West Virginia University · 3 weeks ago
Welding and Research Instrumentation Specialist - Eberly College of Arts and Sciences
Morgantown, WV
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
2+ years expWest Virginia University is currently seeking a Welding and Research Instrumentation Specialist for the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences. The role involves designing, constructing, and maintaining scientific instrumentation and apparatus, as well as providing training and instruction to students and faculty in the use of various shop tools and equipment.
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Responsibilities
Fabrication of precision components, both small and large scale from a variety of raw materials using horizontal and vertical milling machines (computer numerically controlled), lathes, drill presses, precision saws, etc
Modification and assembly of existing precision components to form operational scientific instruments and systems. Requires an understanding of the basic physical properties of a large variety of advanced materials including their mechanical strength, thermal and electrical characteristics
Shearing, bending, rolling/forming various types of sheet metal. Cutting, notching bending and forming of angle iron
Machine components to extremely close tolerances and use a computer to create files for the computer numerically controlled mill
Produce, modify and archive technical drawings associated with shop projects. Nearly all jobs are one-of-a-kind and considerable machining skill is needed to interpret customer drawings and fabrication needs. Advice in design of scientific apparatus for use by students and faculty
Heliarc (TIG) welding of stainless steel, copper, aluminum, as well as various types of exotic steels, and other metals and alloys. Also, gas welding (acetylene-oxygen), electric welding (stick), GMAW MIG welding, spot welding (machine), soldering, sand blasting, and plasma arc cutting
TIG welding to include vacuum chambers and non-magnetic structures
MIG welding for fabricating structures
Spot welding for repairing scientific instruments
Provides training and instruction to faculty, postdoctoral fellows, undergraduate students, and graduate students in the proper use of mills, lathes, drill presses, band saws and other shop tools. Responsible for training, assigning duties, reviewing work, and evaluating performance of hourly and work student students
Maintains shop equipment in working order for advanced service. Maintains and cleans shop equipment and work areas. Provides repair service and maintenance on scientific instruments and apparatus located in research laboratories and classrooms
Responsible for ensuring shop equipment is properly used, serviced and repaired. Keeps self and others working in the shop are aware of new materials, machines, tools and techniques as they become available
Responsible for adhering to the shop specific chemical hygiene plan, procedures and training
Assist in the inventory of chemicals, disposal, distribution and waste collection to EHS regulations
Assist in the purchasing of new equipment, tools, parts and supplies and assures supplies are stocked and common repair parts are available
Assist in the purchase, control, movement and dispensing of gases and cryogenic fluids
Operate and repair basic vacuum systems
The incumbent is responsible for the design of a large array of scientific instrumentation for scientific research and instructional purposes
Design requests from faculty, postdoctoral research assistants, and graduate students are conveyed to the incumbent in a very rudimentary manner (oral instructions or sketches). The incumbent must recommend materials, provide faculty with design options to suit the described function, prepare project budgets based on design options, and provide drawings and specifications. Requires work in CAD/CAM programs
Advise the faculty on the construction, operation, repair and purchase of various instruments and supplies
Fabrication of large- and small-scale components and finished products, such as, equipment support structures, mounting devices, specialty furniture, etc. from a variety of raw materials using band saws, joiners, wood lathes, radial arm saws, table saws, routers, etc., using verbal and written requests (from often not to scale drawings or from descriptions of function)
Modification and assembly of existing equipment to supplement or enhance the operation of scientific instruments and systems, requiring the basic physical properties and characteristics of a large variety of materials such as woods, synthetic materials, laminates and Plexiglas
Repair handles, hasps, drawers, door, etc. in research and teaching laboratories
Other duties as assigned include assisting in delivery of items and moving items after delivery, on occasion, under limited circumstances
Assist in servicing compressors that are used for research
Qualification
Required
Associate degree in industrial design or related field
A minimum of two (2) years of experience involving: Machining, Woodworking, Tig Welding
Demonstrated ability to safely perform a variety of precision tasks using milling machines, lathes, welding equipment, saws, grinders, hand tools, welding (steel and aluminum) etc. and the operation of a plasma torch
Demonstrated ability to make precision measurements using instruments such as micrometers, Vernier calipers and scales and program and operate Computer Numerical Control Mill as well as older model precision machines
Demonstrated ability to perform mathematical calculations when designing individual jobs
Knowledge of and ability to learn to interpret technical drawings
Knowledge of and ability to operate a desktop computer and use computer aided design (CAD/CAM) software
Demonstrated ability to operate and repair basic vacuum systems
Demonstrated knowledge of the physical properties of a wide variety of metals, plastics, wood, etc. and must be able to machine them safely
Demonstrated excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
Ability to set priorities and multitask and work independently
Demonstrated knowledge of super-conducting magnets and the materials to use and not use for safety of personnel and magnets
Must be able to lift, push, or pull 75 pounds
Must be able to operate milling machines, lathes, welding equipment, saws, grinders, and hand tools
Must be able to stand for long periods of time
Preferred
Certification in welding, design, mechanical systems or machining
Benefits
37.5-hour work week
13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
15 annual leave (vacation) days per year or more based on years of service (employee leave)
18 sick days per year (for when you’re ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family’s, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ’s.
Wellness programs
Company
West Virginia University
West Virginia University offers academic programs in order to earn bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees.
5001-10000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
West Virginia University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (247)
2024 (108)
2023 (115)
2022 (108)
2021 (72)
2020 (53)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$20.97MKey Investors
National Institute of Nursing ResearchU.S. Department of AgricultureU.S. Department of Commerce
2025-02-01Grant· $2.7M
2024-10-29Grant· $7.82M
2024-09-17Grant· $0.72M
Leadership Team
Lori Hazlehurst
Professor Pharmaceutical Sciences
Michael Benson
President and Professor of History
Recent News
2025-12-12
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