The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-based Sciences & Education (CLASSE) seeks a machining professional with supervisory experience to manage the Clark Hall Machine Shop on Cornell’s Ithaca campus. The Machine Shop Supervisor will manage a team of machinists and will direct the operations of our professional and student machine shops. Well qualified candidates will possess strong technical skills in metal manufacturing and CAD (computer-aided design), have a strong customer service orientation, and be equally adept with the business side of shop management.
The Opportunity
As Machine Shop Supervisor, you will oversee operations and provide strategic leadership to support and advance the shop’s mission. The Clark Hall Machine Shop is a self-sustaining (re-charge) operation that provides service to the Cornell community and a limited external community (both academic and professional). The machine shop supports research and educational work of Cornell students (undergraduate and graduate), faculty and staff as well as external collaborators (academic and professional).
On any given day, you might work with a past or future Nobel laureate to translate their equipment needs into manufacturable parts and CAD models. Or you might teach Cornell students how to safely build parts for their research projects. Or you could develop cost estimates for fabricating the prototype of a new invention.
Key responsibilities will include:
Managing a team of highly skilled research machinists
Mentoring apprentice machinists and providing training and technical guidance
Coordinating shop workflow, assigning priorities, and allocating resources effectively
Ensuring rigorous compliance with safety standards, university policies, and local regulations
Evaluating incoming projects, establishing timelines, and recommending appropriate materials and manufacturing processes
Managing the student instructional shop and conducting training programs or supervising training staff
Collaborating with researchers to design complex, custom components and systems and producing precision components
Overseeing maintenance and repair or replacement of equipment, procuring shop materials, and evaluating facility performance
Ensuring staff remain up to date on required safety training and certifications
About CLASSE
The Cornell Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences and Education (CLASSE) is a fast-paced, dynamic workplace where scientists, professors, post-docs, researchers, engineers, support specialists, and technicians work hand-in-hand to develop, test, and implement scientific equipment and research procedures.
What We Need
Send us a cover letter and resume outlining your interest in this position and explaining how your experience and qualifications match the position requirements. Your letter is an important component of your application.
Note: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
When evaluating your candidacy, we will look for evidence of the following:
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical technology or related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant training and on-the-job experience
3-5 years’ on-the-job experience in a machine tool trade
Experience managing or supervising others, especially technical staff
Knowledge and previous utilization of a wide variety of machining equipment, including manual milling and lathes, computer-driven milling and lathes, and numerically controlled machine programming
Demonstrated proficiency in 2D/3D CAD/CAM software (this shop uses Autodesk products)
Ability to use and apply machining/fabrication techniques
Thorough understanding of a broad range of metals/materials and their characteristics
Strong customer service focus with good interpersonal, organizational and communication skills
Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences
And, while not required, any of the following would be very helpful:
Experience in an academic machine shop
Certified 4-year Tool and Die Maker apprenticeship…