Job Description
Who We Are:
Step into a machinist role at a R&D institution where every part matters. In the Applied Power Division's machine shop your precision machining skills will be used to fabricate custom, tight-tolerance components for complex mission-critical systems—not repetitive production runs on thousands of identical parts. You'll work side-by-side with shop supervisors and engineers on high-impact programs. Ability to obtain a security clearance is required. By joining our team, you will receive an additional $500.00 in your first paycheck (minus applicable taxes).
Objectives of this Role:
- Manufacture high-quality, tight-tolerance parts that directly support on-time, successful delivery of customer projects.
- Work both independently and as part of a collaborative team to complete a variety of machining and fabrication tasks.
- Develop and strengthen machining skills (manual and CNC) through hands-on work, training, and feedback from experienced staff.
- Support a safe, organized, and efficient shop environment by following safety procedures and maintaining equipment and workspace.
Daily and Monthly Responsibilities:
- Manufacture precision, high-quality parts from detailed drawings (with guidance).
- Inspect your own work for defects and tight tolerances using basic measuring tools, taking pride in meeting strict quality standards.
- Apply and grow your knowledge of basic machine tool operations and machining processes.
- Learn how different machines, cutting tools, and setups work together through hands-on experience and on-the-job training.
- Perform routine equipment maintenance as required and keep a clean, organized, professional workspace. Follow proper machine safety procedures and wear required PPE every day to help maintain a safe shop environment.
- Operate a variety of mechanical fabrication equipment, including presses, grinders, saws, hand tools, and power tools.
- Help cut, shape, and finish materials while gaining broad exposure to modern manufacturing processes.
- Identify issues on the shop floor and suggest improvements to setups, tooling, and workflows.
- Work with the team to refine processes, improve efficiency, and help maintain our high quality standards.
Requirements:
- Requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Machinist certification and/or related Associate degree is preferred.
- 2-10 years: Experience of safely operating manual lathes and mills as well as CNC machines, including basic setups, loading/unloading parts, selecting tools, monitoring cuts during production, and maintenance.
- 2-10 years: Familiarity reading and interpreting engineering drawings and using micrometers, calipers, and other precision tools to check dimensions and verify tight tolerances.
- 2-10 years: Working knowledge of shop math (fractions, decimals, basic trig helpful), feeds and speeds, cutting tools, and common machining processes such as turning, milling, drilling, and grinding.
- 2-10 years: Strong attention to detail, consistent part inspection, reliable documentation of work, and adherence to safety procedures and PPE, with a focus on maintaining an organized work area.
- A valid/clear driver's license is required.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | San Antonio, TX |
| Industry | Engineering Services |
| Company Size | 2,000 to 2,499 employees |
| Year Founded | 1947 |
| Website | http://www.swri.org/ |
Benefits
Paid Sick Days, Parking, Professional Development, Employee Referral Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Events, Retirement / Pension Plans, Tuition Reimbursement, Health Care on Site, Merchandise Discounts, Military Leave, On Site Cafeteria
About Company
We are R&D problem solvers providing independent, premier services to government and industry clients. Our multidisciplinary nature allows us to rapidly assemble diverse teams to tackle problems from multiple directions. We push the boundaries of science and technology to develop innovative solutions that advance the state of the art and improve human health and safety. Operating as a nonprofit since our 1947 inception, we work in the public’s best interest and toward the betterment of mankind. At SwRI, we tirelessly pursue innovation and excellence in science and technology for the betterment of humankind. We support work on nearly 4,000 client projects at any given time through a wide range of technical competencies with 2,574 staff members in nine technical divisions. Client services include, but are not limited to, Automotive and Transportation, Biomedical & Health, Chemistry & Materials, Computers and Electronics, Defense & Security, Earth & Space, Energy & Environment, and Manufacturing & Construction.
TECHNICAL DIVISIONS
- Applied Physics-Developing advanced electronic and microelectronic devices, power supplies, voice and data communication systems, robot test services, and payloads
- Applied Power-Using physical science research and applied engineering to produce sensors, instruments, and hardware used worldwide.
- Center for Nuclear Waste Regulatory Analyses-Resolving technical and regulatory issues related to a potential geologic repository for spent nuclear fule and high-level radioactive waste.
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering-Performing research and technical services using chemistry and chemical engineering technology.
- Defense and & Intelligence Solutions-Providing advanced direction finding and tracking systems through geolocation system development.
- Fuels and Lubricants Research-Performing fuels and lubricants research activities to meet regulatory and competitive goals.
- Intelligent Systems-Providing engineering services in resaerch and development of complex systems and equipment.
- Mechanical Engineering-Improving safety, reliability, efficiency and life of new or existing mechanical components or systems.
- Powertrain Engineering-Designing and developing vehicle and engine components to achieve performance and emissions goals.
- Space Science & Engineering-Developing and managing advanced scientific payloads aboard satellites and sounding rockets.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Innovation in science and technology has been a hallmark of Southwest Research Institute since its earliest days. It's no exaggeration to say we are committed to advancing science and applying technology to benefit government, industry, and all humankind. That is our mission. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative approach allows us to successfully solve clients' most challenging problems. Today, we are a leader among independent, nonprofit research and development organizations. Our staff of 2,574 scientists, engineers, analysts, and support staff members continues to accomplish outstanding fundamental and applied engineering and research for clients from diverse segments of government and industry. Adam L. Hamilton, P.E, President and CEO
IN THE COMMUNITY
Our staff is expert at developing solutions that help build a better tomorrow today; and that practical, innovative spirit carries through to our community interactions. Staff members generously donate time and outher resources to support food drives, blood drives, and other
outreach programs.
HONORS AND AWARDS
Southwest Research Institute has earned 43 R&D 100 awards since 1971. Each year R&D Magazine recognizes developments regarded as among the 100 most significant technical accomplishments. The Chicago Tribune dubbed the program "the Oscars of Invention".
Skills
- CNC (Computerized Numerical Control) Systemsunmatched
- Cutting Toolsunmatched
- Detail Orientedunmatched
- Documentationunmatched
- Drillingunmatched
- Driver's Licenseunmatched
- Engineering Drawingunmatched
- Equipment Maintenance/Repairunmatched
- Grindingunmatched
- Hand Toolsunmatched
- High School Diplomaunmatched
- Housekeeping/Cleaningunmatched
- Identify Issuesunmatched
- Latheunmatched
- Loading/Unloadingunmatched
- Machine Toolunmatched
- Machiningunmatched
- Machining Operationsunmatched
- Manufacturing/Industrial Processesunmatched
- Mathematicsunmatched
- Operations Processesunmatched
- Organizational Skillsunmatched
- Process Improvementunmatched
- Production Controlunmatched
- Quality Managementunmatched
- Quality Metricsunmatched
- Research & Development (R&D)unmatched
- Retail Managementunmatched
- Safety Processunmatched
- Safety/Work Safetyunmatched
- Security Clearanceunmatched
- Team Playerunmatched
- Time Managementunmatched
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