Machine Shop Assistant Jobs in Spokane, WA (NOW HIRING)

The Southwest Division (SWD) of Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Technician to join our team in Spokane, WA. In this role you will support advanced manufacturing development, including hands-on participation in a broad range of manufacturing processes related to the production of metallic alloys. This highly technical and hands-on position ensures quality and efficiency in all professional activities, while following environmental, health and safety policies/procedures.

Responsibilities Include:

Hands-on participation in the installation, operation and maintenance of alloy melting and casting equipment. Hands-on participation and support in implementation of improved manufacturing processes, tooling and equipment.

Support in troubleshooting equipment by inspecting electronic, hydraulic, and mechanic components. Maintain material processing documentation, process flow diagrams, and detailed drawings for complex equipment and proprietary hardware/equipment.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate degree in a technical discipline or equivalent hands-on experience (2+ years).
• Background in mechanical engineering, materials science, metallurgy, manufacturing engineering, industrial technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a manufacturing environment, including knowledge of manufacturing principles, safety procedures, and machinery operation.
• Experience with one or more metal manufacturing processes, such as metal casting, CNC machining, fabrication, or related operations.
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. and assist with the movement and assembly of equipment and experimental components.
• Ability to safely navigate stairs, perform tasks requiring manual dexterity, and remain standing or seated for extended periods.
• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with limited climate control and exposure to varying temperatures.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications related to manufacturing, such as Manufacturing Technician Level I, Certified Production Technician (CPT), or Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT).
• Hands-on experience with foundry operations and the application of casting principles in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with electrical systems, electronics, mechanical drives, and robotic systems.
• Experience operating and maintaining vacuum systems and temperature control equipment.
• Knowledge of hydraulics, pneumatics, and Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming and troubleshooting.
• Hands-on experience with CNC machines and other machine shop equipment.
• Experience with quality control processes and the production of high-quality manufactured parts.

Compensation & Benefits: Pay Range: $21.45 to $35.76 per year based on years of experience, degree and any special skills and knowledge that they may bring to the position. ARA offers competitive benefits that address our employees’ needs now and in the future. Learn more about each of our benefits at https://www.ara.com/benefits/

Company Information:   

Who is ARA? Learn more about ARA and Our Core Values at WHO WE ARE - ARA 

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company recognized for providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences. The company, founded in Albuquerque, NM in 1979, employs over 2200 professionals and continues to grow. ARA offices throughout the United States and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense technologies, civil technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement.  

At ARA, employees are our greatest assets. The corporation realizes that employee ownership spawns’ greater creativity and initiative along with higher performance and customer satisfaction levels. ARA gives its employees the tools, training, opportunities and autonomy to take active roles as employee owners. The culture is challenging; innovation and experimentation are the norm. Employees   are expected to advance new capabilities to support company’s success, but also their own through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). The core values “Passion, Freedom, Service and Growth” and the motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sum up the ARA experience. For additional information and an opportunity to join this unique workplace, please visit our website at www.ara.com.