CNC Machinist & Programmer, McDonald Observatory

The McDonald Observatory CNC Machinist & Programmer is responsible for producing quality precision machined parts for astronomical instruments by programming, setting up, and operating a computer numerical control (CNC) machine while maintaining excellence and safety standards. Programming with MasterCAM (required ) on CNC vertical mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines. Experience with 3D surfacing.

This position is located in Austin on the UT Campus. The observatory fosters an environment that emphasizes personal responsibility, continuous improvement, teamwork, innovation, and safety. Applicants selected for interviews are encouraged to bring samples of their work and may be requested to perform MasterCAM skills.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage.   


• Retirement contributions; options are: Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

• Paid vacation and sick time.


• Paid holidays.


• Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

To perform highly skilled and technical supervisory work fabricating precision parts from drawings and solid models by programming, setting up, and operating CNC vertical milling machine, CNC lathe, and CNC wire EDM. Use manual machine tools and all other machine shop-related equipment as necessary.

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  Fabricate high-quality, high-precision parts efficiently and on time using CAM programming and by setting up and operating CNC milling machines, lathes, and wire EDM. Use personal judgment and initiative to match the machining process, layout, and setup to the job, including designing and building fixtures and jigs when necessary.

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  Use manual milling machines, lathes, and similar equipment to fabricate parts.

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  Assist researchers and design personnel in planning instrument design and construction, drawing on practical knowledge from shop experience.

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  Maintain general use of perishable tools and instruct students and others using the machine shop as needed. Stay current on new manufacturing methods, practices, and tools. Instruct students and others using the shop as needed.

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  Assemble, modify, repair, and maintain instruments and equipment, including mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines, for the Observatory, the shop, and the Astronomy Department.

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  Performs other duties as required to meet the business needs, including driving UT vehicle to pick up tools, materials, parts, etc.

• High school graduation or GED, supplemented by or including a vocational machine shop and other technical courses such as mathematics, physics, and blueprint reading.

• Professional level of MasterCAM software to program CNC machines, ability to set up and operate CNC machines, and using PC computers to run programs and save files.

• Four years skilled construction and maintenance of equipment, or as an instrument maker or machinist beyond the apprentice level.

• Advanced knowledge of choosing and loading the correct cutting tools, tool paths and adjusting machine settings to the desired product specification.

• Advanced knowledge using a lathe, milling machines, drill press, micrometers, and other precision measuring devices.

• Good working knowledge of trigonometry, geometry, and basic math.

• Follows instructions when selecting appropriate tooling and fixtures.

• Ability to work independently, work under pressure, accept supervision, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without day-to-day supervision, and effectively communicate with supervisors, co-workers, and customers.

• Strong problem-solving skills.

• Motivated and shows willingness to learn.

• Willingness to teach others machining skills if necessary.

• Demonstrates a strong mechanical aptitude.

• Regular and punctual attendance.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

• Five or more years of experience as an instrument maker, machinist, or tool and die maker.

• Five or more years of experience programming and operating CNC mills, lathes, and wire EDM machines (specifically, Hurco, HAAS, and Fanuc WEDM), and planning, laying out and setting up tooling, jigs, and fixtures to fabricate single-part or multi-part jobs.

• Five or more years of experience using MasterCAM software to program CNC machines.

• Knowledge of solid modeling software (specifically, Inventor and SolidWorks), MasterCAM tool libraries, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.

• Technical courses such as machine tool programming and blueprint reading.

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three-year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident.

$60,000 + depending on experience and qualifications

• Usual machine, scientific, or engineering shop conditions, such as sitting, walking, standing, squatting, stooping, and reaching

• Work under supervision

• Maintains a safe work environment

• Follows established procedures as well as quality and safety standards

• May be required to work multiple machines simultaneously

• Exposure to a variety of experimental laboratory shop conditions

• Handles deadlines and overlapping projects

• May work around chemicals and chemical fumes

• May work around electrical and mechanical hazards

• May work around standard office conditions

• Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation and use of a computer

• May work around bio-hazards

• May work around hazardous chemicals and cryogenic liquids

• Use of manual dexterity

• Climbing of stairs

• Heavy lifting and moving

• Working with heavy machinery

• Use of approved safety equipment if required

• Generally, M-F, 8-hour shift, plus lunch break

• May be required to work outside shift hours based on project deadlines

• Occasional travel may be required to McDonald Observatory, 16 miles from Fort Davis, Texas (440 miles away from the UT Austin campus)

• Letter of interest

• Resume/CV

• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

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A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form.  You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States.  Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment.  Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.