Laboratory Instrument Machinist Foreman, UVa Physics Machine Shop

The Department of Physics at the University of Virginia seeks applications for the Machine Shop Laboratory Instrument Machinist Foreman. The 3,900sq.ft. Physics Machine Shop includes a "Student" or "User" shop available to Physics and Chemistry researchers and graduate students (who have passed a required safety and training course). The machine shop equipment suite includes CNC and manual mills and lathes, numerous drill presses, grinders, and shapers, as well as a welding shop including TIG, MIG, and laser welders. The Laboratory Instrument Machinist Foreman plays an essential role in the Physics Machine Shop, ensuring that exceptionally high standards of quality and precision are met, as the success of research projects depends critically upon well-built instruments. For more information about our program, please visit

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Provide supervision of the Laboratory Instrument Making Machine Shop, including oversight of the day-to-day activities of the Laboratory Instrument Making Machinists, including:
• Inspection of finished projects.
• Participation and oversight in performance management process.
• Review and approval of time and leave requests.
• Recruitment and hiring of new Instrument Making Machinists.
• Effectively manage and schedule requested work, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Ensure that the Student Shop course is effectively and safely taught.
• Develop processes for effectively and efficiently coordinating short- and long-term workloads.
• Work collaboratively with the Laboratory Instrument Making Machinists to solve advanced technical problems.
• Establish and uphold best practices to accomplish task and projects under minimal supervision.
• Understand the role of the Laboratory Instrument Machinist, who are tasked with fabricating research grade equipment using tools such as computer controlled milling machines and lathes.
  • Fabricate research grade equipment, which often requires significant ingenuity and development of new techniques.
  • Set up and operation of various machinery.
  • Fit and assemble parts to make or repair metal instruments, mechanisms, tools, or machines on complex projects.
  • Meet exceptionally high standards of quality and precision.
  • Assist customers with equipment design.
  • Provide information for record keeping, and management of supply and equipment resources.
  • Solve technical problems and keep current of new products and techniques.
• Ensure safety and risk management practices are followed.
  • Foster a safe work environment by instructing and monitoring compliance of Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and all applicable federal, state, local, and University regulations.
  • Work from sketches/blueprints and verbal instruction.
  • Understand the fundamentals of instrument design.
  • Work with customers from diverse cultural backgrounds and experience.
  • Operate machines and tools such as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills and lathes to close tolerance.
  • Demonstrate mastery of machine tool practices and safety.
  • In addition to these duties, other duties may be assigned.

Qualified candidates must have:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent. Machinist Associate's Degree or equivalent preferred.

• Experience: Four years journey level experience in licensed trade discipline and two years supervisor and leadership experience required.
• Licensure: Trade-specific journey or master level license required.

Preferred experience:

• At least seven years of experience in similar shop (e.g., "research and development", "model shop", or similar position in academia or industry).
• Experience procuring specialty materials and supplies.
• SolidWorks CAD Software.
• Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Metal Inert Gas (MIG), and laser welding expertise.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Tool and Die Maker, Model Maker, or Research and Development (R&D) Machinist.
• Demonstrated mastery of machine tool practices and safety.
• Demonstrated ability to operate machines and tools such as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills and lathes to close tolerance.

To Apply:

External applicants need to apply online at . Internal applicants must apply through their UVa Workday profile by searching 'Find Jobs' and search for R0065787. Complete an application online with the following documents:

* CV

* Cover letter

Upload all materials into the resume submission field, multiple documents can be submitted into this one field. Alternatively, merge all documents into one PDF for submission. Applications that do not contain all required documents will not receive full consideration.

References will be completed via UVa's standardized process Skill Survey. A total of five references will be requested via SkillSurvey during the final phase of the interview process.

This role is located on UVa Grounds in Charlottesville, VA, and is not eligible for remote or hybrid work schedules.

The Hiring Range will be commensurate with education and experience. This is a non-exempt level, benefited position.

For more information on the benefits at UVa, visit hr.virginia.edu/benefits. This position will remain open until filled. This position will not sponsor applicants for work visas. The University will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

For additional information about the position, please contact Rick Marshall, Physics Department Director of Laboratories, at

For questions about the application process, please contact Rich Haverstrom, Faculty Search Advisor, at

Physical Demands

This position requires the incumbent to remain in a standing position for much of the time while working on complex machinery. This requires the use of repetitive motion, use of both hands, use of either hand independently, fine finger manipulation, and wrist movement as well as bending, stooping, and standing.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician's Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.