Instrumentation Engineer for MATRIX-MIP and Hard Materials Lab

University of Wisconsin Madison•Madison, WI

10d

About The Position

The University of Wisconsin–Madison seeks an Instrumentation Engineer to support MATRIX-MIP (Materials AI and Transformation through Research Infrastructure for eXtreme environments) and the Hard Materials Lab (HML), a new core facility of the Wisconsin Centers for Nanoscale Technology (WCNT). MATRIX-MIP is an NSF research center focused on developing structural materials for extreme environments. The successful candidate will provide scientific expertise for HML operations and the MATRIX-MIP user program. During the facility startup phase, the engineer will help establish the laboratory through design, equipment evaluation and acquisition, and development of user training programs. Ongoing work includes training and assisting internal and external users, supporting facility operations, and maintaining instrument performance through routine maintenance, calibration, repairs, best-practice development, and training materials.

Requirements

At least 3 years of laboratory experience focused on bulk synthesis and characterization of structural materials.
Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or another related discipline.

Nice To Haves

Experience with bulk synthesis and characterization of structural materials in extreme conditions, particularly high-temperature structural environments.
Experience in metallic and/or ceramic additive manufacturing.
Experience in primary materials processing and scale-up.
Experience with laboratory design, including space needs, facilities planning, and safety considerations.
Experience with instrument maintenance and repair.
Experience in user training or development of instructional materials.
Master’s or Ph.D. in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or another related discipline.

Responsibilities

Support efforts to identify problems, issues, and needs, and provide solution options for decision-making.
Support coordination of project activities.
Conceptualize, specify, design, construct, integrate, operate, test, calibrate, document, and improve instrumentation systems.
Provide expertise and experience in a relevant discipline.
Use computer design applications for modeling, design analysis, and fabrication efforts.
Help prepare reports on design status and technical research for professional organizations, government or sponsor review boards, and design reviews.
Support research and development of new processes, techniques, and approaches for advanced instrumentation systems.
Help establish the facility through laboratory design, equipment evaluation and acquisition, and development of user training programs.
Provide user training, technical assistance, and operational support to internal and external users of MATRIX-MIP and HML.
Maintain and optimize instrument performance through routine maintenance, calibration, and repair.
Develop best practices and training materials.