Instrument Maker, Senior

Duke University:

 

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

 

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As an Instrument Maker in the Physics Instrument Shop, you’ll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that supports groundbreaking scientific and clinical research through expert craftsmanship and innovation.

 

Be Bold.

Bring your creativity, precision, and problem-solving skills to a role where your work directly supports the advancement of science. You’ll collaborate with faculty, students, and researchers to design, build, and repair complex instruments that push the boundaries of discovery.

 

What You’ll Do:

Instrument Development and Fabrication

• Consult independently with scientific and clinical customers to design and modify specialized equipment.
• Provide CAD and CNC support for instrument development.
• Machine and process precision parts to fine tolerances using lathes, milling machines, drills, welding/soldering equipment, and woodworking tools.
• Collaborate with Duke researchers to plan, design, and prepare drawings for new instruments using advanced shop mathematics and research techniques.
• Select fabrication methods and materials based on tolerances, stresses, and machine tool capabilities.
• Perform complex repairs, adjustments, and calibrations to malfunctioning instruments.
• Ensure completed work meets accuracy standards and safety codes.

Shop Operations Support

• Coordinate project intake and assignment to match needs and expertise.
• Review specifications and estimate job costs; track projects from intake to delivery.
• Develop accurate quotes and provide timely billing and invoicing.
• Maintain inventory and collaborate with procurement to ensure timely sourcing of materials.
• Maintain standard operating procedures and provide technical guidance to faculty, students, and staff.
• Assist in training shop personnel and support continuous improvement efforts.

Other Duties

• Perform related duties as assigned to support the shop’s mission and daily operations.

 

Choose Duke.

Pay Range: $25.68 – $42.46/hour
Duke considers experience, education, skills, and market factors when extending offers.
Total Compensation: Duke offers competitive medical and dental care, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs. Learn more: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits
Essential Physical Job Functions: Some roles may require specific physical or mental abilities. Reasonable accommodations are available.

Qualifications:

• Education: Technical or vocational high school education in machine shop operations.
• Experience: 3+ years as an Instrument Maker or 7+ years in precision part design/machining for scientific or clinical equipment.
• Preferred Certifications: MIG/TIG welding, Mastercam CAD/CAM software.
• Skills: Strong communication, analytical thinking, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving.

 

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members