R&D Engineer/Scientist I

R&D Engineer/Scientist I

Company:
The University of Arizona

Job Location:
Tucson, 85724

Category:
Laboratory and Research

Type:
Adjunct/Part-Time

Posting Number: req25910

Department: James C Wyant Coll Optical Sci

Location: Tucson Campus

Address: Tucson, AZ USA

Position Highlights

This position supports the scale-up of laboratory-developed material formulations for 3D printing of glass optics from small-batch to pilot-scale production. Works to improve synthesis and processing methods to enhance reproducibility, yield, and consistency across batches. Assists in developing and maintaining standard operating procedures (SOPs) for material preparation, handling, and quality control.

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Duties & Responsibilities

• Scale up laboratory-developed material formulations for 3D printing of glass optics from small-batch to pilot-scale production, applying engineering principles to transition materials from research-grade batches to repeatable, scalable processes.
• Evaluate process constraints, equipment capabilities, and material behavior to support manufacturability while maintaining performance requirements.
• Optimize material synthesis and processing protocols to improve reproducibility, yield, and batch-to-batch consistency, using systematic experimentation and analysis to identify process parameters, reduce variability, and address scaling challenges associated with pilot-level production.
• Assess relationships between formulation, processing conditions, and final material properties to drive process improvements
• Develop, document, and refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) for material preparation, handling, and quality control, ensuring processes are clearly defined, reproducible, and aligned with best engineering practices.
• Establish quality checkpoints and documentation standards to support consistent production, data integrity, and future technology transfer or broader deployment.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through experience required.

FLSA: Exempt

Full Time/Part Time: Part Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week: 19.6

Job FTE: 0.49

Work Calendar: Fiscal

Job Category: Research

Benefits Eligible: No Benefits

Rate of Pay: $65,687 - $85,393

Compensation Type: salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade
9

Career Stream and Level
PC1

Job Family
Research Engineering

Job Function
Research

Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies: 1