South Pole Machinist (Summer Session)
Quick Summary
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
Responsibilities
~1 min read- →Maintain and operate the MAPO machine shop.
- →Provide machining support for all science projects and the NSF Station.
- →Assist with the assembly and set-up of scientific equipment.
- →Assist with the testing, integration and maintenance of electrical and mechanical assemblies, including the power, computer and electronic components.
- →Climb, operate machines and power tools outside of MAPO machine shop.
- →Other fieldwork for instrument deployment and maintenance.
- →Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
- →Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments, interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
- →Performs other related work as needed.
Requirements
~1 min read- A bachelor's degree in Physics or a related field.
- Multiple years of experience with machining and working with complex instruments.
- Experience with telescopes and mechanical systems, including electrical systems, servo systems, and cryogenic systems, as well as radio, analog, and digital electronics.
Nice to Have
~1 min read- Good problem-solving, organization, and communication skills.
- Must have the ability to work independently and as well as within a team environment.
- A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately 4 months, is required.
- Due to the job site, good physical health is required.
- Must be able to work in a cold, harsh environment.
- Must pass physical and mental qualifying exams before employment.
- Must be able to climb on the telescope, bend, reach, lift and use machines and power tools.
- Planning; attention to detail; analytic and quantitative skills; reading; self-motivation; problem-solving; math; reasoning; oral and written communications; ability to manage time pressures.
- Resume (required)
- Cover letter (required)
- References (required)
FLSA Status
Pay Range
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
What We Offer
~1 min readThe University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Location & Eligibility
About this job
- Posted
- 8 days ago
Listing Details
- Posted
- October 7, 2026
- First seen
- October 8, 2026
- Last seen
- October 15, 2026
Posting Health
- Days active
- 6
- Repost count
- 0
- Trust Level
- 28%
- Scored at
- October 15, 2026
Signal breakdown
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