Machine Shop Operations Manager Jobs in Schenectady, NY

Job Description SummaryThe Experimental Equipment Processor - Class A manufactures, assembles, modifies, and supports specialized equipment used in research and development projects. This role works with a wide range of materials, tools, and processes to help turn concepts, sketches, and technical instructions into working experimental hardware.
This position requires strong hands-on technical ability, attention to detail, and the ability to work closely with scientists, engineers, technicians, and other shop personnel. The work is often custom, complex, and done with limited direction, so problem-solving and independent judgment are important.
Position Hours: This role follows a 9/80 schedule; Monday - Thursday hours are 7-4pm, every other Friday is an 8 hour shift, and off the next Friday. Overtime is uncapped.Job DescriptionKey Responsibilities

• Build, machine, assemble, and finish experimental equipment and components for research projects.

• Review sketches, prints, written instructions, and verbal direction to determine how parts or equipment should be made.

• Plan the order of work, select materials, and choose the best tools, equipment, and methods for each project.

• Create shop aids such as mandrels, fixtures, jigs, holders, and blocking plates to support fabrication.

• Develop practical methods for working with new or unusual materials when standard procedures do not exist.

• Set up and operate shop and laboratory equipment such as lathes, mills, grinders, polishers, furnaces, vacuum systems, and deposition equipment.

• Perform processes such as machining, grinding, polishing, cleaning, etching, welding, brazing, coating, heat treating, leak testing, blasting, and masking.

• Help establish experimental processes by locating needed equipment, information, and materials needed when they are not readily available.

• Track process details and maintain records of work performed.

• Check completed work for accuracy, quality, and conformance to requirements.

• Coordinate work with other operators and provide guidance to others when needed.

• Work directly with scientists, engineers, technicians, and specialists to understand project needs and resolve technical issues.

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area and follow all safety and quality requirements.

Equipment and Tools Used

This role may use:

• Lathes, milling machines, drill presses, grinders, and polishers

• Welders and brazing equipment

• Thin film deposition equipment

• Vacuum systems and leak detectors

• Plating equipment

• Measuring and inspection tools

• Ovens, furnaces, power supplies, and oscillators

• Standard and specialized hand tools

Materials Used

This position may work with:

• Metals and metal alloys

• Quartz

• Glass

• Ceramics

• Specialized gases and materials such as krypton, neon, helium, hydrogen, mercury, sodium, cesium, and potassium.

Skills

• Strong mechanical and technical fabrication skills

• Ability to read and work from sketches, prints, and technical instructions

• Skilled in machining, assembly, finishing, and handling precision work

• Ability to work with experimental materials and nonstandard processes

• Problem-solving skills and ability to develop practical fabrication methods

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work to close tolerances

• Ability to inspect work and verify quality

• Good communication and collaboration skills

• Ability to coordinate with others and provide work direction when needed

• Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain process records

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Significant hands-on experience in a laboratory shop, machine shop, prototype shop, glass shop, or related technical manufacturing environment

• Experience using precision machine tools and measurement equipment

• Experience performing fabrication, assembly, and finishing operations on specialized or custom parts

• Ability to safely work with a wide range of materials, equipment, and shop processes

• Ability to interpret technical drawings, sketches, and verbal instructions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting research and development or prototype build activities

• Experience with vacuum systems, TIG welding, brazing, or furnace operations

• Experience working with glass, quartz, ceramics, or other specialized materials

• Familiarity with experimental process development or one-of-a-kind fabrication work

• Experience documenting process steps and maintaining technical records

• Ability to work independently on complex assignments with limited supervision

Work Environment and Expectations

• Work is performed in a shop environment using specialized tools, equipment, and materials.

• Assignments may be complex, custom, and require a high level of precision.

• The role requires safe work practices, good housekeeping, and consistent attention to quality.

The hourly pay range for this position $45.07 - 52.52 USD (US) per hour. The specific hourly rate offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors including the candidate's experience, their education, and the work location. This posting is expected to close on December 31st 2026.

Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.

General Electric Company, Ropcor, Inc., their successors, and in some cases their affiliates, each sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs (i.e., is a "Sponsor"). Each Sponsor reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a Sponsor's welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.

This role may encounter high risk or hazardous operations and/or include working shifts beyond a standard workweek. As such, a requirement of the role is to be at least 18 years of age by the time of joining.

Additional Information

GE Aerospace will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable). Employees may also be subject to random and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing.