Research Engineer, Fabrication
About The Position
The Research Fabrication Engineer will lead the design, development, optimization, and validation of precision fabrication processes for mechanical and optical components used in research instrumentation and optical systems. This position will apply engineering principles to translate research requirements into manufacturable designs, develop CNC and diamond-turning fabrication strategies, design fixtures and tooling, establish process parameters, and evaluate part quality using dimensional and optical performance criteria. The Research Engineer will exercise independent technical judgment in troubleshooting fabrication challenges, improving process repeatability, documenting engineering workflows, and supporting the development of advanced optical fabrication capabilities for research programs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in CNC machining, diamond turning, precision fabrication, opto-mechanical design, or related work.
- This position requires hands-on work with CNC and diamond-turning equipment.
Nice To Haves
- CAD modeling, preferably SolidWorks, and in developing or modifying machining workflows, G-code, tooling strategies, and process parameters.
Responsibilities
- Develop, optimize, and validate CNC machining and diamond-turning processes for precision optical and opto-mechanical components. Responsibilities include determining fabrication strategies from research requirements, selecting tools and materials, defining machining parameters, developing process plans, evaluating tradeoffs among dimensional accuracy, surface quality, fabrication time, and repeatability, and implementing process improvements based on engineering analysis and experimental results.
- Develop and review machining workflows, toolpaths, G-code, workholding approaches, tool offsets, and fabrication setups for CNC and diamond-turning equipment. Responsibilities include diagnosing fabrication errors, resolving toolpath or setup issues, modifying machining parameters, improving fixture and tooling approaches, and making engineering decisions needed to achieve required dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and repeatability.
- Evaluate fabricated components using dimensional inspection, optical metrology, surface-quality assessment, and comparison to engineering drawings and research specifications. Responsibilities include analyzing fabrication results, documenting deviations and corrective actions, establishing repeatable inspection procedures, maintaining engineering records, and using measurement data to guide design and process improvements.
- Collaborate with faculty, researchers, students, and technical staff to define fabrication requirements, support prototype development, recommend design or process changes, and provide technical guidance on precision fabrication methods.
- The position may provide work direction, training, and technical oversight to students or staff using fabrication equipment, but the primary role is professional engineering and individual-contributor research support.
Benefits
- health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- life insurance and disability programs
- paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members
- retirement plans
- access to U of A recreation and cultural activities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
