Special Information

• This position is an on-site position which requires the incumbent to complete their work primarily at an NAU site, campus, or facility with or without accommodation. Opportunities for remote work are rare.
• Driving a vehicle on behalf of the university is anticipated to be a regular part of this position. Arizona Administrative Code Fleet Safety Policy requires all employees who drive on university business become authorized by submitting Driver’s license information for driving record monitoring, and completion of training appropriate to the level of driving performed. The law applies to all faculty, staff, and students who drive personal or university-owned motorized vehicles for any business purpose. More information on the NAU Authorized Driver Policy can be found on the NAU website.

About the Department/College

About the Department/ Lab: The Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) is known for its student-centered approach and strong emphasis on hands-on learning and research. It offers a full suite of degree programs—bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D – and is housed in the Steve Sanghi College of Engineering. The department fosters close faculty-student interaction, with a focus on mentoring and collaborative research. Faculty and students engage in cutting-edge work in areas like solid mechanics, thermal-fluids, energy systems, intelligent systems, robotics, and bioengineering. The undergraduate Mechanical Engineering degree program is ABET-accredited, ensuring a rigorous and industry-aligned curriculum. The Department currently has over 650 students and 17 faculty, and blends academic rigor with a strong sense of community and purpose.

The Machine Shop and IDEA Lab are the two fabrication facilities that mechanical engineering majors use for prototyping a wide range of devices/systems they design throughout the ME curriculum. The Machine Shop, focused on subtractive manufacturing, is equipped with manual and CNC mills, manual and CNC lathes, a surface grinder, bandsaws, shop grinders/polishers, as well as a welding station. The IDEA lab, focused mainly on additive manufacturing, is equipped with several polymer 3D printers and a metal powder 3D printer. All pieces of equipment available in both facilities are regularly used by students for class projects.

About the Position

The Mechanical Engineering Department at Northern Arizona University aims to hire a machinist who will be responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining a variety of machine tools—including lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and CNC equipment—to fabricate precision metal parts, instruments, and tools. This position requires reading and interpreting blueprints, sketches, and CAD files to determine specifications, planning the sequence of operations, and ensuring parts meet exacting tolerances and quality standards. A successful candidate will demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, and familiarity with both manual and CNC machining operations. Effective communication skills and a commitment to safety protocols are essential in this educational environment.

Responsibilities Include

60% - Manufacturing Projects for Capstone Teams and Faculty

• Machine one-off prototypes and low-volume parts on manual mills/lathes and on CNC equipment (mills, lathes, EDM, plasma cutter).
• Weld project components using GMAW, SMAW, and GTAW processes; perform basic oxy/propane cutting or heating operations.
• Interpret and verify engineering drawings, blueprints, and CAD models; suggest material choices, tolerances, and machining or welding strategies.
• Collaborate with student teams to review designs for manufacturability; recommend modifications during early test iterations.
• Maintain detailed job logs, inspection reports, and fabrication notes to support continuous improvement and repeatability.
• Assist faculty with fabrication of classroom demonstrations, test rigs, and research hardware.

25% - Machine Maintenance

• Set up, calibrate, and perform preventive maintenance on all Machine Shop equipment (manual, CNC, welding, EDM, and plasma systems).
• Monitor tooling condition; select, order, and inventory cutting tools, welding consumables, gases, and safety supplies.
• Document maintenance actions and machine status in shop records.

10% - Training on Safety Protocols

• Enforce ME Machine Shop safety rules; deliver safety orientations covering machining, welding, torch work, and CNC plasma/EDM operations.
• Provide hands-on instruction in basic and advanced machining techniques; coach students through Capstone part fabrication.
• Supervise students during open-shop hours, ensuring correct PPE use and safe machine practices.
• Model a culture of continuous improvement and professional conduct in a teaching shop environment.

5% - Other

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school degree.
• 1-3 years of relevant experience, including:
  • Manufacturing experience using manual and CNC mills, lathes or both.
  • Using precision measuring tools (micrometers, calipers, gauges) for inspection and quality control.

*A combination of related education, experience, and training may be used as an equivalent to the above Minimum Qualifications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Postsecondary training (certificate, associate degree, or apprenticeship) in machining, precision manufacturing, or a related field.
• Experience reading, writing, and modifying G-code, as well as use CAD/CAM software (such as Mastercam) to design parts and create efficient machining paths.
• Direct experience setting up and operating both manual and CNC machines, including initializing programs, loading tools, and adjusting machine parameters to produce precise parts.
• Experience with routine machine maintenance and a strong commitment to safety protocols in a shared educational environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of material properties.
• Professional knowledge of safety protocols.
• CNC programming (G-code), setup, and troubleshooting.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints, CAD drawings, and technical manuals.
• Precision measurement using micrometers, calipers, and gauges to ensure tight tolerances.
• Tool setup, calibration, and routine machine maintenance.

Skills

• Effective communication for collaborating with students, faculty, and team members on projects and technical requirements.
• Time management to prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines.
• Attention to detail for quality control and defect prevention.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new technologies and processes as machining evolves.
• Student training/teaching mentality.

Abilities

• Technical writing for documenting procedures and maintaining accurate records.
• Manual dexterity and coordination for safe and precise equipment handling.

Compensation

Salary range begins at $51,085. Annual salary commensurate with candidate's qualifications and related experience.

Pre-Employment Check

Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, an employment history verification and a degree verification (in some cases) prior to employment. You may also be required to complete a fingerprint background check. Also, as an employer in the state of Arizona, NAU is required to participate in the federal E-Verify program that assists employers with verifying new employees' right to work in the United States.

This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, per AZ Revised Statute, Northern Arizona University requires satisfactory results for the following: a criminal background investigation, employment history investigation, degree verification (in some cases) and fingerprinting. If you are applying for a job that requires a CDL, you will be required to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse and adhere to the clearinghouse requirements.

Notice of Availability of the Annual Fire and Security Report

Each year Northern Arizona University releases an Annual Security Report. The report is a result of a federal law known as the Clery Act. The report includes Clery reportable crime statistics for the three most recent completed calendar years and discloses procedures, practices and programs NAU uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies occurring on campus. In addition, the Fire Safety Report is combined with the Annual Security Report for the NAU Flagstaff Mountain Campus as this campus has on-campus student housing. This report discloses fire safety policies and procedures related to on-campus student housing and statistics for fires that occurred in those facilities. If you would like a free paper copy of the report, please contact the NAUPD Records Department at (928) 523-8884 or by visiting the department at 525 E. Pine Knoll Drive in Flagstaff.

Immigration Support/Sponsorship

Northern Arizona University will not provide any U.S. immigration support or sponsorship for this position.

Submit your Application

To apply for this position, please click on the "Apply" button on this page. You must submit your application by midnight of the application deadline.

If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, please contact the Disability Resources Office at 928-523-8773, DR@nau.edu, or PO Box 5633, Flagstaff AZ 86011.