Experimental Machinist

The Experimental Machinist provides technical and operational support for undergraduate instructional laboratories within the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (AME). The position supports machining fabrication and prototyping activities associated with laboratory instruction and senior design projects to ensure safe efficient and effective delivery of hands-on engineering education.

The role serves as a primary technical resource for instructional machine shop operations partnering with the Instructional Laboratory Manager faculty and students to fabricate components maintain equipment readiness and support instructional activities across AME laboratory courses. Responsibilities are aligned with instructional program needs and may evolve as curriculum projects or departmental priorities change.

Current facilities include two instructional laboratories one supply room and one instructional machine shop supporting undergraduate coursework and capstone projects.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Machining and Fabrication Support (40%)

• Set up adjust and operate a variety of precision machine tools and shop equipment.
• Fabricate complex or one-of-a-kind parts tools mechanisms or apparatus for instructional and senior design projects.
• Develop fabrication specifications and determine sequences of manufacturing operations based on drawings sketches or verbal instructions.
• Select materials perform layout work and machine components to required tolerances.

Instructional and Technical Support (25%)

• Collaborate with faculty the Instructional Laboratory Manager and students to analyze design requirements materials and fabrication approaches.
• Provide technical guidance and hands-on assistance to students working on instructional and capstone projects.
• Support instructional activities within undergraduate AME laboratory courses or successor courses as program needs evolve.

Equipment and Shop Operations (20%)

• Maintain machine shop equipment and perform routine adjustments or minor repairs to ensure safe and reliable operation.
• Monitor inventory of shop supplies and materials and coordinate procurement needs with departmental leadership.
• Maintain organization and operational readiness of machining and fabrication spaces.

Safety and Training (10%)

• Provide machine shop safety instruction and operational training to students and faculty.
• Ensure compliance with university safety policies laboratory procedures and equipment usage standards.
• Support maintenance of safety documentation and training records.

Coordination and Special Projects (5%)

• Support laboratory improvements equipment installations and operational initiatives.
• Assist with special projects or emergent instructional needs as assigned.

Other duties may be assigned. The position is expected to respond flexibly to evolving instructional and operational needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge Skills & Abilities)

• Journeyman-level machining experience with advanced knowledge of shop mathematics mechanics properties of metals and plastics and machining procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to read and interpret blueprints technical drawings and fabrication specifications.
• Ability to machine parts from verbal instructions with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with commercially available CAM software (e.g. Mastercam or similar platforms).
• Ability to program and operate common CNC controllers (e.g. HAAS TRAK or comparable systems).

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS & TEAM STRUCTURE

• Reports to: Instructional Laboratory Manager Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering.
• Supervises: Provides functional direction and technical guidance to students using instructional machine shop facilities.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Compensation: The hourly salary range for this position is $42.17 - $43.32 ($82231.50 $84474 annualized). When extending an offer of employment the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope of responsibilities work experience education and training skills internal equity and market conditions.
• Work Modality: This position is 100% onsite and requires a consistent physical presence to support machining operations equipment management and instructional activities. The standard work schedule is Monday through Friday during normal university business hours. Remote work is not available due to the hands-on nature of the role.
• Disclaimer: This description outlines the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. Responsibilities may evolve based on departmental priorities and program needs.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin protected veteran status disability or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at or by email at. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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