Research Engineer, Level II-IV - (Machine Shop - NHMFL)

Job Details

Job Title: Research Engineer, Level II-IV - (Machine Shop - NHMFL)
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 62316

Department
National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

Join the world-renowned National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University (FSU) and support groundbreaking scientific discovery in a collaborative, high-tech environment. FSU was recently recognized as one of America’s Best-in-State Employers for its strong workplace culture and employee-centered values.

Responsibilities

This position supervises the daily operations of the MagLab’s prototype machine shop that works in close collaboration with designers, engineers, and technical staff to develop advanced, one of a kind mechanical components and assemblies. The role leads the integration of machining, prototyping, and design iteration to enable innovative research tools and push the boundaries of what is possible in support of laboratory scientists and users.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate all machining and prototype fabrication activities to ensure exceptional precision, safety, and technical excellence. Manage machining requests from scientists and engineers, applying rigorous standards for drawings, tolerances, documentation, and material handling.
• Oversee daily operations and long term planning for equipment, workflows, scheduling, and resource allocation. Maintain a high performance environment by ensuring that machinery, software, and fabrication practices remain current with emerging technologies and aligned with industry and laboratory safety standards.
• Promote proactive communication and collaboration with designers, researchers, and technical staff to deliver impactful, high quality prototype components.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate machinists to foster a culture of safe operation, continuous improvement, and high performance. Oversee job assignments, productivity, quality control, and adherence to safety directives and NHMFL policies.
• Collaborate closely with staff to develop innovative fabrication methods for complex scientific components, support CNC programming and troubleshooting, and guide the resolution of mechanical challenges.
• Serve as an essential liaison between machinists, engineers, and project leads to ensure accurate interpretation of design intent, effective scheduling, and seamless coordination for high impact research instrumentation. Guides team in alignment with organizational values.
• Oversee procurement, inventory, and maintenance programs to ensure the shop operates safely, reliably, and at peak capability. Manage tooling inventories, arrange preventive maintenance, repairs, and ensure documentation is accurate and up to date.
• Review and refine submitted designs for machinability, safety, clarity, and compliance with standards, working collaboratively with researchers to elevate design quality and performance. Set priorities, maintain transparent job queues, and manage shop budgets and spending records to support efficient, high value prototype development.
• Develop and implement advanced fabrication methods, processes, and testing approaches that drive innovation and scientific impact. Lead or support system assembly, performance validation, and data interpretation for custom-built research tools.
• Partner with external users, visiting scientists, and collaboration teams to translate research needs into practical engineering solutions. Provide technical leadership for project planning and execution, guiding group leaders and project teams in delivering safe, reliable, and high-performance mechanical systems.
• Lead safety focused, hands-on training programs that elevate technical competency and ensure safe, consistent machine shop practices across the laboratory.
• Maintain and enhance training for both shop and non-shop personnel on machining, equipment operation, and laboratory safety.
• Deliver instruction in state of the art design tools, fabrication standards, and best practices for prototyping excellence.
• Promote a collaborative learning environment that strengthens design–fabrication integration and supports the Lab’s culture of safety, innovation, and high-quality research support.
• Advances, applies and is a part of the NHMFL safety program by active participation in program development and via a proactive safety posture. Contributes to outreach efforts to the general public.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree and three years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and seven years of experience. (Note: post-high school education may substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)

Additional experience qualifies candidates for higher-level consideration (III–VI). Each level requires three additional years of experience.

Contact Info

For additional information, please contact Kayla West at knwest@fsu.edu.