Machinist/Instrument Maker

Online applications must be received before 11:59pm on: August 17, 2025

Available Title(s):

Business Title: Machinist/Instrument Maker

Employee Type: Classified

Position Details

Hiring and Referral Incentive:

To support Washington State University’s efforts in attracting and retaining top talent, this recruitment has been approved for both a hiring incentive payment of up to $2,000.00 and a referral incentive for eligible WSU employees. These programs are designed to enhance recruitment success in a competitive job market. For full details on eligibility, instructions, and program guidelines, please visit the Hiring Incentive page on the HRS website: Hiring Incentive - Human Resource Services, Washington State University (wsu.edu).

The Opportunity

The Machinist/Instrument Maker will support Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture (VCEA) Engineering Shop with complex design, fabrication, repair and maintenance of experimental apparatus and instruments for the research community in the College and University. You will be responsible for performing complex high precision work on projects which require a diverse set of skills including CAD/CAM computer work, traditional and CNC machining, various types of welding processes, waterjet, and an array of fabrication techniques with multiple materials. Due to the nature of the work this position you must have the ability to set priorities for multiple projects from multiple sources and multitask without loss of efficiency or accuracy This position supports VCEA faculty that conduct world-class research tackling critical challenges in areas such as energy, health, the environment, and infrastructure.

Additional Information

This is a full time ( 100% FTE), permanent position. This position is overtime eligible.

Monthly Salary: $5,666 to $6,576 | Range 53G | Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases in accordance with WAC 357-28 .

In accordance with RCW 49.58.110 , the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidate’s current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Benefits: WSU offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid sick and vacation leave; paid holidays; medical, dental, life and disability insurance package for employees and dependents; retirement; deferred compensation, optional supplemental retirement accounts; training and development; and employee tuition waiver. For additional information, please review the detailed Summary of Benefits offered by WSU for Classified staff and Total Compensation .

Required Qualifications

• Two years of experience as an Instrument Maker 2; OR equivalent education/experience.

• Demonstrated proficiency in metal fabrication techniques and computer aided design (CAD) programs such as Master Cam, SolidWorks, or equivalent.

• Must have, or be able to obtain by time of hire, a valid driver’s license and meet requirements in accordance with SPPM 7.10 and departmental driving standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two years of experience as an Instrument Maker 2 with emphasis on machining, CNC and conventional equipment, with some background in CAD/CAM and solids modeling, or equivalent education/experience.

• Experience with welding processes, including Tig, Mig, Arc, oxy-acetylene, brazing, and soldering.

• Use of plasma cutting torch.

• Other processes such as sheet metal fabrication, woodworking, mechanical and electrical skills, experience with plastics and composites, and instrumentation such as strain gauges, thermocouplers.

About Voiland College Shops (WSU-Pullman):

The Voiland College Shops work with faculty members, graduate students, and student clubs to fabricate the parts, tools, and machines needed for their research and competitions. Shop personnel are skilled at conceptualizing, industrial design, fabrication, sculpting, artistry, and cost management which facilitate solutions many other providers cannot match. Innovative thinking and problem solving are encouraged, making this position both challenging and engaging.

About WSU

As one of the nation’s top public research institutions, Washington State University (WSU) conducts research that improves the lives of people in Washington, the United States, and across the globe. When you make the choice to join WSU, you are joining a community committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others. You will join a team of faculty and staff dedicated to bringing the world the next generation of innovators, leaders, health care providers, and citizens.

Area/College: Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Department Name: VCEA Engineering Shop
Location: Pullman, WA 99164

Application Instructions: Applicants must upload the following required documents to their online application. Application materials should clearly communicate how the applicant meets all required qualifications and additional requirements.

1) Resume
2) Cover Letter

External candidates , upload all documents in the “Application Document” section of your application.
Current WSU Employees (internal candidates) , before starting your Workday application, please use these instructions to update your education and experience in your worker profile in Workday . Internal candidates, upload all documents in the “Resume/Cover Letter” section of your application.

Documents may be submitted as one file or separate files. Applicants are encouraged to upload as a PDF, if possible.

Reference contact information will be requested later in the recruitment process through Workday.

Background Check: This position has been designated by the department to require a background check because it requires access to children or vulnerable adults as defined by RCW 74.34 , engages in law enforcement, requires security clearance, interacts with WSU students in a counseling or advising capacity, has access to personal identifying and/or financial information, unsupervised access to university buildings/property, or other business-related need. A background check will not be completed until an initial determination of qualification for employment has been made.

Time Type: Full time

Position Term: 12 Month

Washington State University encourages all qualified candidates to apply, including members of the military and veterans, and persons with disabilities.

WSU employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

WSU is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resource Services: ... (v), Washington State TDD Relay Service: Voice Callers: ...; TDD Callers: ..., ...(f), or ... .

Notice of Non-Discrimination

In matters of admission, employment, housing or services, or in the educational programs or activities it operates, WSU does not discriminate or permit discrimination by any member of its community against any individual on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, physical disability, mental disability, sensory disability, use of a trained service animal, age, religion, creed, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, honorably discharged veteran, member of the military, or immigration or citizenship status except as authorized by federal or state law, regulation, or government contract.

Inquiries about the application of federal and state laws and regulations (including inquiries regarding the application of Title IX, ADA/Section 504, and implementing regulations), as well as reports and complaints of discrimination and harassment, can be made verbally or in writing to WSU’s Compliance and Civil Rights, the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both.

More information, resources, and contact information are available here:

Salary/Compensation: $5,666 - $6,576 per month