
Instrument Model Maker IV
Rochester, NYFull-time$29.33–41.06/hrSeen 5 days agoSeen in employer's feed 5 days ago
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Job overview
The Instrument Model Maker IV supports the Laboratory for Laser Energetics Mechanical Engineering Group by fabricating, modifying, assembling, and repairing precision mechanical components and systems. The role produces first-of-a-kind research hardware for laser systems and other programs, interpreting engineering designs and operating CNC and conventional machine tools. It also collaborates with engineers, scientists, designers, and technical staff on manufacturability and prototype development.
Skills & qualifications
Skills
Qualifications
Full job description
Laboratory for Laser Energetics
Full time
R276111
As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive.
Job Location (Full Address):
250 East River Rd, Rochester, New York, United States of America, 14623
Opening:
Worker Subtype:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Department:
250548 LLE-Laboratory for Laser Energ
Work Shift:
UR - Day (United States of America)
Range:
UR URG 110 H
Compensation Range:
$29.33 - $41.06
The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, and will be determined by considering factors including, but not limited to, market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.
Responsibilities:
Supports the Laboratory for Laser Energetics Mechanical Engineering Group through the fabrication, modification, assembly, and repair of complex precision mechanical components and systems. Performs highly skilled machining and instrument-making work supporting the OMEGA and OMEGA EP laser systems and other LLE research programs. Works with a wide variety of first-of-a-kind hardware requiring close tolerances, high stability, and compatibility with cleanroom and vacuum environments.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
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Performs specialized precision machining, fabrication, modification, and repair of complex mechanical components and assemblies supporting LLE research systems and experimental programs.
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Plans and performs machining and fabrication operations required to produce precision instruments, prototypes, fixtures, diagnostic components, and other first-of-a-kind research hardware.
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Interprets complex engineering drawings, CAD models, specifications, and sketches; determines appropriate machining methods, tooling, setups, sequences, and inspection techniques necessary to meet design requirements.
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Programs, sets up, and operates CNC and conventional machine tools to manufacture components requiring close tolerances, complex geometries, and specialized materials.
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Collaborates with engineers, scientists, designers, and other technical staff to resolve manufacturability issues, support prototype development, and provide fabrication input during the design and development process.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
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High school diploma or equivalent
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Completion of 4 year apprenticeship program and 7 years of practical experience in tool making and instrument and model making required
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Or equivalent combination of education and experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
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Advanced proficiency in CNC machining and programming using Mastercam or comparable CAM software strongly preferred.
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Advanced ability to set up and operate CNC and conventional machine tools, including vertical machining centers, mills, lathes, and related precision equipment strongly preferred.
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Advanced ability to interpret complex engineering drawings, GD&T, CAD models, specifications, and technical documentation strongly preferred.
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Demonstrated ability to machine complex, close-tolerance components using a variety of metals, plastics, and other engineering materials strongly preferred.
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Ability to independently determine machining methods, tooling, setups, and sequences for prototype and low-volume precision components strongly preferred.
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Ability to use precision inspection and metrology equipment to verify dimensional requirements strongly preferred.
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Experience fabricating components for vacuum, cleanroom, optical, laser, scientific, or other high-precision research applications preferred.
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Experience working directly with engineers and designers during prototype development preferred.
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Experience with Siemens NX and/or NX CAM preferred.
The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.
Notice: If you are a Current Employee, please log into myURHR to search for and apply to jobs using the Jobs Hub. Your application, if submitted using this portal, cannot be moved forward.
Learn. Discover. Heal. Create.
Located in western New York, Rochester is our namesake and our home. One of the world’s leading research universities, Rochester has a long tradition of breaking boundaries—always pushing and questioning, learning and unlearning. We transform ideas into enterprises that create value and make the world ever better.
If you’re looking for a career in higher education or health care, the University of Rochester may offer the perfect opportunity for your background and goals.
At the University of Rochester, we are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture and are united by a strong commitment to be ever better—Meliora. It is an ideal that informs our shared mission to ensure all members of our community feel safe, respected, included, and valued.
How this job compares
Set against the 698 open Machinist jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 11, 2026.
- Pay
- This posting$29.33–41.06/hr
- New York median$25–35/hr28 hourly ranges
- US median$27–36/hr319 hourly ranges
This range's midpoint, $35.20/hr, is 14% above the New York median midpoint ($31/hr) — in the top quarter of Machinist hourly ranges in New York.
- Openings
- Olive Jobs lists 48 open Machinist jobs in New York and 698 across the US. Under 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
- Hiring the most in New York
- IDEX3 open
- Cornell University2 open
- GE Vernova2 open
- Experience
- This posting asks for at least 7 years of experience — more than three in four Machinist postings that state a minimum ask for (median 3 years, across 478 postings).
- Education
- 2 of the 698 open Machinist jobs (under 1%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.
Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 11, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.
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