Machine Shop Manager
About the role
The Machine Shop Manager, under direction, leads the operation of the Texas A&M University Space Institute’s machine shop in Houston. This position is responsible for overseeing machine shop operations, fabrication services, equipment resources, user training programs, and personnel to support tenants, researchers, and Institute initiatives. The Machine Shop Manager provides advanced technical expertise in machining and fabrication, manages fee-for-service projects, supervises machine shop personnel, and ensures safe, efficient, and innovative use of resources in support of a dynamic aerospace and robotics-focused environment. This is a hands-on management role that requires both leadership and direct participation in machining, fabrication, shop operations, and material-handling work.
The Texas A&M University Space Institute will advance commercial, government, military, and academic research and development partnerships in support of national and international space endeavors. With a $200 million investment from the State of Texas, a 400,000 square foot facility is under construction at NASA-Johnson Space Center's Exploration Park. This unique facility, featuring the world's largest indoor climate-controlled landscapes to emulate surface operations on the moon and Mars, is expected to open in the fall of 2026 and will support space system research, testing, training, and workforce development initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Oversees and directs daily operations of the machine shop and fabrication laboratory
- Leads the production of specialized components and custom parts to support tenant and Institute projects
- Consults with tenants, researchers, and staff to determine the fabrication requirements, project feasibility, materials, and manufacturing methods to ensure timely completion of projects
- Prepares estimates for labor, materials, equipment usage, and project