Date Posted: 06/03/2026
Req ID: 48403
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Dept of Mechanical & Industrial Eng
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number:
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Your opportunity:

As a Lead Hand Machinist, you will have the opportunity to work with a team of highly skilled machinists and researchers, and contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies that will shape the future of manufacturing, energy production, and bioengineering.

Reporting to the Machine Shop Manager, the Lead Hand Machinist provides specialized expertise and supervises the activities of the Senior Machinist and Apprentice Machinists in the machine shop and ensures that all projects are completed on time and to the highest quality standards. The Lead Hand Machinist determines the technical requirements for fabrication projects, provides customer quotes and delivery timing of projects, coordinates maintenance of equipment and removal of hazardous materials.

The machine shop staff machine, fabricate, install, maintain, and repair unique scientific devices, components and precision instruments for research purposes and undergraduate projects. The incumbent will work with state-of-the-art equipment, utilizing both computer numerically controlled and manual machining equipment to create custom projects that support and enable groundbreaking research at the faculty.

Learn more at: www.mie.utoronto.ca/student-life-services/machine-shop/

Your responsibilities will include:

• Determining technical requirements for fabrication projects.
• Designing, modifying and fabricating custom lab apparatus, tools and jigs.
• Creating and reviewing technical drawing sets for manufacturing.
• Implementing plans and process improvements for lab/workshop activities.
• Preparing, assembling and setting-up material, equipment and supplies according to the needs of the facility.
• Analyzing and recommending suitable materials and methods of approaching fabrication and/or lab work.
• Costing shop level projects.
• Serving as an expert resource to a group of professionals in the speciality.

Essential Qualifications:

• College Diploma (2 years) or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum of eight years of recent and related experience, including apprenticeship.
• Minimum 2 years of experience with MasterCAM and Solid Works software as well as the operation of Fanuc or Haas NC Controllers.
• Experience in programming and operation of computer numerically controlled machines (CNC) and computer aided design (CAD/CAM) to produce custom machined and fabricated components.
• Must have a License of General Machinist, Tool and Die Maker or Mould Maker.
• Demonstrated advanced skills with a variety of different machines such as milling machines, lathes, saws, drills, grinders, welding and cutting equipment etc., as well as digital measuring systems and NC manufacturing systems.
• High level of mechanical aptitude.
• Ability to design delicate scientific apparatus from verbal instructions and rough sketches.
• Demonstrated ability to work to close tolerances.
• Proven ability to apply good judgement, confidentiality, tact and discretion.
• Proven ability to demonstrate high attention to detail, accuracy, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain technical terms and drawings to a wide variety of clients of various level of knowledge.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate, develop and direct the work of staff in a unionized environment.
• Ability to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines, problem solve, quickly adapt and learn new processes.
• Demonstrated interest in broadening one's knowledge in techniques/tools and materials and a self-motivated learner.
• Knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the machinist trade.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Experience with setting up and operating Waterjet cutting machines, Press Brakes, Electro Discharge Machines and Laser Cutters.
• Experience with Tig, Mig or Stick Welding especially with stainless steel, tool steel and aluminum.
• Experience with High Temperature Brazing especially with stainless steel, copper and brass.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Efficient
• Honest
• Motivated self-learner
• Organized
• Possess a positive attitude
• Problem solver
• Responsible

Closing Date: 06/11/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 14 -- $91,677. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $117,242. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Engineering / Technical

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.

Job descriptions are available upon request for internal applicants.