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Machinist: Structural Wood Products Laboratory Technician

Oregon State University

Oregon State University

Oregon, USA · Corvallis, OR, USA
USD 24.99-31.63 / hour
Posted on Apr 4, 2026
Position Information
Department TallWood DesignInstitute (FOR)
Classification Title Machinist
Job Title Machinist: Structural Wood Products Laboratory Technician
Appointment Type Classified Staff
Job Location Corvallis
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Employment Category Regular
Job Summary
This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Machinist: Structural Wood Products Laboratory Technician position for the Tallwood Design Institute in the College of Forestry at Oregon State University (OSU).

This position will support the applied research, technical testing, and education activities of the TallWood Design Institute (TDI). TDI is a collaboration between Oregon State University’s Colleges of Forestry and Engineering, and University of Oregon’s College of Design. TDI carries out research and education to expand our knowledge and understanding of timber building systems, especially engineered mass timber, which is experiencing rapid growth in use throughout the United States. The position is based at the A.A. Emmerson Advanced Wood Products Lab, a 14,500 square-foot, state-of-the art fabrication and testing lab plus a 3,200 square-foot fire testing lab on OSU’s Corvallis campus.

The position will support the manufacture and fabrication of wood product prototypes and testing samples and perform material handling and general shop organization and maintenance. It will support the machining of wood products using commercial stationary and portable woodworking machinery, including an industrial-scale CNC processing center and an industrial robot arm.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

Top 1.4% university in the world
More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
217k+ alumni worldwide
For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
Retirement savings paid by the university.
A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
30% Fabrication
  • Contribute to the planning, execution, and documentation of manufacturing, fabrication, and construction projects in the Emmerson Advanced Wood Products Lab including supporting digital manufacturing and CNC Machining.
  • Collaborate with other TDI staff, researchers, students, and TDI clients to provide feedback on proposed fabrication/research plans.
35% Equipment Operation and Research Support
  • Operate, maintain and troubleshoot a wide array of fabrication and equipment, and maintain preventative maintenance schedules for the same. Coordinate major or third-party equipment maintenance with the Technical and Operations Manager. Operate material handling equipment such as forklifts, scissor and boom lifts, and overhead cranes.
  • Continually improve and support the development of new manufacturing processes in the lab setting.
  • Develop, or improve manuals and/or procedures for the operation and maintenance of machinery and systems.
  • Work under the direction of the TDI technical staff to set up structural testing experiments. This work includes safely installing/ dismantling steel supporting structures, hydraulic systems and data gathering instruments.
  • Work under the direction of the Technical and Operations Manager to set up and support manufacturing and fabrication experiments for wood product development.
20% Maintain Safe Work Environment
  • Assist the Technical and Operations Manager and TDI technical staff in maintaining a safe working environment by employing safe working practices, as well as keeping working areas clean, organized, and free of hazards.
  • Properly stack, store, and inventory materials, fixtures, fasteners, tools and chemicals in their correct locations.
15% Provide Direction to Lab Users
  • Provide direction and training on technical tasks being undertaken in the Emmerson Lab by student lab assistants and other lab users from a variety of backgrounds to ensure safety for all laboratory users.
  • Provide technical support for workshops and classes held in the lab. Engage in open and respectful communication with all laboratory users.
What We Require

Some positions in this class may require one or more of the following: Skill in use of the tools and equipment used in the woodworking trade such as table saws, radial arm saws, jointers, drills, etc.

What You Will Need
  • Basic woodworking or comparable fabrication skills and experience with related hand tools and stationary equipment.
  • Ability to use shop drawings and CAD files for fabrication and assembly and document fabrication methods when needed.
  • The ability to accurately and reliably use measuring equipment like tape measures and calipers for quality control.
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision, work proactively to address lab needs and continually improve methods and procedures in the lab.
  • Strong attention to detail and troubleshooting ability.
  • Excellent interpersonal communications skills and ability to engage respectfully with researchers, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
  • Basic computer skills (e.g. email, calendars, MS Office, web browser)

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Experience in a construction or fabrication shop environment
  • Experience with commercial or industrial-scale fabrication equipment operation and maintenance
  • Rigging and overhead crane operation experience, preferably with a current certification
  • Forklift operation experience, preferably with a current certification
  • Experience generating computer-aided-design files
  • Experience with computer numerical control (CNC) milling equipment operation and maintenance
  • Familiarity and/or experience with mass timber products
  • Experience in a research or higher education setting, either as an employee or as a student
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
  • Most work will be performed on the A.A. Emmerson Lab floor, but a computer and desk will be provided in a shared office space.
  • Typical work hours are 8-5 M-F. Flexible work schedules may be possible. Occasional overtime may be required.
  • This is a physical job and the position requires ability to lift 50lbs, climb ladders, work at heights, and stand for long periods of time.
  • Must be able to work in a dusty, sometimes loud environment. Must be able to work in a minimally conditioned space and occasionally work outdoors in the lab’s yard in inclement weather.
  • Must be able to work with and around chemicals, solvents and lubricants used in equipment maintenance.
  • May be required to drive locally to deliver or pick up materials or supplies needed for technical projects or educational activities.
Pay Method Hourly
Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Min Salary $24.99
Max Salary $31.63
Link to Position Description
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number P05607CT
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 06/09/2026
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 04/03/2026
Full Consideration Date 04/17/2026
Closing Date 04/24/2026
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by April 17, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.

Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc.

Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position.

Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for this position.

Cover letters are optional for this position and will not be used for evaluating your qualifications.

Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).

PLEASE NOTE: If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties.


Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range.

For additional information please contact:
Phil Mann
phillip.mann@oregonstate.edu
541-737-6990

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.