R&D Prototyping & Lab Ops Engineer

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Tuition benefits

Retirement plan

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, invites applications for a National Robotics Engineering Center staff role: R&D Prototyping & Lab Operations Specialist. You will oversee lab logistics, prototype assembly and testing, and maintain test infrastructure for fast-moving hardware projects.

The role emphasizes hands-on build, problem-solving, safety, and collaboration across engineering teams; minimum 3 years in a hardware lab and a BS in mechanical engineering or related field are

Qualifications

• 3+ years hands-on experience in an R&D lab, rapid prototyping facility, or similar high-ambiguity hardware environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related technical discipline (equivalent hands-on experience will be heavily considered).
• Strong reading of engineering drawings and CAD models (SolidWorks/Fusion360) to verify dimensions.
• Experience setting up data acquisition, sensors, or test equipment.

Responsibilities

• Prototyping, assembly, and test operations in a lab setting.
• Co-build early-stage hardware prototypes and manage test infrastructure.
• Maintain lab readiness, safety, and organization; coordinate tools and IT for lab equipment.
• Serve as liaison with campus shop and external fabrication vendors.
• Support engineering teams by managing mechanical fit-checks of PCBs into enclosures.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

CAD skills

Data acquisition

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Job description

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, invites applications for a National Robotics Engineering Center staff role: R&D Prototyping & Lab Operations Specialist. You will oversee lab logistics, prototype assembly and testing, and maintain test infrastructure for fast-moving hardware projects.

The role emphasizes hands-on build, problem-solving, safety, and collaboration across engineering teams; minimum 3 years in a hardware lab and a BS in mechanical engineering or related field are