory improvements, equipment installations, and operational initiatives.
• Assist with special projects or emergent instructional needs as assigned.

Other duties may be assigned. The position is expected to respond flexibly to evolving instructional and operational needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities)

• Journeyman-level machining experience with advanced knowledge of shop mathematics, mechanics, properties of metals and plastics, and machining procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and fabrication specifications.
• Ability to machine parts from verbal instructions with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with commercially available CAM software (e.g., Mastercam or similar platforms).
• Ability to program and operate common CNC controllers (e.g., HAAS, TRAK, or comparable systems).

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS & TEAM STRUCTURE

• Reports to: Instructional Laboratory Manager, Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
• Supervises: Provides functional direction and technical guidance to students using instructional machine shop facilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Compensation: The hourly salary range for this position is $42.17 - $43.32 ($82,231.50 - $84,474 annualized). When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope of responsibilities, work experience, education and training, skills, internal equity, and market conditions.
• Work Modality: This position is 100% onsite and requires a consistent physical presence to support machining operations, equipment management, and instructional activities. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday during normal university business hours. Remote work is not available due to the hands-on nature of the role.
• Disclaimer: This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may evolve based on departmental priorities and program needs.