Inside Higher Ed
Scientific Instrumentation Maker & Machine Shop Supervisor
Inside Higher Ed, Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, United States
Overview
Swarthmore College invites applications for the
Scientific Instrumentation Maker & Machine Shop Supervisor
in the Physics & Astronomy Department. The role designs, fabricates, assembles, and maintains specialized apparatus for instructional labs, classroom demonstrations, and faculty research, and oversees the department machine shop. Responsibilities
Fabricate custom apparatus from metals, plastics, composites, wood, and glass to support instructional and research activities. Collaborate with faculty and instructional staff to diagnose and resolve problems with scientific instruments and laboratory apparatus, including assisting with maintaining the Peter van de Kamp Observatory telescopes and domes. Co-instruct students on basic shop practices and safety; onboard research students during spring and summer semesters as needed. Identify needs for new or improved instruments; provide design advice and/or prepare technical drawings; research existing designs, material properties, and fabrication techniques to develop effective solutions. Maintain and oversee the Machine Shop’s equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation of machinery, tools, and systems. Supervisory Responsibilities
Train and supervise students in the use of fabrication equipment in the Physics & Astronomy department machine shop. Who You Are
Proficient oral and written communication skills. Ability to train students, faculty, and staff in fabrication techniques and safety procedures. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with technical staff. Collaborative yet able to drive projects independently; strong work ethic, high personal standards, willingness to learn, and interest in helping others learn. Experience solving new problems on diverse projects and collaborating with a wide range of people while managing multiple projects. Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with three years of experience as an instrument maker, machinist, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Proficiency using manual tools to fabricate parts from metal, plastics, and wood. Preferred Qualifications
Experience with CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining (or willingness to pursue accelerated training). Experience with scientific instruments; background in science or engineering. Experience with mechanical systems, vacuums, and compressed gases (or willingness to pursue training). Experience with welding and glasswork (or willingness to pursue training). Willingness to engage in building maintenance, including plumbing and electrical work. Physical Demands
Must be able to lift equipment up to 50 pounds. Must be able to lift and/or move large equipment/material with mechanical assistance. Working Conditions
Ability to work evening and weekend hours on occasion. Ability to work in a machine shop environment with typical noise levels. What You Will Get
You’ll work at one of the world’s most renowned liberal arts colleges, with a generous benefits package, a 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Application Details
For full consideration, submit applications with a resume and cover letter by October 31, 2025. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job is filled. Your cover letter should explain how your qualifications meet the preferred qualifications. Compensation & Equal Opportunity
The market range for this position is $73,000 - $96,000 per year, which is Swarthmore College’s good-faith estimate at posting. Final salary is based on experience, education, department budget, internal equity, and market information. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy. PA Criminal Background Check required for all staff positions prior to start of employment.
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Swarthmore College invites applications for the
Scientific Instrumentation Maker & Machine Shop Supervisor
in the Physics & Astronomy Department. The role designs, fabricates, assembles, and maintains specialized apparatus for instructional labs, classroom demonstrations, and faculty research, and oversees the department machine shop. Responsibilities
Fabricate custom apparatus from metals, plastics, composites, wood, and glass to support instructional and research activities. Collaborate with faculty and instructional staff to diagnose and resolve problems with scientific instruments and laboratory apparatus, including assisting with maintaining the Peter van de Kamp Observatory telescopes and domes. Co-instruct students on basic shop practices and safety; onboard research students during spring and summer semesters as needed. Identify needs for new or improved instruments; provide design advice and/or prepare technical drawings; research existing designs, material properties, and fabrication techniques to develop effective solutions. Maintain and oversee the Machine Shop’s equipment to ensure safe and reliable operation of machinery, tools, and systems. Supervisory Responsibilities
Train and supervise students in the use of fabrication equipment in the Physics & Astronomy department machine shop. Who You Are
Proficient oral and written communication skills. Ability to train students, faculty, and staff in fabrication techniques and safety procedures. Ability to work independently and collaboratively with technical staff. Collaborative yet able to drive projects independently; strong work ethic, high personal standards, willingness to learn, and interest in helping others learn. Experience solving new problems on diverse projects and collaborating with a wide range of people while managing multiple projects. Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field with three years of experience as an instrument maker, machinist, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. Proficiency using manual tools to fabricate parts from metal, plastics, and wood. Preferred Qualifications
Experience with CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC machining (or willingness to pursue accelerated training). Experience with scientific instruments; background in science or engineering. Experience with mechanical systems, vacuums, and compressed gases (or willingness to pursue training). Experience with welding and glasswork (or willingness to pursue training). Willingness to engage in building maintenance, including plumbing and electrical work. Physical Demands
Must be able to lift equipment up to 50 pounds. Must be able to lift and/or move large equipment/material with mechanical assistance. Working Conditions
Ability to work evening and weekend hours on occasion. Ability to work in a machine shop environment with typical noise levels. What You Will Get
You’ll work at one of the world’s most renowned liberal arts colleges, with a generous benefits package, a 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Application Details
For full consideration, submit applications with a resume and cover letter by October 31, 2025. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job is filled. Your cover letter should explain how your qualifications meet the preferred qualifications. Compensation & Equal Opportunity
The market range for this position is $73,000 - $96,000 per year, which is Swarthmore College’s good-faith estimate at posting. Final salary is based on experience, education, department budget, internal equity, and market information. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on any identity or characteristic protected by law or College Policy. PA Criminal Background Check required for all staff positions prior to start of employment.
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