Scientific Instrument Shop Supervisor

Scientific Instrument Shop Supervisor

The Scientific Instrument Shop Supervisor oversees operations for the Physics Department's advanced machine shop, which includes a high-precision research instrumentation shop and a dedicated student shop. This position serves as the primary technical advisor to faculty, researchers, students, staff and external partners seeking custom mechanical hardware and experimental apparatus.

The Supervisor manages technical staff, oversees operational finances (including job estimating, purchasing, and billing), oversees the student shop safety and machining course, and maintains rigorous shop safety and preventative maintenance programs. This role bridges advanced precision engineering, instructional mentorship, and administrative management.

This position reports to the Chief Administrator, Chris Gale.

1. Technical Consulting, Instrumentation & Customer Relations (25%)

• Act as the primary technical point of contact for internal customers (faculty, postdocs, research scientists, staff, and students) as well as Los Alamos National Laboratory.
• Consult on experimental designs, providing Design-for-Manufacturability (DFM) feedback on complex mechanical systems, vacuum chambers, cryogenic components, and custom physics apparatuses.
• Translate conceptual designs, rough sketches, and engineering drawings (CAD/CAM models) into manufacturable specifications, recommending suitable materials.
• Prepare detailed time, labor, and material cost estimates for research projects; track active job status and ensure timely project completion.

2. Shop Administration & Financial Management (20%)

• Oversee business operations and financial management for the facility's internal recharge/service center account.
• Manage timekeeping, materials tracking, and monthly billing/invoicing processes for all internal and external research accounts. Source, quote, and purchase raw materials, tooling, hardware, and shop supplies while maintaining vendor relationships and managing inventory levels.
• Analyze shop metrics, equipment utilization, and labor allocation to evaluate rates and recommend future capital equipment acquisitions.

3. Staff Supervision & Personnel Management (20%)

• Directly supervise, schedule, evaluate, and mentor full-time instrument makers and machinist staff.
• Assign daily fabrication workflows based on shop capacity, technical difficulty, and project deadlines.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, address personnel issues, and support ongoing professional development.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented work culture centered on precision quality, safety, and constructive communication.

4. Facility Operations, Maintenance & EHS Compliance (15%)

• Ensure compliance with ITAR, CUI, and other regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the primary Shop Safety Officer, ensuring full compliance with University Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), and state regulations.
• Maintain current Safety Data Sheets (SDS), personal protective equipment (PPE) standards, chemical hazardous waste disposal, and machine guarding protocols.
• Establish and execute a comprehensive Preventative Maintenance (PM) program for all machinery (manual mills/lathes, 3-axis CNCs, wire EDMs, surface grinders, welders, and hand tools).
• Diagnose mechanical or electrical equipment issues, perform minor repairs, and coordinate third-party field service technicians for major maintenance.

5. Custom Machining (10%)

• Plan, lay out, and build experimental subassemblies and prototype instruments requiring a high degree of accuracy.

6. Student Shop Instruction & Supervision (10%)

• Oversee daily operations, scheduling, and user access for the Physics Department Student Shop.
• Develop and deliver practical training modules to graduate and undergraduate students as well as faculty and staff on safe machine shop operations.
• Cover basic operation of manual lathes, mills, drill presses, band saws, hand tools, and metrology equipment.
• Monitor users' work in real-time to ensure safe practices, certify qualified students for shop access, and enforce safety credential records.

Required Qualifications*

• Associate degree in Machine Tool Technology, Precision Machining, Mechanical Engineering Technology, or completion of a formal Master Toolmaker / Journeyman Machinist apprenticeship (or equivalent combination of education and technical experience).
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in precision machining, custom instrumentation, or job shop manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory, lead machinist, or shop management role.
• Experience translating conceptual designs into manufacturable specifications.
• Ability to transport, position, or maneuver equipment and materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work in a restricted-access area and comply with ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) requirements.
• Demonstrated mastery in operating manual and CNC machine tools (lathes, mills, wire/sinker EDM, surface grinders).
• Proficiency with CAD/CAM software platforms (e.g., SolidWorks, Mastercam, Fusion 360) for design translation and 3D programming.
• Demonstrated expertise holding tight tolerances (0.0002" or 0.005mm).
• Strong working knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience working with diverse materials (stainless steels, aluminum, brass, delrim, PEEK, ceramics, Teflon, and refractory/exotic metals).
• Familiarity with ultra-high vacuum (UHV) design standards, cleanroom assembly practices, and TIG welding/brazing techniques.
• Strong knowledge of safety, compliance, and hazardous materials protocols.
• Demonstrated skill in project management, job costing, and material purchasing.
• Proven leadership capacity to manage personnel and resolve workplace conflict constructively.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to explain technical manufacturing constraints to non-engineers.

Desired Qualifications*

• Prior experience managing a scientific instrument shop, prototype lab, or user facility in an R1 research university, national laboratory, or other R&D setting.
• Teaching, coaching, or instructional experience delivering hands-on safety/machining training to non-machinists or students.
• Familiarity with university administrative tools, recharge account billing systems, and inventory management systems.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

In addition, LSA offers:

• Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses
• Strong commitment to work/life balance

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 adds purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

Modes of Work

This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid work. This position is expected to work fully onsite in the shop, which is located on Central Campus in the Randall Laboratory building. The shop hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

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.
• A higher salary may be available for exceptionally qualified candidates.

As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human

University of Michigan-Flint