Mechanical Engineering Machinist

The Mechanical Engineering Department within the Engineering Division at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineering Machinist to join our team. The Engineering Division provides essential technical expertise and transformative technologies that power scientific discovery across the Laboratory. In this role, you will perform journey-level machining assignments, applying intermediate-level knowledge, innovation, and creativity to support mechanical and shop-related operations for groundbreaking research projects.

In this role, you will provide critical technical support in journey-level machining technology, using both conventional and Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) machinery to program, set up, and manufacture complex hardware components and assemblies. You will collaborate closely with technicians, designers, engineers, and scientists to offer design-for-manufacturability advice and fabricate specialized work-piece fixtures for unique or production machine tool applications. May be assigned/rotated to a matrix assignment to provide direct machining support to specific projects/programs.

We're here for the same mission, to bring science solutions to the world. Join our team and YOU will play a supporting role in our goal to address global challenges! Have a high level of impact and work for an organization associated with 17 Nobel Prizes!
 

You will:

Mechanical Engineering Machinist 2:

• Apply substantial understanding and expertise in journeyman-level machining technology, theory and practice to effectively and efficiently carry out assignments. Design and fabricate work-piece fixtures for one-of-a-kind or production machine tool fabrication of metallic or non-metallic parts. Provide design for manufacturability advice to technicians, designers, engineers and scientists.
• Use both conventional and Computer Numerical Controlled machinery to program, set-up and perform mixed-complexity machining operations that include producing hardware components and assemblies bearing complex geometry, high precision, non-prismatic features, hidden features and difficult to machine materials.
• Use computers, in conjunction with lab supported Computer Aided Design/Computer Aided Manufacturing software applications to:
  • Access, view, import, export, measure, manipulate and construct native electronic drawings and solid models as well as generic file formats such as dxf and iges.
  • Apply appropriate and efficient tool/cutter path to geometry, proper machining sequences, spindle speeds and federates.
  • Generate, edit and transfer appropriate machine tool controller-specific part program instructions.
• Decode blueprints, sketches, parts lists, and assembly diagrams.
• Understand and apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standards, including:
  • Comparing Datum Reference Frames to Datum Features for correct decoding.
  • Understanding the symbols and terminology describing part feature form, orientation, size and location.
• Perform all duties in compliance with applicable Environment, Health and Safety rules and regulations as described in LBL Pub-3000 and other related documents. Proactively promote and participate in matters relating to safety and environmentally sensitive work practices.
• Participate in various formal ES&H training activities as required by specific duties and responsibilities.
• Perform work with knowledge and understanding of shop and laboratory safety practices and policies including organization, housekeeping, hazardous material and waste handling, storage and disposal, Activity Hazard Documents (AHD's), Safety Data Sheets (SDS's), confined space entry, Occurrence Reporting, Quality Assurance/Conduct of Operations, and applicable Function, Project, and Facility Notebooks.

Mechanical Engineering Machinist 3 (In addition to Level 2 duties):

• Apply specialist level knowledge and expertise in mechanical and journeyman-level machining technology, theory, and technical mathematics to effectively and efficiently carry out assignments. Design and fabricate work-piece fixtures for one-of-a-kind or production machine tool fabrication of metallic or non-metallic parts. Provide advanced design for manufacturability advice to technicians, designers, engineers and scientists.

We are looking for:

Mechanical Engineering Machinist 2:

• Demonstrated technical understanding of machining and related mechanical process theory and work practices.
• Minimum of 5 years of machining-related experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of technical shop mathematics.
• Conventional and CNC machine tool experience, performing work on complex, precision hardware components and assemblies.
• Experience with CAD and CAM applications.
• Demonstrated knowledge, skill and work experience in performing set-ups, testing, troubleshooting, repair, calibration, operation and maintenance of sophisticated mechanical, shop related, and scientific apparatus, equipment and systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to select, set-up and use appropriate hand, power, and specialized machine tools.
• Ability to read and correctly decode complex blueprints, sketches, parts lists, layout and assembly drawings and operation, calibration and repair manuals.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders, work from heights and confined spaces, and lift 12 kg (25 lbs.).

Mechanical Engineering Machinist 3 (In addition to Level 2 qualifications):

• Extensive experience in the field of machining precise complex, one-off components, often of expensive and difficult-to-machine materials, using both conventional and CNC equipment.
• Minimum of 10 years of machining-related experience. 
• Advanced understanding of machining theory, work practices and shop mathematics.
• Extensive experience using CAM systems to analyze components, set-ups, tooling and fixturing, as well as to produce efficient, accurate toolpaths for use on a variety of CNC machine tools.
• Ability to use CAD systems to manipulate electronic models of machined components and assemblies, as well as to model fixturing, tooling and machine tool components to aid in manufacturing processes.
• Advanced understanding of the ISO 6983/RS274D machine tool programming language (G-code).
• Extensive knowledge of the GD&T standard ASME Y14.5, with the ability to read and correctly decode complex blueprints, sketches, parts lists, layout and assembly drawings and operation, calibration and repair manuals.

Desired skills/knowledge:

Mechanical Engineering Machinist 2:

• An AA or BS degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Manufacturing Engineering Technology or Industrial Engineering Technology and/or successful completion of a formal machinist apprenticeship program, or the equivalent in formal industrial training is preferred.
• General personal computer application skills with spreadsheets, databases and word processors.

Mechanical Engineering Machinist 3 (In addition to Level 2):

• Experience with the programming, setup and operation of four and five axis machining centers, live tooling turning centers, wire and/or sinker EDM and rapid prototyping machines.
• Experience in Fanuc Custom Macro B programming and Probe programming.

Additional information:

• Appointment type: This is a full-time career appointment, non-exempt (hourly paid), eligible for overtime pay.
• Salary range: This position is represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.
  • The expected hourly range for this position is $42.82 - $51.48, which fits into the full hourly range of $38.49 - $55.80 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
  • The expected hourly range for this position is $50.00 - $58.00, which fits into the full hourly range of $44.94 - $65.18 depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities. This includes education, certifications, and years of experience.
• Multi-level Posting: This position will be hired at a level commensurate with the business needs and the skills, knowledge, and abilities of the successful candidate.
• Background check: This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work modality: Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).
• Work authorization: Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. For additional information, click here.