Experimental Machinist, Department of Physics - Georgetown University College of Arts & Sciences

Georgetown University comprises two unique campuses in the nation’s capital. With the Hilltop Campus located in the heart of the historic Georgetown neighborhood, and the Capitol Campus, just minutes from the U.S. Capitol and U.S. Supreme Court, Georgetown University offers rigorous academic programs, a global perspective, and unparalleled opportunities to engage with Washington, D.C. Our community is a close-knit group of remarkable individuals driven by intellectual inquiry, a commitment to social justice, and a shared dedication to making a difference in the world.

Requirements

Job Overview

The Georgetown University College of Arts & Sciences experience is marked by intellectual vitality, a global outlook, and dedication to service. In the Jesuit tradition of cura personalis, the Georgetown University College of Arts & Sciences strives to provide its students with a multifaceted liberal arts education—an education of the whole person. Our exceptional students and world-class faculty are the heart and soul of the university.

The Experimental Machinist (EM) maintains and operates the Physics machine shop at Georgetown University and provides technical support for research and teaching to the department of Physics, as well as to other science departments. Tasks include machining and testing components of scientific equipment and collaborating with students and faculty on research and teaching.  The individual must be able to work with faculty, professional research staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students to ascertain and help define their specific needs and then propose ways to fabricate parts and components to satisfy those needs in a timely and economical manner. The EM must maintain high quality and safety standards for their work, keep accurate records, and maintain the supplies and equipment in the shop. The individual will:

• Have the capability to perform machining to extremely close tolerances using lathes, milling machines, grinders, drill presses, and other shop equipment

• Assist with setting up and performing experiments for research

• Meet and spend time with researchers to understand their needs and help define requirements

• Consult with researchers throughout the design and fabrication process to ensure their requirements are being met

• Assist with instructional equipment and facilities

• Assist with the testing, integration and maintenance of electrical and mechanical assemblies in the instructional labs and in the research labs, including power supplies, computer and electronic components, vacuum pumps, including new and aged equipment

• Be responsible for cleaning and maintenance of the machine shop to ensure good housekeeping practices and a safe working environment

Work Interactions

The department depends on the Experimental Machinist to administer and maintain the machine shop and provide technical support for the department research and teaching missions. The EM should efficiently and effectively provide design and machining services to meet the needs of the Physics department and the Physics laboratories, as well as of other science research laboratories (Chemistry, Biology, Psychology). The candidate will also liaise with the cleanroom technical manager to maintain new, refurbished, and used equipment (e.g. pumps, thin film deposition or etching tools). The EM refurbishes and improves the physical infrastructure of the department (offices, classrooms and laboratories) to meet the changing needs of teaching and research.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Use lathes, milling machines, grinders, drill presses, and other shop equipment with no need of supervision

• High school diploma or GED and 5+ years of related work experience

• Comprehensive knowledge of machine shop practices (shop safety, feeds and speeds, set-up, etc.)

• Comprehensive understanding of sophisticated fabrication and assembly techniques

• Expertise in material selections used for custom machined parts

• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with a broad array of people

• Proficiency with design software, such as: SolidWorks, Mastercam, or Autocad, as well as software for data acquisition and instrument control such as LabVIEW are desirable qualifications. Knowledge of programming and operation of CNC Mills, Lathes, Water Jets, and other shop tools are also desirable for possible future upgrades of the machine shop tools<