South Pole Machinist (Summer Season)

at  The University of Chicago

Department
PSD Astronomy & Astrophysics: JC South Pole
About the Department
The South Pole Machinist operates and maintains the MAPO machine shop, which is located in the Dark Sector Laboratory of the NSF Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole in Antarctica. The Machinist works as part of a team to provide on-site machinist services to scientists and engineers from several universities. The position begins 11/6/24 and ends 2/15/25.
Job Summary
The South Pole Machinist operates and maintains the MAPO machine shop, which is located in the Dark Sector Laboratory of the NSF Amundsen-Scott research station at the South Pole in Antarctica. The Machinist works as part of a team to provide on-site machinist services to scientists and engineers from several universities. The position begins 11/6/24 and ends 2/15/25.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and operate the MAPO machine shop.
• Provide machining support for all science projects and the NSF Station.
• Assist with the assembly and set-up of scientific equipment.
• Assist with the testing, integration and maintenance of electrical and mechanical assemblies, including the power, computer and electronic components.
• Climb, operate machines and power tools outside of MAPO machine shop.
• Other fieldwork for instrument deployment and maintenance.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments, interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).
-
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
-
Certifications:
-
Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Multiple years of experience with machining and working with complex instruments.
• In addition, preference will be given to candidates with experience with telescopes and mechanical systems, including electrical systems, servo systems, and cryogenic systems, as well as radio, analog, and digital electronics.

Preferred Competencies

• Good problem-solving, organization, and communication skills.
• Must have the ability to work independently and as well as within a team environment.

Working Conditions

• Due to the job site, good physical health is required.
• Must be able to work in a cold, harsh environment.
• Must pass physical and mental qualifying exams before employment.
• Must be able to Climb on the telescope, bend, reach, lift, and use machines and power tools.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• References (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
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• Maintain and operate the MAPO machine shop.
• Provide machining support for all science projects and the NSF Station.
• Assist with the assembly and set-up of scientific equipment.
• Assist with the testing, integration and maintenance of electrical and mechanical assemblies, including the power, computer and electronic components.
• Climb, operate machines and power tools outside of MAPO machine shop.
• Other fieldwork for instrument deployment and maintenance.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments, interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Performs other related work as needed