Research Assistant for W.M. Keck Center

Position Summary

The Research Assistant supports the W.M. Keck Center’s additive manufacturing operations. The role focuses heavily on hands-on machine maintenance, operation, and troubleshooting across the full suite of additive manufacturing systems with a predominant focus on technical, operational, and equipment-focused responsibilities.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Collections, compiles, and analyzes research data.
• Uses statistical methods and relational databases to analyze data sets.
• Prepares or assists with preparing reports of research findings.
• Affords assistance with planning, developing, coordinating, and administering research projects.
• Affords assistance with formulating research objectives, programs, and priorities.
• Affords assistance in authoring or editing technical reports and summary findings.
• Might assist in designing and creating computer programs for research applications.
• Might train users on the operation and data management of research equipment.
• Knowledge of all Microsoft Office software and able to learn and use institutional software systems.
• Complies with all State and University policies.

Keck Center-Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Operates, calibrates, and maintains additive manufacturing equipment to ensure optimal machine performance across Keck Center operations.
• Diagnostics and troubleshoots hardware and software issues that arise during machine operation, collaborating with engineering and research staff to resolve recurring or critical problems.
• Affords assistance in developing and maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for equipment use, maintenance, safety, and calibration.
• Supports day-to-day operational readiness by ensuring machines are clean, stocked with materials, and functioning within expected tolerances.
• Leads or assists with routine preventive maintenance schedules and tracks equipment performance logs.
• Supports research efforts by operating equipment for test builds, production runs, and sample fabrication required by various research and industry projects.
• Maintains familiarity with CAD, slicing, and machine control software, and provides input on parameter selection, build planning, and system improvements.
• Affords assistance in training other staff, students, and interns on safe and effective machine usage and proper lab practices.
• Participates in collaborative efforts with other researchers to ensure alignment between project needs and operational capabilities.
• Might contribute to the preparation of technical reports, logs, and documentation required by research sponsors or internal records.
• Ensures adherence to ITAR and export compliance protocols when handling sensitive projects or equipment.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Experience: At least one year of hands-on experience in additive manufacturing equipment operation, and material characterization
• Applicants Must Demonstrate: Strong mechanical aptitude and experience with machine tools or manufacturing systems
• Basic understanding of CAD, G-code, and slicing software.
• Ability to work independently on assigned machine tasks and collaboratively across a multidisciplinary team.
• Capacity to learn and apply complex troubleshooting protocols involving electromechanical, optical, and thermal subsystems.
• Demonstrates commitment to safety, accountability, and technical integrity in all work performed.