Research Engineer, Fabrication

University of Arizona; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 76,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Tuition reduction

Retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Arizona is seeking a Research Fabrication Engineer to lead design, development, optimization, and validation of precision fabrication processes for mechanical and optical components used in research instrumentation and optical systems.

This role applies engineering principles to translate requirements into manufacturable designs, develops CNC and diamond-turning strategies, and establishes process parameters with stringent part quality criteria.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant CNC machining, diamond turning, precision fabrication, or op-to-mechanical design experience.
• Hands-on work with CNC and diamond-turning equipment.

Responsibilities

• Develop, optimize, and validate CNC machining and diamond-turning processes for precision optical and opto-mechanical components.
• Develop and review machining workflows, toolpaths, G-code, workholding approaches, tool offsets, and fabrication setups for CNC and diamond-turning equipment.
• Evaluate fabricated components using dimensional inspection, optical metrology, surface-quality assessment, and comparison to drawings and specs.
• Collaborate with faculty, researchers, students, and staff to define fabrication requirements and provide technical guidance on precision fabrication methods.

Skills

CNC machining

Diamond turning

Opto-mechanical design

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Position Highlights

The Research Fabrication Engineer will lead the design, development, optimization, and validation of precision fabrication processes for mechanical and optical components used in research instrumentation and optical systems. This position will apply engineering principles to translate research requirements into manufacturable designs, develop CNC and diamond-turning fabrication strategies, design fixtures and tooling, establish process parameters, and evaluate part quality using dimensional and optical performance criteria. The Research Engineer will exercise independent technical judgment in troubleshooting fabrication challenges, improving process repeatability, documenting engineering workflows, and supporting the development of advanced optical fabrication capabilities for research programs.

The Research Fabrication Engineer will lead the design, development, optimization, and validation of precision fabrication processes for mechanical and optical components used in research instrumentation and optical systems. This position will apply engineering principles to translate research requirements into manufacturable designs, develop CNC and diamond-turning fabrication strategies, design fixtures and tooling, establish process parameters, and evaluate part quality using dimensional and optical performance criteria. The Research Engineer will exercise independent technical judgment in troubleshooting fabrication challenges, improving process repeatability, documenting engineering workflows, and supporting the development of advanced optical fabrication capabilities for research programs.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities

• 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.

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 in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in CNC machining, diamond turning, precision fabrication, opto-mechanical design, or related work.
• This position requires hands-on work with CNC and diamond-turning equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• CAD modeling, preferably SolidWorks, and in developing or modifying machining workflows, G-code, tooling strategies, and process parameters.

FLSA Exempt Full Time/Part Time Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week 40

Job FTE 1.0

Work Calendar Fiscal

Job Category Research

Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay $75,540 - $98,201

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

Grade 10

Compensation Guidance The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.

Career Stream and Level PC2

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

Target Hire Date

Expected End Date

Contact Information for Candidates Rongguang Liang
Professor
[e-mail]

Open Date 8/7/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Special Instructions to Applicant

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures. Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].