Lab Machinist I

Job Summary

Produces precision-machined components by programming, setting up, and operating computer numerical control (CNC) equipment and conventional machining tools. Ensures adherence to quality, safety, and operational standards; provides technical instruction and guidance to faculty, staff, and students; maintains machinery and equipment in optimal working condition; and promotes a safe, organized, and efficient machine shop environment.  

Essential Functions

• Ensure faculty, staff, and students comply with all laboratory policies, procedures, and safety regulations.
• Promote a safe working environment through training, guidance, and adherence to established health and safety standards.
• Provide technical instruction, procedural guidance, and hands-on support to faculty, staff, students, and other laboratory users.
• Anticipate potential issues and assist in resolving challenges to keep projects on schedule and operating efficiently.
• Interpret engineering drawings and specifications to manufacture components to close tolerances with minimal supervision.
• Develop sketches and fabricate parts based on verbal instructions or conceptual designs.
• Program and operate CNC mills and lathes by entering and verifying machining instructions, setting reference points and tool offsets, applying compensation and conditional functions, and calculating machining requirements using mathematics, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Design or assist in the design and fabrication of complex machine components, fixtures, testing devices, specimens, and experimental apparatus to support research, instructional, and operational objectives.
• Collaborate with laboratory personnel, faculty, researchers, and students to evaluate, modify, troubleshoot, and improve existing and newly developed designs and equipment.
• Supervise and provide oversight to students working in the machine shop, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, proper equipment use, and quality workmanship.
• Demonstrate the safe and effective operation of machine shop equipment and laboratory tools to students, faculty, staff, and other authorized users.
• Perform routine daily, weekly, and preventive maintenance on machine shop equipment and related laboratory systems to ensure operational readiness and reliability.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of a HS Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience. 
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software and general computer applications.
• Possession of personal machinist tools required.
• Experience operating manual and CNC machine shop equipment, including lathes, milling machines, band saws, grinders, and related fabrication tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Completion of a trade school program, formal apprenticeship, or equivalent combination of education and experience preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in CNC and manual machining operations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively instruct and assist faculty, staff, students, and other laboratory users.
• Thorough knowledge of machine shop safety practices, procedures, and regulations, with a demonstrated commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
• Proven ability to demonstrate professionalism, initiative, integrity, adaptability, attention to detail, and a strong sense of accountability and urgency in completing assigned tasks.

Physical Demands

• Typically standing, walking
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping
• Lifting demands 25lbs
• Lifting demands > 50lbs
• Lifting demands 50lbs

Location

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Non-Exempt, grade I. Compensation for this grade ranges from $21.71 - $32.57 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate’s qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel’s compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel’s Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.