Machinist & Fabrication Specialist

Machinist & Fabrication Specialist

Salary

$21.41 - $22.67 Hourly

Location

Whitworth University Campus

Job Type

Full-Time Staff

Division

Academic Affairs

Department

Engineering and Physics

Opening Date

06/02/2026

FLSA

Non-Exempt

FTE

.92

• Description
• Benefits

Whitworth University is a residential campus shaped by learning, curiosity, and community life. This role is based on campus and requires consistent, in-person engagement.

Position Summary

The Machinist & Fabrication Specialist supports experiential learning within Whitworth Universitys Engineering & Physics Department by operating, maintaining, and advancing the departments machining capabilities. This position partners with faculty, staff, and students to fabricate prototypes, support engineering projects, and provide hands-on training in machining and manufacturing techniques.

The successful candidate combines machining expertise with a passion for teaching and mentoring students. Unlike a traditional production machining environment, this role focuses on custom fabrication, prototyping, student learning, and the development of safe and effective shop practices.

Core Responsibilities

Student Learning and Shop Instruction | 35%

• Train and mentor students in machining, fabrication, and safe shop practices.
• Develop and deliver shop orientation and equipment training programs.
• Monitor student work to ensure adherence to safety standards and operating procedures.
• Build a culture of curiosity, craftsmanship, and continuous learning.

Fabrication and Technical Support | 35%

• Fabricate custom components and prototypes for student, faculty, and departmental projects.
• Support engineering design projects through machining, troubleshooting, and fabrication expertise.
• Assist students in translating designs into manufacturable components.
• Collaborate with faculty to identify fabrication solutions that support curricular goals.

Equipment Operations and Maintenance | 20%

• Operate CNC and manual machining equipment, including mills, lathes, saws, and related fabrication tools.
• Program, set up, and optimize CNC machining operations.
• Perform preventative maintenance and basic repairs on shop equipment.
• Develop and maintain shop procedures, safety documentation, and operating standards.
• Coordinate major repairs and service needs with Facilities and external vendors.

Shop Operations and Other Responsibilities | 10%

• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe fabrication environment.
• Manage inventory of materials, tooling, and consumable supplies.
• Assist with purchasing and budgeting for equipment, materials, and shop improvements.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications and Core Competencies

• Proven experience operating CNC machining equipment and manual machine tools.
• Experience interpreting technical drawings, blueprints, and engineering specifications.
• Knowledge of machining methods, tooling selection, workholding, and fabrication processes.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and solve complex fabrication challenges.
• Working knowledge of Washington State and Federal Health and Safety Standards.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning.
• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth University as a comprehensive Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students.
• Commitment to maintaining a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Preferred

• Associate degree, technical certification, apprenticeship completion, or equivalent professional experience in machining, manufacturing, fabrication, or a related field.
• Experience programming CNC equipment using CAD/CAM software.
• Experience with SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Mastercam, or similar design and manufacturing software.
• Experience training, teaching, mentoring, or supervising students or apprentices.
• Experience in higher education, technical education, makerspaces, or research environments.

Other Details

Schedule

.92 FTE | 12 Months | 40 hours per week, August to May. 20 hours per week in June and July.

Whitworth University is a Christian liberal arts university. Our shared mission is to provide our diverse students with an education of mind and heart, equipping them to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity. We seek candidates who are willing to engage with the university's mission and integrate their Christian faith into their work.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, faith statement, and contact information for at least three professional references. A background check and sexual misconduct check will be required of the successful candidate.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain valid work authorization throughout the duration of employment, including those on OPT. Whitworth University does not offer visa sponsorship for this position.

You are on this webpage because a position at Whitworth sparked your curiosity. If you find yourself questioning hitting the apply button because you might not meet 100% of the qualifications, we think you should do it! When you click apply and submit an application, your application is reviewed by a committee of real, living, and breathing human beings who want to understand your background, experience and skills to find ways you relate to the key competencies needed for success in the position.

Looking for resources to help with writing a faith statement? Check out our faith statement resource page for more information.

Whitworth complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws that are applicable to religious nonprofit institutions and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, sex, or disability. With our Christ-centered commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community, the university encourages applications from populations underrepresented at Whitworth including members of racial/ethnic communities, women, and persons with disabilities.

Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

At Whitworth University, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our faculty, staff, and their families by offering an extensive benefits package. Eligible employees can enjoy a variety of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer-matched 403 (b) retirement plan
• Tuition remission programs available for employees, their spouses, and dependents
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Accrued vacation and sick leave based on full-time equivalency (FTE). All staff accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month and 10 to 20 days of vacation per year, depending on employee category.
• 2 days of Floating Holiday leave based on full-time equivalency (FTE)
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program
• Resources for Christian vocation and calling
• No cost access to the University Recreation Center (UREC) and the Megan E. Thompson Aquatic Center
• 15 paid holidays throughout the year

To discover more about these offerings, please visit our benefits page.

Employer Whitworth University

Address 300 W Hawthorne

Spokane, Washington, 99251

Phone 5097774872

Website http://www.whitworth.edu