Prototyping Manager, AIDC Core

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Position Focus

The Prototyping Manager engages with the Yale research community to support early‑stage development of advanced scientific instruments within the Advanced Instrumentation Development Center (AIDC). The AIDC is a Research Core providing advanced instrumentation, technical expertise, and facilities in machining, electronics, and prototyping to enable cutting-edge scientific research.

This position focuses on translating conceptual ideas for novel scientific instruments into functional prototypes that support cutting‑edge research. The Prototyping Manager will work closely with students, postdoctoral researchers, and faculty to help define requirements, explore design approaches, and rapidly iterate from concept to proof‑of‑principle hardware.

The Prototyping Manager will lead a small team and contribute significant hands‑on technical effort, particularly in the early stages of the Core’s prototyping program. Responsibilities include guiding system‑level design, integrating mechanical and electronic subsystems, selecting fabrication approaches, and coordinating with the Machine Shop and Electronics Shop to realize complete prototype assemblies.

In addition to direct technical contributions, the Prototyping Manager will help establish the prototyping space, procure tools and equipment, develop workflows and best practices, and ensure safe, efficient, and effective operations. This role requires broad technical expertise, strong design intuition, and the ability to mentor researchers through the creative and iterative nature of prototype development.

Advanced Instrumentation Development Center (AIDC) | Yale Research

Required Skill and Ability

1. Proven ability to work with students and researchers to translate conceptual ideas into functional prototypes. Demonstrated skill in clarifying goals, defining requirements, and identifying feasible technical paths from early‑stage concepts to working hardware.
2. Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor a small technical team in a highly iterative, project‑driven environment. Proven capability to balance multiple prototype efforts, manage priorities, and coordinate resources across machining, electronics, and assembly workflows.
3. Broad, system‑level technical knowledge spanning mechanical, electrical, and experimental hardware. Demonstrated ability to integrate subsystems, evaluate tradeoffs, and make pragmatic design decisions appropriate for research prototypes and proof‑of‑concept instruments.
4. Demonstrated ability to establish, maintain, and enforce a safe, efficient, and well‑organized prototyping environment. Ability to define workflows, maintain tools and equipment, and ensure safe use of fabrication and assembly resources.
5. Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to guide researchers through open‑ended design processes, document prototype designs and lessons learned, and communicate effectively across disciplinary boundaries. Teaching and outreach are an important part of this position.

Preferred Education

1. Doctorate in field where electro-mechanical-optical prototypes are essential. Five or more years of professional experience in electronics design, prototyping, or research instrumentation development.
2. Expertise developing prototypes for scientific instrumentation or advanced research systems.

Preferred Experience and Skills

1. Demonstrated success moving concepts from sketches or preliminary models to functional hardware.
2. Experience working in multidisciplinary environments involving mechanical design, electronics, and experimental systems.
3. Familiarity with rapid prototyping tools, fabrication techniques, and laboratory instrumentation.
4. Prior experience mentoring junior engineers or technicians and experience leading workshops, teaching or other outreach activities.

Principal Responsibilities

1. User Training: Refine training methodologies and train and mentor users of the research core, providing guidance and expertise.
2. Experiment Support: Collaborate closely with researchers and lead complex projects requiring customized solutions within the research core.
3. Facility/Instrument Support: Lead and manage research projects within the research core.
4. Technique Development: Contribute to the development of research strategies within the research core and evaluate and implement cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
5. Data Analysis/Interpretation: Analyze and interpret complex scientific data, providing critical insights and recommendations.
6. Equipment Procurement: Assist in the evaluation, acquisition, and maintenance of research core equipment.
7. Professional Development: Stay updated with emerging research trends and technologies. Participate and present in professional development activities and scientific conferences, representing the research core at conferences and events.
8. Scientific Participation: Collaborate with users on manuscript preparation and grant proposals, as applicable.
9. Staff Training and Mentoring: Mentor and support junior staff members in their professional growth.
10. Leadership: Collaborate with senior core leadership on research core-related initiatives.
11. Finance and Admin: Support the Core Director with development and implementation of strategic plans and budgets for the research core.
12. Vendor Relations: Oversees strategic vendor partnerships, manages negotiations, and evaluates vendor performance for the research core.
13. Education and Outreach: Develop education and outreach activities within the core, including tours, events, etc..

Required Education and Experience

Master's Degree in a related discipline and five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience.