What are the responsibilities and job description for the Laboratory Instrument Maker position at Virginia Tech?
Job Description
Laboratory Instrument Maker provides machining and mechanical services for instructional and research programs for the Mechanical Engineering department. This position fabricates specialized scientific and mechanical equipment as required from a variety of materials, uses Computer Aided Design software and a CNC milling machine to help in the design process and fabricates highly sophisticated parts.
This position instructs students in proper procedures for operating various types of manufacturing equipment, stressing machine capabilities as well as safety regulations; prepares equipment, materials, tooling, and paperwork prior to start of student lab sessions; maintains laboratory instruments and equipment.
Required Qualifications
Associate's degree in machine technologies or an equivalent level of training and experience; demonstrated proficiency using shop machines such as lathes, milling machines, saws, and welding equipment; experience in the design and fabrication of compenents; demonstrated ability to manage lab operations including, scheduling of facility, managing repair and maintenance of lab equipment, and projecting and tracking costs for lab upgrades.
Preferred Qualifications
Certificate of Machine Technology and previous experience and knowledge of lab operations associated with a higher education research environment.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$40,000 - $65,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
May 4, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Amanda Collins at mandamcg@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Laboratory Instrument Maker provides machining and mechanical services for instructional and research programs for the Mechanical Engineering department. This position fabricates specialized scientific and mechanical equipment as required from a variety of materials, uses Computer Aided Design software and a CNC milling machine to help in the design process and fabricates highly sophisticated parts.
This position instructs students in proper procedures for operating various types of manufacturing equipment, stressing machine capabilities as well as safety regulations; prepares equipment, materials, tooling, and paperwork prior to start of student lab sessions; maintains laboratory instruments and equipment.
Required Qualifications
Associate's degree in machine technologies or an equivalent level of training and experience; demonstrated proficiency using shop machines such as lathes, milling machines, saws, and welding equipment; experience in the design and fabrication of compenents; demonstrated ability to manage lab operations including, scheduling of facility, managing repair and maintenance of lab equipment, and projecting and tracking costs for lab upgrades.
Preferred Qualifications
Certificate of Machine Technology and previous experience and knowledge of lab operations associated with a higher education research environment.
Pay Band
4
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$40,000 - $65,000
Hours per week
40
Review Date
May 4, 2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Amanda Collins at mandamcg@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Salary : $40,000 - $65,000