Machinist III at Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California

Job Description:

The R&D Machinist III performs machining work in support of research activities.  Under general supervision, the machinist synthesizes complex or diverse information, generates creative solutions, translates concepts and information into images, uses feedback to modify designs, applies design principles, and demonstrates attention to detail.

Who We Are

The Salk Institute is an internationally renowned research institution that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. We seek bold and interactive leaders passionate about exploring new frontiers in science. Our collaborative community embraces diverse perspectives and unique life experiences, fostering innovation, and a sense of belonging. Together, we strive to improve the wellbeing of humanity through groundbreaking research.

Founded by Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, the Institute is an independent, nonprofit research organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature, and fearless in the face of any challenge. Salk's vibrant community comprises a diverse and talented group of individuals, each playing a crucial role in driving our mission forward. From visionary leaders to dedicated administrators and brilliant faculty members, the Institute is united by a shared passion for scientific exploration and innovation.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

• Develop unique solutions to technical problems, design and build prototypes for unique research projects.


• Set-up and operate CNC machines, such as: lathes, mills, 3D printers, and various other CNC equipment


• Use Gibbs CAM (or similar) CAD/CAM software to design unique items for the research teams


• Complete machining operations from blueprints, drawings and/or verbal instructions


• Maintain specifications by working with complex, tight tolerance parts and various materials, inspect and measure finished products and compare them with requirements to determine if the process has been completed properly


• Perform scheduled and preventive maintenance on equipment, tools and raw materials


• Maintain work area and equipment in a clean orderly condition and follow prescribed safety procedures


• Trains lower-level employees on technical procedures. Provides general facilities support, and maintenance of machine shop and supplies. Position places a heavy emphasis on customer relations, communication skills, initiative, and creativity.


• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.

What we Require

Required:

• High school graduate/GED


• +3 years of manual machining


• +3 years of CNC machining


• +3 years using GibbsCAM (or similar) CAD/CAM software


• +2 years working in the prototype machining field


• Computer skills required: Microsoft Office


• Satisfactory completion of the Post-offer physical required.
  
  
  • As a safeguard for employees and animals, all FS employees may be subject to vaccines/tests/physical exams prior to working with specific animals or animal populations as required by research needs including but not limited to:
  
  
  • TB Testing/Clearance (every six months / twice a year)
  
  
  • Measles, Mumps and Rubella (proof of immunization and/or vaccination)
  
  
  
  


• Regular, reliable, on-time attendance required.


• Must be able to work overtime as needed.


• Must be able to adjust regularly assigned work schedule based on workload and deadlines.


• Must be willing to use ladders to provide access to work areas and works from heights.


• Must be willing to maintain First Aid/CPR/AED training/certification.

 
Preferred:

• +2 years of G-code programming


• +2 years of 3D printing


• +2 years of experience in:
  
  
  • Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
  
  
  • Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
  
  
  • Flux cored arc welding (FCAW)
  
  
  
  


• 
   +1 year of trade vocational education in CNC Machining


• Machine Tool Journeyman apprenticeship

What We Can Offer

The expected pay range for this position is $26.90 to $39.00 per hour. Salk Institute provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the institute reasonably expects to pay for a position. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs.

Benefits

Salk Institute offers competitive benefits, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, patient advocacy services, and transit/parking program.

Salk Values

The Salk Community, both scientists and administrators, worked together to define values that we believe support Salk’s pursuit of excellence. To be truly the best scientific institution requires not only incredible discoveries, but a common understanding of how we should work together to enable those discoveries.

The acronym “I CARE” provides a simple way to remember each of the values and reminds each of us of the importance of what we do each day.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal access to opportunities for students, employees, applicants for employment and other visitors. Salk has also adopted and maintains a policy to encourage professional and respectful workplace behavior and prevent discriminatory and harassing conduct in our workplace.

Accordingly, the Institute prohibits harassment and discrimination in employment on the basis of, and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to, actual or perceived race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status (disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era, other covered veteran status), political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law.