Research Machinist

Florida Atlantic University

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Harbor Branch (HBOI) Until 10/3/2026 5+ years exp H-1B sponsor history First posted July 8, 2026 Last posted August 4, 2026
Job description

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For more information on everything FAU has to offer, please visit www.fau.edu/jobs


Note: Current FAU employees must apply as an internal applicant by logging into their existing Workday employee account.

Position Summary:

The Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University is seeking a Research Machinist in Harbor Branch Fort Pierce, FL.

FAU Harbor Branch, located in Ft. Pierce, is a research institute focusing on marine science and oceanography with over 200 scientists, staff and students that work and study at the site.  

The Research Machinist provides specialized machining and fabrication support for oceanographic research at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute. Responsible for CNC and manual machining, prototype development, and collaboration with engineers and scientists to design, build, and test advanced oceanographic equipment, while supporting project planning, maintenance, and safe shop operations.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Machining Operations and Equipment:

  • Responsible for programming, setting up, and operating CNC milling and turning equipment using CAD/CAM software, as well as operating manual machinery.

  • Collaborates with FAU HBOI engineers, scientists, and clients to develop, manufacture, and test advanced oceanographic equipment and instrumentation.

  • Contributes manufacturing insights and technical guidance to refine early-stage design concepts. Provides manufacturing advice to researchers designing proof-of-concept prototypes.

Coordinating and planning:

  • Performs tasks related to planning, building, and testing oceanographic equipment, and makes independent decisions on fabrication when necessary.

  • Prepares manufacturing time estimates for project scheduling and procurement. Creates and maintains production schedules.

Preventive maintenance and Repairs:

  • Performs preventative equipment maintenance and coordinates required repairs.

  • Maintains a safe, clean work environment in compliance with FAU HBOI health and safety regulations.

  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

FAU Benefits and Perks 

If Benefits & Perks are important to you, then FAU is the place to be! Working at FAU has its perks! In addition to helping drive change and having a positive impact by supporting our students, staff, and faculty, FAU offers: 

  • Excellent benefit packages including Medical (PPO/HMO $50 per month single & $180 per month family), Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending plans, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and much more. 

  • State retirement options including tax-deferred annuities and Roth 403(b) plans. 

  • Sick Leave Pool Program. 

  • Paid time off (eligible employees) including vacation and sick leave, 1 personal day, 9 paid holidays, and paid winter break (at President’s discretion). 

  • Employee Educational Scholarship Program (EESP) for eligible Staff/Faculty - Tuition assistance after 6 months of full-time employment. For in-unit faculty, the EESP program may be extended to spouses and dependent children (eligibility rules apply). 

 

For details on FAU's amazing offers visit us at https://www.fau.edu/hr/benefits/index.php 

 

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Minimum Qualifications:

Completion of an approved machinist apprenticeship program; or a high school diploma and five years of appropriate experience including CNC Machine programing of mill and lathe, setup and operation of CNC mill and lathe, and manual mill and lathe experience required.
Appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

Must have valid Florida Driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Basic knowledge of machining plastics and aluminum.

Ability to read and interpret design blueprints and mechanical drawings.

Must be able to communicate effectively with all levels of employees and managers.

Must be able to work flexible schedule as determined by supervisor.

Generate designs and blueprints using CAD software.

Program and operate CNC machining equipment.

Salary:

$28.00-$32.00 per hour

College or Department:

HBOI: Engineering Services

Location:

Harbor Branch (HBOI)

Work Days and Hours:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM -5:00 PM

Application Deadline:

2026-08-18

Special Instructions to Applicant:

This recruitment has been reopened; all previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply. This position may close without prior notice.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE:
Applicants may claim Veterans’ Preference on their application. The applicant claiming preference is responsible for providing required documentation at the time of making an application in Workday for a vacant position, or prior to the closing date of the vacancy announcement. If an applicant qualifies for Veterans' Preference and the SP position, they are shown preference by the guarantee of an interview. Veterans’ Preference does not guarantee a job. For additional information, please visit https://www.fau.edu/jobs/resources/veterans/. For assistance, please contact Recruitment Services at [email protected].

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:
Resume
Cover Letter

OFFICIAL SEALED TRANSCRIPTS REQUIRED:
Final candidate will be required to have official, sealed transcripts and original NACES evaluation, if applicable, sent from their educational institution to Human Resources prior to the start of employment.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT SCREENINGS REQUIRED:
Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (level I and level II), motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol, and drug screening check.

REQUEST FOR ACCOMMODATIONS:
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email at [email protected]. To contact Human Resources, please call 561-297-3057. For communication assistance call 7-1-1.
About this role

Summary

Perform CNC/manual machining, prototype development, and collaborate on oceanographic research equipment.

Job title

Research Machinist

Experience level

5+ years

Minimum experience

5+ years exp

Industry

research institute

Location requirements

Harbor Branch, FL; remote work not allowed

Salary

$28k+

Visa sponsorship

H-1B sponsor history

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

CNC programmingblueprint interpretationCAD designmanual machiningvehicle operation

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

CNCmanual machiningblueprint readingCADoceanographic equipment
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Unknown location

On-site