Production Machinist Engineer

Department
 

PSD Astronomy & Astrophysics: Administration and Staff

About the Department
 

The University of Chicago operates the Metamaterials Laboratory at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (FNAL). This laboratory has several custom computer numeric controlled (CNC) dicing saws that are used to produce metamaterial antireflection coated silicon and alumina optics for use in millimeter-wave observatories including Simons Observatory, CCAT, CMB-S4, and future projects. The met materials are comprised of 50 to 500-micron-wide features patterned across optics that range in diameters from 200 to 500 mm.

Job Summary
 

We seek a qualified applicate to maintain and operated this facility. Tasks will include setting up parts (lenses and optical filters) on the CNC machines, setting up the tooling and calibrating the CNC machines, and producing the metamaterial optics. The applicant will be expected to troubleshoot issues with the production facility which includes a compressed air system, a water filtration system, and other subsystems. The applicant would work with qualified technicians available at FNAL who would help with major repairs and maintenance. The applicant would be expected to help optimize the production process to improve quality, streamline the overall efforts through simplification and automation (where possible) and ensure optimum production speed. The applicant will be responsible and will be expected to manage their efforts, and transparently report their status to their supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Maintains and operates the meta-materials laboratory.
• Manufactures metamaterial optical elements.
• Assists with the assembly of optical systems.
• Develops new production processes.
• Improves production quality.
• Streamlines production efficiency.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments, and interacts with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.
• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.

Experience:       

• >5 years experience in a related machining job, engineering job, or cleanroom job.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• CNC machining.
• CNC programming.
• Willingness to learn Python to be able to work with existing code.
• Ability to work with FNAL support staff to maintain the production system which includes air compressors, a water filtration system, and the CNC dicing saws.

Working Conditions

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders and stand for up to 4-hours per day.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional overtime on short notice in response to operational and emergency requirements.
• Ability to legally operate cars and light trucks.

Application Documents

• Resume (required).
• Cover Letter (preferred).
• References (preferred).

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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