Research Machinist

Department: School of Engineering
Position covered by the Collective Agreement with USW Local 4120

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. 
Career Opportunities (sapsf.com) 

General Purpose

The University of Guelph's College of Engineering has four unique academic units (mechanical, electrical & computer, civil, environmental & water resources, and interdisciplinary engineering) with more than 90 faculty and staff and growing. The College has diverse sources of funding, advanced research infrastructure, and is involved in several high-profile external partnerships.

The College of Engineering is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Research Machinist to join its team. Reporting to the Lab Manager, the Research Machinist will play a critical role in supporting both the academic and research missions of the College by providing technical expertise, student instruction, and machine shop management.

Duties and Responsibilities

In this position, you will work collaboratively with faculty, graduate students, undergraduate students, and staff to deliver hands-on machining instruction, supervise the safe operation of shop equipment, and assist in the design and fabrication of specialized research projects. A key component of this role includes teaching and monitoring the College’s Red and Yellow Card Training System, ensuring that students demonstrate competency in operating equipment such as lathes, milling machines, welders, drill presses, and CNC tools. You will also provide continued supervision as students apply these skills to course-based and extracurricular projects, including capstone design courses and student engineering teams.

The Research Machinist will also support faculty research activities by consulting on design challenges, developing prototypes, fabricating experimental apparatus, and monitoring researchers’ use of machining equipment once training requirements are met. Additional responsibilities include maintaining and organizing the Machine Shops, performing safety inspections, monitoring inventory, and coordinating the ordering of shop supplies. The role also encompasses various operational duties such as assisting with shipping and receiving of large deliveries, small maintenance projects, and fire warden responsibilities. Flexibility is essential, as evening and Saturday shifts are required to support undergraduate laboratories.

Requirements

• College diploma in Mechanical Technicnan or related field
• Five to six years of professional machining experience in a machine shop environment. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Expertise in CNC machining, CAD/CAM programming, general machining, welding, and woodworking is required.
• Strong problem-solving skills
• The ability to troubleshoot and repair equipment
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with students and faculty are essential.  

If you are passionate about machining, skilled in mentoring future engineers, and eager to contribute to innovation and research, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity and join the University of Guelph’s College of Engineering.

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10126119 
Classification: USW, Local 4120 Salary: Band 7  
USW Local 4120 Wage Grid

*Tentative evaluation; subject to final review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 08/26/2025  
Closing Date: 09/02/2025