Senior Machinist & Instrumentation Specialist

About the role

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Senior Machinist & Instrumentation Specialist in the Mayfield College of Engineering. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond.

Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further. At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Responsibilities

• Instrumentation Support and Modification (30%)
  • Performs machining, fabrication, and modification activities in support of scientific instrumentation, instructional equipment, and research needs.
  • Utilizes machining and fabrication tools, including CNC equipment, to adapt, repair, or modify components to ensure proper functionality, safety, and performance of instrumentation.
  • Collaborates with faculty, staff, and researchers to implement practical solutions related to equipment operation and experimental requirements.
• Repair, Calibration, and Technical Support (25%)
  • Provides highly specialized technical expertise in troubleshooting, repair, calibration, adjustment, and operation of scientific instruments, instructional equipment, and laboratory systems.
  • Coordinates vendor support or advanced technical services for complex issues.
  • Advises faculty and staff regarding proper operation and maintenance of instrumentation.
• Preventive Maintenance and Equipment Oversight (20%)
  • Oversees and performs preventive maintenance for laboratory instrumentation and equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and continuous operation.
  • Maintains documentation of maintenance, calibration activities, inventories, and procedural manuals.
  • Coordinates with vendors, service providers, and campus service units as needed to support equipment performance and compliance.
• Training, Safety, and Compliance (15%)
  • Trains faculty, staff, and students in the proper use of scientific instrumentation and related software.
  • Supports laboratory safety and compliance efforts by maintaining required safety documentation, Risk Management materials, MSDS records, and advising on safe operation of laboratory equipment and facilities.
• Operations and Administrative Support (10%)
  • Oversees procurement, inventory control, and coordination of instrumentation resources and services.
  • Assists with the installation, setup, and support of new laboratory instrumentation and supports technology upgrades related to equipment operation and research needs.
  • Performs additional duties as assigned to support the Mayfield College of Engineering and its departments, including assistance with laboratory and equipment setup when appropriate.

Requirements

• Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in the operation, repair, maintenance, calibration, and support of scientific instrumentation and laboratory equipment.
  • For a total of 12 years of industry experience; or combination of education and experience, i.e. associates and ten years, bachelor’s and eight years, or master’s and six years.
• Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of scientific and instructional instrumentation in laboratory environments.
  • Knowledge of machining and fabrication techniques, including CNC equipment, to support instrumentation modification and performance.
  • Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, preventive maintenance standards, and compliance requirements.
  • Skill in troubleshooting, repairing, calibrating, and adjusting complex laboratory and instructional equipment.
  • Skill in performing machining and fabrication activities to modify or adapt components in support of instrumentation needs.
  • Skill in training faculty, staff, and students on the proper and safe use of laboratory instrumentation and related software.
  • Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently under general direction and exercise sound technical judgment.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to operational and safety-related needs.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students in an academic environment.
  • Ability to maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting instrumentation and equipment in an academic, research, or laboratory environment.
• Experience training faculty, staff, or students on the use of scientific instrumentation and related software.

Pay

The target base annual salary range is $72,870 up to $103,000 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position.