Technical/Research Designer (Physics – Machine/Tool Making Shop)

Florida State University; Tallahassee (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida State University invites applications for a Technical/Research Designer in the Physics - Machine/Tool Making Shop. You will fabricate equipment, select materials, operate precision instruments, and support research instrumentation in a high-precision environment.

The role requires CAD/CAM proficiency, collaboration with faculty and students, and the ability to maintain safety and compliance while delivering reliable tooling and prototypes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree; or a high school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Fabricates new equipment and modifies existing instrumentation to precision tolerances of up to 0.0001 inch, as required by research applications.
• Operates and maintains a broad range of Instrument Shop equipment used in the fabrication of research instrumentation, including CNC machining centers, CNC lathes, manual machine tools, and other precision fabrication equipment.
• Collaborates with faculty, scientists, researchers, and students to design and develop prototypes, scientific instrumentation, tooling, fixtures, and specialized research equipment.
• Collaborates with faculty and instructional staff to design, develop, fabricate, and support classroom laboratory experiments, instructional apparatus, and lecture demonstration equipment for Physics and Astronomy courses.
• Maintains authorized safety training and certifications and ensures compliance with safety policies and procedures.

Education

Bachelor's degree; or a high school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience.

Job description

Job Title: Technical/Research Designer (Physics - Machine/Tool Making Shop)

Location: Tallahassee, FL

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Job ID: 63018

Department: Department of Physics I Florida State University

Responsibilities

• Fabricates new equipment and modifies existing instrumentation to precision tolerances of up to 0.0001 inch, as required by research applications. Selects appropriate materials and manufacturing processes based on design, performance, and application requirements. Operates and maintains a broad range of Instrument Shop equipment used in the fabrication of research instrumentation, including CNC machining centers, CNC lathes, manual machine tools, and other precision fabrication equipment.
• From engineering drawings, verbal instructions, or conceptual sketches, fabricates highly complex research apparatus, instruments, components, and tooling. Utilizes Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to produce technical drawings. Uses Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software to generate toolpaths and machine programs for various computer-controlled manufacturing equipment, including CNC milling machines, CNC lathes, and wire electrical discharge machining (Wire EDM) systems.
• Collaborates with faculty, scientists, researchers, and students to design and develop prototypes, scientific instrumentation, tooling, fixtures, and specialized research equipment. Develops manufacturing strategies and provides technical expertise throughout the design and fabrication process. Trains technical staff and other personnel in the programming, operation, and safe use of CNC machining centers, wire electrical discharge machining (Wire EDM) systems, and other advanced manufacturing equipment.
• Collaborates with faculty and instructional staff to design, develop, fabricate, and support classroom laboratory experiments, instructional apparatus, and lecture demonstration equipment for Physics and Astronomy courses. Diagnoses and repairs scientific and instructional instrumentation. Maintains required safety training and certifications and ensures compliance with applicable university, state, and federal safety policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the safe operation, maintenance, and stewardship of Physics Instrument Shop equipment. Performs routine preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, calibration, and repair of machine tools and fabrication equipment to ensure reliable operation and minimize downtime. Maintains anodizing, surface finishing, and other plating systems as needed, ensuring compliance with applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations and established operating procedures.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree; or a high school diploma or equivalent and four years of experience. (Note: post high-school education and/or experience may substitute at a comparable rate.)

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 Florida State University and our campuses.

Anticipated Salary Range

Anticipated starting salary for the position is in the mid-$40,000s to mid-$50,000s.

FSU Total Rewards

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

Veterans' Preference

Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for post secondary educational requirements, in employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled. Veterans' Preference applies to University Support Personnel System (USPS) positions only.

IMPORTANT: To claim Veterans' Preference, select 'yes' to the question on the application questionnaire and upload a DD-214 (or equivalent), the Veterans' Preference Certification form, and other documentation if applicable with your online application before midnight of the position closing date.

Click the links for Veterans' Preference eligibility requirements and Veterans' Preference required documentation (PDF), or call FSU Human Resources at [phone].

Considerations

This is an USPS (University Support Personnel System) position.

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

This position is being re-advertised. Previous applicants need not reapply.

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.