Lead Hand Machinist

Description:

About us:

The Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering is home to about 60 professors leading research on a very broad range of topics. On the Industrial Engineering side, research areas include Operations Research, Information Engineering, Human Factors, and Applied Machine Learning, all of which seek to improve the systems we as humans rely on to navigate our world. On the Mechanical Engineering side, research areas include Robotics, Mechanics & Design, Materials, and Thermofluids, topics that are applied to applications including manufacturing, energy production, and bioengineering.

We are also home to about 2,000 very talented students: about 1,300 undergraduates are enrolled in the Industrial Engineering and in the Mechanical Engineering BASc programs. We have about 350 Master of Engineering (MEng) students, a professional program for students taking courses with us for a year or two. And we have about 350 MASc and PhD students, who work individually on research projects with a particular professor.

Your opportunity:

As a Lead Hand Machinist, you will have the opportunity to work with a team of highly skilled machinists and researchers, and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of manufacturing, energy production, and bioengineering.

Reporting to the Machine Shop Manager, the Lead Hand Machinist provides specialized expertise and supervises the activities of the Senior Machinist and Apprentice Machinists in the machine shop and ensures that all projects are completed on time and to the highest quality standards. The Lead Hand Machinist determines the technical requirements for fabrication projects, provides customer quotes and delivery timing of projects, coordinates maintenance of equipment and removal of hazardous materials.

The machine shop staff machine, fabricate, install, maintain, and repair unique scientific devices, components and precision instruments for research purposes and undergraduate projects. The incumbent will work with state-of-the-art equipment, utilizing both computer numerically controlled and manual machining equipment to create custom projects that support and enable groundbreaking research at the faculty.

Learn more at:

Your responsibilities will include:

• Determining technical requirements for fabrication projects.
• Designing, modifying and fabricating custom lab apparatus, tools and jigs.
• Creating and reviewing technical drawing sets for manufacturing.
• Implementing plans and process improvements for lab/workshop activities.
• Preparing, assembling and setting-up material, equipment and supplies according to the needs of the facility.
• Analyzing and recommending suitable materials and methods of approaching fabrication and/or lab work.
• Costing shop level projects.
• Serving as an expert resource to a group of professionals in the speciality.

Essential Qualifications:

• College Diploma (2 years) or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum of eight years of recent and related experience, including apprenticeship.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with MasterCAM and Solid Works software as well as the operation of Fanuc or Haas NC Controllers.
• Experience in programming and operation of computer numerically controlled machines (CNC) and computer aided design (CAD/CAM) to produce custom machined and fabricated components.
• Must have a License of General Machinist, Tool and Die Maker or Mould Maker.
• Demonstrated advanced skills with a variety of different machines such as milling machines, lathes, saws, drills, grinders, welding and cutting equipment etc., as well as digital measuring systems and NC manufacturing systems.
• High level of mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to design delicate scientific apparatus from verbal instructions and rough sketches.
• Demonstrated ability to work to close tolerances.
• Proven ability to apply good judgement, confidentiality, tact and discretion.
• Proven ability to demonstrate high attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical terms and drawings to a wide variety of clients of various level of knowledge.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, develop and direct the work of staff in a unionized environment.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines, problem solve, quickly adapt and learn new processes.
• Demonstrated interest in broadening one’s knowledge in techniques/tools and materials and a self-motivated learner.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the machinist trade.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience with setting up and operating Waterjet cutting machines, Press Brakes, Electro Discharge Machines and Laser Cutters.
• Experience with Tig, Mig or Stick Welding especially with stainless steel, tool steel and aluminum.
• Experience with High Temperature Brazing especially with stainless steel, copper and brass.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Efficient
• Honest
• Motivated self-learner
• Organized
• Possess a positive attitude
• Problem solver
• Responsible

Closing Date: 06/11/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW 
Appointment Type : Budget - Continuing 
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 14 -- $91,677. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $117,242. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Engineering / Technical

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Job descriptions are available upon request for internal applicants.