South Pole Machinist

Department

PSD Astronomy & Astrophysics: JC South Pole

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 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.

A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately eleven months, is required.

The position begins 1/15/2027 and ends 11/30/2027.

• 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.

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: ---

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.

• Good problem‑solving, organization, and communication skills.
• Must have the ability to work independently and as well as within a team environment.
• Planning; attention to detail; analytic and quantitative skills; reading; self‑motivation; problem‑solving; math; reasoning; oral and written communications; ability to manage time pressures.

• A continuous stay at the South Pole, lasting approximately eleven months, is required.
• 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.

• 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.

Research

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours 40

Drug Test Required No

Health Screen Required No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No

Pay Rate Type Exempt

Pay Range $75,000.00 - $

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability,…