R&D Prototyping & Lab Operations Specialist

Primary Responsibilities

• Prototyping, Assembly, & Test Operations Co-Build & Early Assembly: Partner closely with the Hardware Lead during early-stage, "first-time" builds. Absorb design intent dynamically, handle physical assembly, and identify mechanical fit or tolerance issues early.
• Test Infrastructure & Execution: Own physical testing from setup to teardown. Design and build custom test fixtures, execute repetitive and cyclic test protocols meticulously, record detailed data, and present organized results to the design team.
• DFM & Documentation Catch-Up: Capture the "as-built" state of one-off prototypes. Update CAD models, take build photos, and note assembly steps to establish repeatable workflows and tribal knowledge retention.
• Vendor & Shop Liaison: Act as the primary interface with the campus machine shop and external fabrication vendors. Deliver prints, inspect incoming custom parts for accuracy, and triage out-of-spec components.

Lab Logistics & Supply Chain Management

• Materials & Consumables Ownership: Proactively manage inventory for all lab consumables (fasteners, adhesives, stock materials, PPE). Implement and maintain a lightweight reorder system to eliminate project downtime.
• Hardware Intake & Logistics: Own the shipping and receiving process for the lab. Retrieve packages from central shipping, verify contents against purchase orders, organize materials, and ensure engineers have immediate access to their parts.
• Lab Readiness & Maintenance: Maintain a safe, clean, and highly organized workspace. Ensure tools are properly maintained, calibrated, and returned. Coordinate basic IT and firmware updates for lab equipment and testing PCs.

Engineering Team Support

• Operational Buffer: Handle administrative and logistical friction (tracking delayed orders, resolving vendor errors, organizing project tear-downs) to isolate design engineers from distractions.
• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Assist the Electrical Engineering team by managing the mechanical fit-checks of custom PCBs into physical enclosures.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years of hands-on experience in an R&D lab, rapid prototyping facility, custom fabrication shop, makerspace, or similar high-ambiguity hardware environment.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline (equivalent hands-on experience and a proven track record of complex physical builds will be heavily considered in lieu of a degree).
• Technical Skills: Strong mechanical aptitude and safety-first mindset using basic shop tools (saws, drills, hand tools, lightweight machining equipment). Familiarity with reading engineering drawings, schematics, and navigating 3D CAD models (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion360) to verify dimensions. Experience setting up basic data acquisition, sensors, or test equipment. Independent judgment and problem-solving abilities. Ability to effectively interact with a multifaceted population of internal and external partners. Ability to work on multiple projects at the same time.

Other Requirements

• Successful pre-employment background check.

Position Type

Staff – Regular Full Time/Part time Full time

Pay Basis

Salary

More Information

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