Senior Machinist & Instrumentation Specialist

Job Title

Senior Machinist & Instrumentation Specialist

Agency

Tarleton State University

Department

Mayfield College of Engineering

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Stephenville, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Tarleton State University, a distinguished Doctoral National Comprehensive University, invites applications for the position of Senior Machinist & Instrumentation Specialist in the Mayfield College of Engineering. As part of a vibrant academic community dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service, this role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a university that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusive growth. Join us in advancing knowledge and transforming lives—on campus and beyond. Tarleton State University continues to grow its impact across Texas, with four distinct campuses located in Stephenville, Fort Worth, RELLIS-Bryan and Waco, along with a robust online community that extends our reach even further.

At the heart of it all is Stephenville, where Tarleton State offers a dynamic environment for faculty and staff. From a lively live music scene and numerous local festivals to rich traditions rooted in the surrounding community, Stephenville provides a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

No matter where you're located—on campus or online—you are part of a mission that transforms lives and makes a difference across the state of Texas and beyond.
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Important Immigration Information:
A Presidential proclamation issued on September 19, 2025, imposes a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025. Please be advised that Tarleton State University will NOT pay this fee. Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult with your private immigration counsel at your own expense to ascertain whether your current immigration status would make a potential offer of employment from Tarleton State University subject to this fee. 
  
In addition, on January 27, 2026, Texas Governor Abbot issued a moratorium on the filing of any new H-1B unless approved by the Texas Workforce Commission. Accordingly, if you will now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status this moratorium may affect our ability to employ you should you be selected as the final candidate. 
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Under direction within the Mayfield College of Engineering, the Senior Machinist & Instrumentation Specialist provides specialized technical expertise in the operation, maintenance, calibration, modification, and support of scientific and instructional instrumentation and equipment. The position supports teaching, research, and laboratory operations by ensuring reliable equipment performance, compliance with applicable safety standards, and effective use of laboratory instrumentation. The role advises and supports faculty, staff, and students regarding proper operation, maintenance, and safe use of instrumentation and related systems. Serves as Campus Security Authority (CSA) and position is based on site at the Stephenville campus. The position is full‑time and typically works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional hours as operational needs require.

Responsibilities

30% Instrumentation Support and Modification

Performs machining, fabrication, and modification activities in support of scientific instrumentation, instructional equipment, and research needs. Utilizes machining and fabrication tools, including CNC equipment, as necessary to adapt, repair, or modify components to ensure proper functionality, safety, and performance of instrumentation. Collaborates with faculty, staff, and researchers to implement practical solutions related to equipment operation and experimental requirements.

25% Repair, Calibration, and Technical Support

Provides highly specialized technical expertise in the troubleshooting, repair, calibration, adjustment, and operation of scientific instruments, instructional equipment, and laboratory systems. Coordinates vendor support or advanced technical services for complex issues and advises faculty and staff regarding proper operation and maintenance of instrumentation.

20% Preventive Maintenance and Equipment Oversight

Oversees and performs preventive maintenance for laboratory instrumentation and equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and continuous operation. Maintains documentation of maintenance, calibration activities, inventories, and procedural manuals. Coordinates with vendors, service providers, and campus service units as needed to support equipment performance and compliance.

15% Training, Safety, and Compliance

Trains faculty, staff, and students in the proper use of scientific instrumentation and related software. Supports laboratory safety and compliance efforts by maintaining required safety documentation, Risk Management materials, MSDS records, and advising on safe operation of laboratory equipment and facilities.

10% Operations and Administrative Support

Oversees procurement, inventory control, and coordination of instrumentation resources and services. Assists with the installation, setup, and support of new laboratory instrumentation and supports technology upgrades related to equipment operation and research needs.

Performs additional duties as assigned to support the Mayfield College of Engineering and its departments, including assistance with laboratory and equipment setup when appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in the operation, repair, maintenance, calibration, and support of scientific instrumentation and laboratory equipment.

  • (for a total of 12 years of industry experience; or combination of education and experience, i.e. associates and ten years, bachelor’s and eight years, or master’s and six years)

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, calibration, and repair of scientific and instructional instrumentation in laboratory environments.

• Knowledge of machining and fabrication techniques, including CNC equipment, to support instrumentation modification and performance.

• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, preventive maintenance standards, and compliance requirements.

• Skill in troubleshooting, repairing, calibrating, and adjusting complex laboratory and instructional equipment.

• Skill in performing machining and fabrication activities to modify or adapt components in support of instrumentation needs.

• Skill in training faculty, staff, and students on the proper and safe use of laboratory instrumentation and related software.

• Effective oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work independently under general direction and exercise sound technical judgment.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond to operational and safety-related needs.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students in an academic environment.

• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting instrumentation and equipment in an academic, research, or laboratory environment.

• Experience training faculty, staff, or students on the use of scientific instrumentation and related software.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Salary Range:

The target base annual salary range is $72,870 up to $103,000 and may be negotiable based on funding availability and candidate experience/skillset in relation to the minimum requirements of this position.

We are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package for full-time and qualifying part-time employees. Our Careers Page offers an overview of the great benefits we offer; for detailed information visit our Benefits Information page.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit a completed application for consideration. Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled.

Application Procedure:

During the application process applicants have one opportunity to enter the requested information, upload documents and Submit the application. Applicants will not be able to make changes or add additional documents once the application materials have been submitted via "Submit" action.

Employment applications must include:

• Completed online application
• Cover Letter / Letter of Interest addressing qualifications
• Curriculum Vitae or Resume
• At least 3 current professional references and their full contact information

Applications received by Tarleton State University must have all job application data entered.  Failure to provide all job application data could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application.  “See resume” is not an acceptable entry in the job application.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.