Design and Prototyping Specialist

Northeast Ohio Medical University; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Educational benefits

Lean Six Sigma certification

Wellness programs

Job summary

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) is seeking a Design and Prototyping Specialist for the MEDIC center. You will design, prototype, and fabricate parts, assist researchers, and guide students in CAD and 3D printing.

This hands-on role involves working with a team to deliver functional prototypes and educational tools in a collaborative environment. The position emphasizes additive manufacturing, machining, technical documentation, and safe fabrication practices, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in engineering tech, industrial design, or related field.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and interest in design and prototyping.
• Experience with CAD/3D printing and fabrication equipment; good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Support prototype development with students, faculty, and external partners.
• Design and develop CAD models and fabrication-ready prototypes.
• Operate additive and digital fabrication equipment and perform post-processing.
• Machining and fabrication to produce and repair prototype components.
• Provide hands-on instruction in CAD, 3D printing, and safe practices.
• Document procedures, maintain records, and ensure safety compliance.
• Support equipment maintenance and inventory management.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and educational programs.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Design interest

Prototyping

Problem-solving

Education

Associate degree

Technical certification

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Fabrication equipment

Machine shop equipment

Job description

As part of your application, please submit a brief statement of values (less than 250 words) describing how your personal and professional values align with NEOMED’s core values of Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence. We are seeking individuals who not only bring strong skills and experience, but also demonstrate a commitment to these values in their work performance.

Position Information

Position Title

Design and Prototyping Specialist

Position Type

Admin/Professional

Department

Office of Graduate Education

Full or Part Time

Full Time

Pay Grade

MN7

Department Specific Information

Join Northeast Ohio Medical University’s ( NEOMED ) Office of Graduate Education

NEOMED is a mission-driven, community-based medical university committed to educating health professionals, advancing discovery, and improving the health of our region. We are seeking a Design and Prototyping Specialist in the Medical Design Innovation Center ( MEDIC ) who wants to contribute to meaningful work in a collaborative academic environment.

At our organization, we are committed to fostering a collaborative and team-oriented environment that is essential to fulfilling our mission. We believe every employee should feel appreciated, valued, and empowered. To maintain a supportive organizational culture, we seek individuals whose values align with our mission and who thrive in a team-based approach. We encourage individuals whose values align with this collaborative approach to apply.

Starting Salary Range: $43,662– $51,667, commensurate with experience.

Benefits & Perks

NEOMED is committed to supporting your health, well-being, and long-term success—both at work and beyond. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to help you thrive.

Healthcare Coverage

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance through Medical Mutual
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short-and long-term disability coverage, Long-term care coverage options, and Life insurance

Retirement

• State retirement plan with 14% employer matching to help you plan for the future

Paid Time Off

• Generous vacation and sick leave, in addition to 11 paid holidays each year

Additional Benefits

• Hybrid work environment (up to two remote days per week after six months) (Policy#3349-7-151)
• Educational benefits with our partner universities (Policy#3349-07-45)
• Ongoing investment in your professional growth through on-site training and Lean Six Sigma certification
• Employee wellness activities and initiatives that support a healthy work-life balance

Summary

The Design and Prototyping Specialist supports the daily operation of the Medical Design Innovation Center ( MEDIC ) and assists students, faculty researchers, clinical collaborators, and external innovators with the development of prototypes, experimental fixtures, models, and other project-related devices.

This is a full-time, hands‑on position requiring a combination of technical aptitude, problem-solving ability, customer service, and organizational skills. The successful candidate will have experience with, or a demonstrated willingness and ability to learn, additive manufacturing, computer-aided design, machine shop equipment, prototype fabrication, equipment maintenance, and technical process documentation.

The Design and Prototyping Specialist will work closely with project teams and other innovators to understand their needs, help define technical requirements, recommend appropriate materials and fabrication methods, and produce or support the production of functional prototypes and research tools.

Principal Functional Responsibilities

• Support prototype development and project execution by collaborating with students, faculty, clinical partners, and external innovators to define requirements, assess feasibility, and develop practical design solutions.
• Design and develop prototypes and fabrication-ready models using CAD software, translating concepts, sketches, measurements, scans, and functional requirements into accurate digital designs and physical prototypes.
• Operate and support additive manufacturing and digital fabrication equipment, including preparing build files, selecting print parameters, performing post-processing, inspecting parts, and troubleshooting equipment and fabrication issues.
• Perform machining and general fabrication activities using machine shop equipment and hand tools to produce, modify, assemble, finish, and repair prototype components and project-related devices.
• Provide technical guidance and hands‑on instruction to students, faculty, and other MEDIC users in CAD , 3D printing, fabrication techniques, equipment operation, and safe design practices.
• Support iterative design, testing, troubleshooting, and refinement of prototypes, fixtures, anatomical models, educational tools, and other specialized devices to meet project objectives and performance requirements.
• Maintain technical documentation and fabrication records, including CAD files, revision histories, project specifications, standard operating procedures, work instructions, equipment guides, and quality‑control documentation.
• Maintain and support MEDIC equipment, tools, materials, and facilities, including preventive maintenance, calibration, cleaning, minor repairs, inventory management, and coordination of service as needed.
• Support laboratory and machine shop operations and safety, including project intake and scheduling, procurement and receiving, organization of workspaces, monitoring of equipment and activities, and compliance with institutional and facility safety requirements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement and mission of MEDIC by developing efficient and repeatable workflows, supporting courses and educational programs, and promoting a collaborative, professional, and user‑focused environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate degree, technical certification, bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of relevant education and hands‑on experience in engineering technology, industrial design, manufacturing, machining, additive manufacturing, product development, biomedical technology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and interest in design, fabrication, prototyping, and problem‑solving.
• Experience using hand tools, power tools, fabrication equipment, or machine shop equipment.
• Experience with 3D printing and additive manufacturing equipment and three-dimensional CAD software.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, build collaborative working relationships, and interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders, including individuals with varying levels of technical knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to read and interpret sketches, technical drawings, measurements, and basic design specifications.
• Ability to document procedures and maintain accurate technical and project records.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a collaborative, service‑oriented environment.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and seek guidance when appropriate.
• Commitment to laboratory safety, responsible equipment use, and continuous learning.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to use applicable laboratory and machine shop equipment as necessary for the job, as well as a phone, computer and other office equipment.
• May occasionally be required to lift packages and materials up to 50 pounds.
• Requires standing for periods up to 3 hours at a time.

NEOMED Campus Safety Guidelines

In an effort to keep our campus community as healthy and safe as possible, NEOMED may require vaccinations as a condition of attendance and employment. This policy will allow for exemption of the vaccination requirement for those individuals with valid medical reasons, sincerely held religious beliefs and matters of conscience.

Northeast Ohio Medical University
4209 SR 44., PO Box 95, Rootstown, Ohio 44272