Research Engineer, Level II-VI - (Machine Shop - National High Magnetic Field Laboratory)

Florida State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida State University in Tallahassee is seeking a Research Engineer, Level II–VI for the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory to lead the machine shop and collaborate with researchers on advanced fabrication of bespoke components.

The role oversees machining, prototyping, safety, budgeting, and process improvements, with opportunities to mentor machinists and guide cross‑disciplinary projects in a world-renowned research environment.

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 (III–VI). Each level requires three additional years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead machining and prototype fabrication activities to ensure quality, precision, and safety.
• Manage fabrication requests and ensure compliance with engineering and documentation standards.
• Support CNC programming, troubleshooting, testing, and custom prototype development.
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to deliver fabrication solutions.
• Oversee shop operations, scheduling, resource allocation, and long-term planning.
• Manage equipment, tooling, inventory, maintenance, and procurement activities.
• Maintain budgets, job priorities, and operational records.
• Ensure fabrication technologies and practices align with industry standards.
• Supervise, coach, and evaluate machinists to promote safety and performance.
• Manage work assignments, productivity, quality, and compliance.
• Provide technical guidance for complex projects and initiatives.
• Foster collaboration and support organizational values.

Education

Bachelor's degree + 3 years experience

High school diploma + 7 years experience

Job description

Job Title: Research Engineer, Level II-VI - (Machine Shop - National High Magnetic Field Laboratory)

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 62316

Department

National High Magnetic Field Laboratory

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.

Machining & Prototype Fabrication Leadership

• Lead machining and prototype fabrication activities to ensure quality, precision, and safety.
• Manage fabrication requests and ensure compliance with engineering and documentation standards.
• Support CNC programming, troubleshooting, testing, and custom prototype development.
• Collaborate with researchers and stakeholders to deliver fabrication solutions.

Operations, Equipment & Resource Management

• Oversee shop operations, scheduling, resource allocation, and long-term planning.
• Manage equipment, tooling, inventory, maintenance, and procurement activities.
• Maintain budgets, job priorities, and operational records.
• Ensure fabrication technologies and practices align with industry standards.

Team Leadership & Workforce Development

• Supervise, coach, and evaluate machinists to promote safety and performance.
• Manage work assignments, productivity, quality, and compliance.
• Provide technical guidance for complex projects and initiatives.
• Foster collaboration and support organizational values.

Engineering Collaboration & Project Coordination

• Serve as the liaison between machinists, engineers, researchers, and project teams.
• Coordinate project schedules, communication, and execution.
• Review designs for machinability, safety, quality, and compliance.
• Strengthen integration between design, engineering, and fabrication functions.

Training, Safety & Continuous Improvement

• Lead training programs on machining, equipment operation, and safe work practices.
• Develop and maintain technical and safety training for laboratory personnel.
• Support and advance laboratory safety initiatives and programs.
• Promote continuous learning, innovation, and process improvement.

Research Support & External Engagement

• Support scientific research through advanced fabrication and engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with external users, visiting scientists, and research partners.
• Contribute to outreach efforts that advance the laboratory's mission and impact.

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 (III–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, please 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.

Anticipated Salary Range

Level II – Mid $60,000’s, commensurate with education and experience.
Level III – Mid $70,000’s, commensurate with education and experience.
Level IV – Mid $80,000’s, commensurate with education and experience.
Level V – High $90,000’s, commensurate with education and experience.
Level VI – Low $110,000’s, commensurate with education and experience.

FSU Total Rewards

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

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.

This position is being advertised as open until filled.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.