Machinist and Project Support Coordinator

$48,727 - $53,026/Yr

Gonzaga University - Spokane, WA

Full-time - Entry Level

Spokane, WA

Educational Services

About the position

The Machinist and Project Support Coordinator at Gonzaga University plays a crucial role in supporting senior design projects, research activities, and student engineering clubs through expertise in fabrication and machining. This position involves operating and maintaining various machine shop equipment, assisting students with their fabrication needs, and ensuring that safety standards are strictly adhered to. The coordinator will work closely with students to help them design, fabricate, and assemble components for their projects, providing technical guidance on material selection and machining techniques. In addition to fabrication support, the coordinator will collaborate with senior design teams and student clubs to understand their project requirements and timelines. This hands-on role requires providing technical advice throughout the project lifecycle, from concept to completion, and assisting with the fabrication of prototypes and custom parts. The coordinator will also support First-Year Seminar (FYS) courses and co-curricular activities, fostering a collaborative environment among students and faculty. Safety is a top priority in this role, and the coordinator will conduct training sessions on the safe use of machine shop tools and equipment, develop instructional materials, and ensure compliance with university safety policies. Regular safety inspections and maintenance checks on machine shop equipment will also be part of the responsibilities. The coordinator will manage the inventory of materials and tools, ensuring a clean and organized machine shop environment. This position is vital for promoting a culture of safety, collaboration, and excellence in engineering education at Gonzaga University.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with the design, fabrication, and assembly of components for their projects.
• Operate machine shop equipment, including lathes, mills, CNC machines, and welding equipment.
• Provide technical guidance on material selection, machining techniques, and fabrication processes.
• Collaborate with senior design teams and student clubs to understand their project requirements and timelines.
• Provide hands-on support and technical advice throughout the project lifecycle, from concept to completion.
• Assist with the fabrication of prototypes, custom parts, and final products.
• Conduct training sessions on the safe and effective use of machine shop tools and equipment.
• Develop instructional materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for machine shop operations.
• Mentor students on machining best practices and troubleshooting techniques.
• Ensure all machining activities comply with university safety policies and industry regulations.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Conduct regular safety inspections and maintenance checks on machine shop equipment.
• Perform routine maintenance and calibration of machine shop equipment to ensure optimal performance.
• Troubleshoot and repair equipment as needed or coordinate with vendors for servicing.
• Manage inventory of materials, tools, and supplies required for machining and fabrication.
• Order and replenish materials as needed to support ongoing projects.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked machine shop environment.
• Serve as a liaison between the machine shop, student clubs, and faculty advisors.
• Coordinate with other university departments for shared resources and interdisciplinary projects.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 1-3 years of experience with machining and fabrication, including operation of lathes, mills, CNC machines, and welding equipment.
• Strong knowledge of safety protocols and best practices in a machine shop environment.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of students, faculty, and staff.

Nice-to-haves

• Technical certification or associate degree in machining, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Prior experience in an educational setting or working with students.

Benefits

• PPO Medical plan administered by Premera Blue Cross
• Employer-paid dental programs through Delta Dental
• Vision coverage through VSP
• Employer-paid Life Insurance
• Optional employee-paid Life Insurance through Lincoln Financial
• TIAA 403(b) Retirement plan including free onsite financial planning and advising
• Employee Assistance Program through Supportlinc
• Zagfit Wellness program with access to GU's onsite fitness center and Spokane Transit Authority (STA) bus passes
• 4 hours of sick time per pay period
• Vacation time starting at 5 hours per pay period
• 17 paid holidays
• Long Term Disability and Tuition Waivers available after the first year of employment.