Penn State Job Catalog

The Engineering Shop Supervisor assists in the daily operational oversight of the machine shop, ensuring that all machining, fabrication, and assembly activities are carried out efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality standards; provides direct supervision and coordination of machinists, fabricators, and/or technicians, while working closely with engineers, principal investigators (PIs), and customers to meet project requirements, delivery schedules, and budget goals.

• Coordinate day-to-day activities of the machine shop; hire, train, and evaluate assigned staff; supervise, assign, and prioritize work
• Approve employee time and attendance, ensuring adequate coverage to meet production goals
• Provide guidance, mentoring, and technical support to develop staff expertise
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement within the shop
• Coordinate with management, engineers, and project sponsors for incoming and outgoing tasks and project updates
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in compliance with all safety and environmental regulations
• Work with engineers, researchers, and PIs to evaluate job requests, estimate cost and time, and plan fabrication processes to meet requested delivery dates
• Assist in developing manufacturing methods and processes for complex and close-tolerance components, jigs, and fixtures
• Support staff in process planning and execution, ensuring the optimal use of available equipment and tools
• Assist in troubleshooting and resolving technical issues, scheduling conflicts, and competing resource demands
• Make recommendations regarding materials, processes, and techniques to improve quality and efficiency
• Interface with vendors and customers for the procurement of materials, tools, hardware, and supplies; manage purchasing and spending within budget constraints
• Coordinate with engineering and machinists to determine optimal size, quantity, and delivery of materials
• Expedite materials and components as required to meet production schedules
• Assist in maintaining calibration records and coordinating minor repairs or modifications to shop equipment
• Evaluate equipment condition and recommend preventative maintenance or replacement as needed
• Support the implementation of new technologies to improve shop efficiency and capability
• Coordinate with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) for hazardous waste pickup and scrap removal

Level:

– Senior Supervisor

Base Description:

– Supervises direct reports, but primarily completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge to perform own work; spends majority of time on tasks related to own job responsibilities. May demonstrate subject matter expertise. Demonstrates intermediate to advanced planning, organizing, directing, and facilitating skills. Demonstrates the ability to coach assigned employees. Assigns and reviews completed work to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards. Trains, coaches, mentors, and motivates staff. Anticipates potential problems, issues, and opportunities; researches and recommends solutions within defined policies. May develop creative recommendations for solving problems.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Typically oversees at least 2 full–time direct reports or equivalent team of part–time and/or student workers (for Professional track, performs work at the Senior Professional level or higher)

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets for specific area and/or grant(s)
– May assist in planning and forecasting budgets

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies general precedents and practices and specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations and impact of potential solutions
– Anticipates potential problems and recommends possible solutions within general guidelines

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– Organizes work of direct reports and sets team priorities
– Reviews the work of others to verify accuracy, quality, and adherence to professional standards

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Collaborates closely with team members; may interact with other staff outside of area
– Utilizes a communication style that is appropriate for a given situation
– Interprets and communicates information, ideas and instructions clearly, accurately and persuasively both verbally and in written materials intended for distribution

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $76,700.00
• MidPoint – $95,900.00
• Maximum – $115,100.00