Research Engineer, Level II-VI - Machine Shop

Mmsonline; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee seeks a seasoned supervisor to manage the MagLab's prototype machine shop, coordinating machining, prototyping, and design iteration to deliver high-precision components for cutting-edge research instruments.

You will lead machinists, oversee safety, scheduling, and lot of collaboration with scientists and engineers, while driving process improvements, CNC programming support, and validation of fabrication

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and seven years of experience.
• Post-high school education may substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.
• Ill-VI level recognition requires three more years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all machining and prototype fabrication activities with precision, safety, and technical excellence.
• Oversee daily operations, planning for equipment, workflows, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Promote collaboration with designers and researchers to deliver high quality prototype components.
• Supervise machinists, coach and evaluate staff, ensuring safe operation and continuous improvement.
• Oversee CNC programming support, troubleshoot issues, and guide design-to-fabrication alignment.
• Manage shop safety, inventories, procurement, and maintenance programs.

Skills

Machining supervision

Prototype fabrication

CNC programming

Safety training

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma with 7 years experience

Tools

CNC programming

Fabrication software

Job description

Job ID: 62316

Location: Tallahassee

Application Deadline: December 14, 2026

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 (Ill-VI). Each level requires three additional years of experience.

Helpful - What You Gain at FSU

Opportunity to work at a world-renowned national research laboratory.
Meaningful contributions to scientific discovery and student learning.
A collaborative environment that values your expertise and invests in your growth.

Contact Info

For additional information, contact: Kayla West.

University Information

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there's the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow's news!

Learn more about our university and campuses.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit FSU Total Rewards Package page to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

Use FSU interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

This position is being advertised as open until filled.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.