How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
The Department of Physics seeks a talented Instrument Maker to join our Scientific Instrument Shop. This role is central to a high-visibility Research and Development agreement between the University of Michigan and the Los Alamos National Laboratory focused on rapid prototyping services for advanced scientific projects. You will work at the cutting edge of research, providing precision fabrication that directly supports critical R&D objectives. This is a unique opportunity to work with sophisticated, industry-leading machinery in a collaborative academic environment.
This is a term-limited position that may be extended if funding is renewed. The current funding runs through September 30, 2028.
All work is performed on-site at the Ann Arbor campus. Hybrid and remote work modes are not available.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Who We Are
The Physics Department's mission is to advance the university's goals and ideals through incisive education, lasting contributions to human understanding, and the shared excitement of scientific discovery. Within the department, the Scientific Instrument Shop is a resource for skilled, custom fabrication for scientific instruments, as well as other custom equipment faculty need to do their work. Our highly skilled instrument team provides custom scientific apparatus from metal and plastic. The facility also houses the Student Shop where students learn to physically use machine tools to create their own experiments.
Why Work at Michigan?
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Responsibilities*
- Rapid Prototyping & Fabrication: You will plan, lay out, and build experimental sub-assemblies and prototype instruments requiring a high degree of accuracy. This includes fabricating new or modified scientific components and performing setup and testing of complete units.
- Innovation & Quality: You will review finished items for quality and provide expert recommendations for improvements to equipment, products, or test methods.
- Inventory Management: You will maintain an effective inventory of materials and components required to complete prototyping projects.
- Shipping: Working with the facilities coordinator, you will pack and ship completed prototypes following protocols and best practices to ensure they reach their destination in a timely manner and fully functional.
- Shop Stewardship: You will contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and well-organized shop environment while ensuring shop inventory is accurately managed.
This position reports to the Instrument Shop Manager.
Required Qualifications*
- 3-5 years' experience in fabricating custom equipment.
- Working knowledge of CAD/CAM, conversational programming, Mastercam, Fusion, and Solidworks.
- High-level mastery of machining principles and the ability to work with extreme precision.
- Strong problem-solving skills to navigate the complexities of "one-off" prototype development.
- Ability to work and interact in a professional and effective manner.
- Strong knowledge of safety, compliance, and hazardous materials protocols.
- Ability to effectively move equipment and materials weighing approximately 50 pounds.
- Ability to work in a restricted space and comply with ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) requirements.
Desired Qualifications*
- 5-7 years' experience in fabricating custom equipment.
- Familiarity with EDM technologies and Sodick platforms, including the ALN800G Wire EDM and K1C Small Hole Drilling EDM.
- Prior experience working in a research or higher-education environment.
Modes of Work
This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid work.
Additional Information
As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Additional Information
- Due to the nature of this R&D partnership, this work involves sensitive (ITAR) projects. Candidates must be able to work in a restricted-access environment.
- Candidates for this position must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.