Scientific Research and Development Model Maker / Tool Maker at University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Job no: 524450

Work type: Staff Full Time

Location: UMass Amherst

Department: Physics

Union: PSU

Categories: Skilled Labor, Technical, College of Natural Sciences, PSU A

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Under general supervision of shop foreman, the Scientific Research and Development Model Maker and promotes the research and educational mission of the Physics Machine Shop by the design of unique and complex scientific equipment and apparatus used in sponsored research. This position designs and fabricates this equipment using manual and computer-controlled machines and supports the education of research students by instructing them in the field of machining.

Essential Functions

• Manufactures parts and fixtures. Designs and fabricates custom cutters as required to complete the process. Cuts and machines raw stock into finished pieces, grinds and polishes metal surfaces to extremely high precision and joins fabricated materials with a variety of techniques, including welding and brazing. 


• Produces mechanical drawings using a strong command of trigonometry. Handles intricate and complicated requests requiring long term planning and focus.


• Assists and instructs faculty and graduate students in the design of research apparatus and advises on choice of appropriate materials for fabrication. Materials used include commodity grade aluminum, tungsten, copper, high grade platinum, steel, plastics, and machinable ceramics.


• Assists in the installation of lab equipment, fabricating supports and other devices to ensure proper calibration and operation. Makes use of woodworking machinery as required.


• Teaches students in the Student Machine Shop Course on technical drawing, drafting, use of precision measurement tools, equipment design, and the operation of the shop machinery.


• Oversees trained students in the operation of the tools and machinery for their research projects.


• May be required to manage machine shop in the absence of shop foreman.


• Assists in general maintenance of all shop areas and rooms. Recommends purchase of tools, metal stock and supplies. Maintains in good condition major equipment with occasional repairs. Assists in maintaining job logs and stock records.

Other Functions

• Works collaboratively and effectively to promote teamwork, diversity, equality and inclusiveness. 


• Works in partnership with colleagues within the College of Natural Sciences (CNS) community and across the campus to support the Dean's strategic priorities.


• Performs other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the College of Natural Sciences.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Diploma and/or certification of completion from a formal vocational or technical school or qualified apprenticeship program.


• Ten (10) years as a tool maker, tool and die maker, gauge maker or model maker.


• Complete knowledge of machine shop equipment, related instruments and tools.


• Extensive familiarity with properties of metals, ceramics, plastics and other manufactured materials.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD/CAM software and Mastercam.


• Experience with welding.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Standing at machining equipment for long periods (2 to 4 hours).


• Superior eye/hand coordination and finger dexterity required to manipulate small precision tools.


• Frequent exposure to machine noise, fumes and metal chips as a result of machining operation.


• Use of hazardous materials and chemicals using appropriate safety procedures.


• Ability to lift heavy tools and pieces of stock on a regular basis (50+ lbs.).


• Compliance with University EH&S health and safety policies and procedures.

Additional Details

• Direct supervision pertaining to job priority and unusual job requirements will be received from department shop foreman or designee.

Work Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm.

Salary Information

Level 27

PSU Hiring Ranges

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and diversity statement (see below). References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis until the position is filled. Early submissions are encouraged.

As part of a commitment to their own multicultural community, CNS seeks an individual with a demonstrated commitment to diversity and one who will understand and embrace university initiatives and aspirations. In addition to application materials above, candidates will need to submit a Statement of Contribution to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The Diversity Statement should identify past experiences and future goals. These contributions may result from lived experiences, scholarships, and/or mentoring, teaching, and outreach activities. (https://www.cns.umass.edu/diversity-equity-inclusion)

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised: Jul 31 2024 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Nov 3 2024 Eastern Standard Time