Research Engineer, Fabrication

Develop, optimize, and validate CNC machining and diamond-turning processes for precision optical and opto-mechanical components. Responsibilities include determining fabrication strategies from research requirements, selecting tools and materials, defining machining parameters, developing process plans, evaluating tradeoffs among dimensional accuracy, surface quality, fabrication time, and repeatability, and implementing process improvements based on engineering analysis and experimental results. Develop and review machining workflows, toolpaths, G-code, workholding approaches, tool offsets, and fabrication setups for CNC and diamond-turning equipment. Responsibilities include diagnosing fabrication errors, resolving toolpath or setup issues, modifying machining parameters, improving fixture and tooling approaches, and making engineering decisions needed to achieve required dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and repeatability.Evaluate fabricated components using dimensional inspection, optical metrology, surface-quality assessment, and comparison to engineering drawings and research specifications. Responsibilities include analyzing fabrication results, documenting deviations and corrective actions, establishing repeatable inspection procedures, maintaining engineering records, and using measurement data to guide design and process improvements.Collaborate with faculty, researchers, students, and technical staff to define fabrication requirements, support prototype development, recommend design or process changes, and provide technical guidance on precision fabrication methods. The position may provide work direction, training, and technical oversight to students or staff using fabrication equipment, but the primary role is professional engineering and individual-contributor research support.